Quebec suspends family sponsorship applications until June 2026
On This Page You Will Find:
- Breaking news about Quebec's family sponsorship suspension until June 2026
- Complete list of required Quebec-specific documents for different family members
- Step-by-step process for submitting undertaking applications correctly
- Alternative strategies if your application was affected by the cap
- Processing timelines and what to expect when applications reopen
Summary:
Quebec residents planning to sponsor family members face an unexpected roadblock. As of July 2025, Quebec's immigration ministry stopped accepting new sponsorship applications for spouses, partners, and adult children until June 25, 2026. This affects thousands of families who must now wait over a year to reunite with loved ones. However, understanding Quebec's unique dual-application process and preparing your documents now can position you for success when applications reopen. This guide reveals the specific Quebec forms required, common submission mistakes that cause delays, and strategic timing tips that could save you months of processing time.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Quebec suspended family sponsorship applications until June 25, 2026 due to overwhelming demand
- You need both federal Canadian forms AND Quebec-specific undertaking documents
- Never submit Quebec documents before receiving federal confirmation - they'll reject your application
- Processing typically takes 3 months once Quebec receives your complete application
- Start preparing documents now to submit immediately when the window reopens in 2026
Maria Santos discovered the hard way that sponsoring her husband from Brazil would take much longer than expected. After completing all the federal Canadian immigration paperwork, she learned about Quebec's additional requirements - and then received the devastating news that Quebec had stopped accepting new applications entirely.
If you're a Quebec resident hoping to bring family members to Canada, you're facing the most restrictive sponsorship environment in recent history. But understanding Quebec's unique process can help you navigate these challenges successfully.
Why Quebec Has Different Requirements
Unlike other Canadian provinces, Quebec maintains its own immigration system under the Canada-Quebec Accord. This means you must satisfy both federal Canadian requirements and Quebec's provincial requirements to sponsor family members.
The dual system exists because Quebec has constitutional authority over immigration selection within its borders. While the federal government handles security, health, and criminal background checks, Quebec evaluates your ability to support your family members financially and ensures they'll integrate successfully into Quebec society.
This creates a two-step process that many sponsors find confusing - and costly mistakes can delay reunification by months or even years.
The Current Crisis: Application Suspension Until 2026
Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) shocked thousands of families in July 2025 by announcing an immediate suspension of new sponsorship applications. The ministry reached its maximum capacity for undertaking applications covering the period from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026.
This affects sponsorship applications for:
- Spouses and common-law partners
- Conjugal partners
- Dependent children aged 18 or over
- Parents and grandparents
- Other eligible family members
The suspension means that even if you complete all federal requirements, you cannot submit the Quebec portion of your application until after June 25, 2026. Without Quebec's approval, your family member cannot immigrate to Quebec.
Essential Quebec Documents by Family Category
Quebec requires different forms depending on which family members you're sponsoring. All Quebec forms are available only in French, reflecting the province's language requirements.
Sponsoring Spouses or Partners
For spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners, you must complete:
The Undertaking Form (French only): This legally binding document commits you to financially support your sponsored family member for a specific period. You're responsible for their basic needs and must repay the government if they receive social assistance during the undertaking period.
Declaration of the Guarantor Abroad: If you currently live outside Canada while preparing your application, this additional form documents your intention to return to Quebec with your sponsored family member.
The spouse or partner being sponsored must also complete specific forms that they return to you for inclusion in your Quebec application package.
Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents
Parent and grandparent sponsorship requires two key Quebec documents:
Undertaking Form - Family Class: This comprehensive form details your financial capacity to support elderly family members, who typically require more extensive financial guarantees due to potential healthcare needs.
Permanent Selection Application - Family Class: Your parent or grandparent must complete this form, which Quebec uses to assess their potential for successful integration into Quebec society. This includes factors like language abilities and adaptability.
The Critical Timing Mistake That Destroys Applications
Here's where many sponsors make a costly error: submitting Quebec documents before receiving federal approval.
Quebec explicitly states that you must wait for confirmation from federal immigration authorities before submitting your undertaking application. If you submit prematurely, Quebec will not process your application - they'll simply return it, forcing you to restart the entire process.
This timing requirement exists because Quebec needs to coordinate with federal processing to ensure your sponsored family member meets all Canadian immigration requirements before Quebec invests resources in provincial assessment.
The correct sequence is:
- Submit federal sponsorship application
- Wait for federal confirmation to proceed
- Only then submit Quebec undertaking documents
- Complete both processes before your family member can immigrate
Processing Timelines: What to Expect
Under normal circumstances, Quebec processes most undertaking applications within three months. However, this timeline begins only when MIFI receives your complete application with all required documents.
Incomplete applications face significant delays. Common missing elements include:
- Unsigned forms
- Missing translations (all documents must be in French or accompanied by certified French translations)
- Insufficient financial documentation
- Outdated forms (Quebec periodically updates requirements)
The three-month processing time applies only to Quebec's portion of the assessment. Federal processing continues separately and may take additional months depending on your family member's country of origin and individual circumstances.
Strategies While Applications Are Suspended
Although you cannot submit new applications until June 2026, you can take several proactive steps:
Document Preparation: Gather all required documents now, including financial statements, identity documents, and relationship proof. Many documents have expiration dates, so you'll need to time this carefully as 2026 approaches.
Language Requirements: If your sponsored family member needs French language training, this waiting period provides valuable preparation time. Strong French abilities can accelerate Quebec's assessment process.
Financial Planning: Use this time to strengthen your financial position. Quebec scrutinizes sponsors' ability to support family members, and improved financial documentation can lead to faster approvals.
