Quebec has stopped accepting new applications from residents who wish to sponsor their spouse or adult child for permanent residence in Canada. This unexpected halt is effective immediately, as the province has exceeded its two-year limit for these types of family sponsorships.
Anyone who tries to apply after July 9, 2025 will have their papers returned – no exceptions. The application fee? It will be refunded, but the limit is limited. The halt will be in place until June 25, 2026.
If this change affects you, now is a good time to talk to someone who understands the system. You can Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professionalto discuss what you can do now.
What Sponsorships Are Paused?
This moratorium applies to people trying to sponsor:
- A spouse
- A common-law or conjugal partner
- A dependent child aged 18 or older
If your application falls into any of these categories and hasn’t been submitted yet, you’ll have to wait until the quota resets in mid-2026.
What’s Still Allowed?
Not all sponsorships will be affected. Quebec is still processing applications for:
- Children under 18
- Adult children with a disability
- Parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives
As of now, the limit for these applications has not been reached. If you were planning to sponsor someone in that group, you can still go ahead — at least for now.
Also important: If you’ve already submitted a file before the moratorium, you can still add dependents to that existing application.
Why Is Quebec Doing This?
Unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec runs its own immigration program under a special agreement with the federal government. This includes setting its own entry limits for family sponsorship.
In June 2024, Quebec announced it would accept:
- 10,400 applications for spouses and adult dependent children
- 2,600 applications for parents, grandparents, and others
As of July 9, 2025, that first cap — the 10,400 — has been reached.
When the province reaches its goal, it doesn’t matter if your application is perfect or if your case is urgent. Quebec will not process new applications beyond its limit.
What’s Unique About Sponsorship in Quebec?
In most of Canada, once you submit your family sponsorship application through IRCC, it goes straight into processing.
Not in Quebec.
Quebec residents must go through a two-step process. First, they must apply to the federal government. Then, they must complete a provincial-level commitment and receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Without that CSQ, the application will not proceed – even if it is approved at the federal level.
So, when Quebec closes admissions for a specific category, it means no CSQs can be issued for those applications. In short: you are stuck waiting.
What Can You Do Now?
If this announcement has disrupted your plans, don’t panic. Every case is different, and there may be alternative paths you haven’t considered.
The best move is to speak to someone who knows Quebec immigration well. At Immigration Professional, you can clarify which options are still open – whether inside Quebec or through federal programs.
Start by booking your Canadian immigration consultation to discuss your family’s situation.