Legal Consultation: Complex cases may benefit from professional guidance. Immigration lawyers familiar with Quebec's specific requirements can help identify potential issues before you submit applications.
Alternative Options for Urgent Cases
While the general sponsorship program remains closed, some alternatives may apply in specific circumstances:
Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications: In exceptional cases involving urgent family reunification needs, federal authorities may consider applications outside normal processing streams.
Other Immigration Programs: Depending on your family member's qualifications, they might be eligible for economic immigration programs that don't require sponsorship.
Temporary Status: Some family members may qualify for temporary residence permits while waiting for the sponsorship program to reopen.
Preparing for June 2026: Getting Ready to Submit
As the suspension period ends, expect significant demand when applications reopen. Quebec may implement new procedures to manage volume, potentially including:
- Limited application windows
- First-come, first-served processing
- Enhanced document requirements
- Stricter financial thresholds
Starting your preparation now gives you the best chance of submitting a complete, competitive application when the opportunity returns.
Financial Requirements and Undertaking Obligations
Quebec's undertaking requirements create serious legal obligations. When you sign an undertaking, you're legally responsible for your family member's financial support for specific periods:
- Spouses/partners: 3 years
- Dependent children: 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first)
- Parents/grandparents: 20 years
During these periods, if your sponsored family member receives social assistance, Quebec can legally require you to repay those amounts. This obligation continues even if your relationship changes or your financial circumstances deteriorate.
The Road Ahead: What Changes to Expect
Quebec's suspension reflects broader challenges in managing immigration volumes while maintaining service quality. When applications reopen, expect:
Enhanced Digital Processing: Quebec may implement new online systems to handle applications more efficiently.
Revised Financial Thresholds: Income requirements may increase to reflect current economic conditions.
Streamlined Documentation: Some redundant requirements might be eliminated to focus on essential assessments.
Improved Coordination: Better integration between federal and Quebec processing could reduce overall timelines.
Conclusion
Quebec's family sponsorship suspension until June 2026 represents a significant challenge for families hoping to reunite. However, understanding Quebec's unique requirements and preparing thoroughly during this waiting period can position you for success when applications reopen.
The dual federal-Quebec process requires careful coordination and patience, but thousands of families successfully navigate these requirements each year. By avoiding common timing mistakes, preparing complete documentation, and understanding your financial obligations, you'll be ready to move quickly when the opportunity returns.
Start preparing now, stay informed about policy changes, and remember that this suspension is temporary. Your family reunification goals remain achievable - they just require more strategic planning and patience than originally expected.
FAQ
Q: Why did Quebec suspend family sponsorship applications until June 2026, and which family members are affected?
Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) suspended new sponsorship applications in July 2025 due to overwhelming demand that exceeded their processing capacity for the period from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026. This suspension affects all major family categories including spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children aged 18 or over, parents, grandparents, and other eligible family members. The decision reflects Quebec's struggle to balance high immigration demand with their available resources and processing capabilities. Unlike a temporary pause, this is a complete suspension meaning even families who complete all federal requirements cannot submit their Quebec undertaking applications during this period. This affects thousands of families across Quebec who must now wait over a year to begin the provincial portion of their sponsorship process.
Q: What specific documents does Quebec require that are different from federal requirements, and why must they be in French?
Quebec requires province-specific forms in addition to federal Canadian immigration documents due to the Canada-Quebec Accord, which grants Quebec constitutional authority over immigration selection. For spouses and partners, you need the Undertaking Form and potentially the Declaration of the Guarantor Abroad if you're currently living outside Canada. Parents and grandparents require the Undertaking Form - Family Class and the Permanent Selection Application - Family Class. All Quebec forms are available only in French, reflecting Quebec's language requirements and commitment to francophone integration. Any supporting documents not originally in French must include certified French translations. This dual-language requirement often catches sponsors off-guard, as federal applications accept English documents. The French-only policy reinforces Quebec's expectation that sponsored family members will integrate into Quebec's francophone society and demonstrates the province's distinct cultural and linguistic priorities within the Canadian immigration system.
Q: What is the critical timing mistake that can destroy Quebec sponsorship applications?
The most devastating mistake sponsors make is submitting Quebec documents before receiving federal confirmation to proceed. Quebec explicitly refuses to process undertaking applications submitted prematurely and will simply return them, forcing you to restart the entire Quebec process. This timing requirement exists because Quebec needs federal confirmation that your sponsored family member meets all Canadian immigration requirements before investing provincial resources in assessment. The correct sequence is: submit federal sponsorship application, wait for federal confirmation to proceed, then submit Quebec undertaking documents. Many sponsors assume they can work on both applications simultaneously to save time, but this approach backfires completely. Given the current suspension until June 2026, this timing becomes even more critical since any mistakes will push your application even further into the future. Always wait for explicit federal authorization before touching Quebec paperwork.
Q: How long do Quebec's financial undertaking obligations last, and what are the real consequences?
Quebec undertaking obligations create serious legal commitments with specific durations: 3 years for spouses/partners, 10 years or until age 25 for dependent children (whichever comes first), and 20 years for parents/grandparents. During these periods, you're legally responsible for your family member's financial support, and if they receive social assistance, Quebec can legally require you to repay those amounts. This obligation continues regardless of relationship changes, divorce, or deteriorating financial circumstances. For example, if you sponsor your spouse and divorce after two years, you're still financially responsible for their welfare for the remaining undertaking period. The 20-year commitment for parents/grandparents is particularly significant given potential healthcare needs as they age. These aren't just moral commitments – they're enforceable legal contracts that can result in debt collection actions if your sponsored family member requires government assistance during the undertaking period.
Q: What can families do to prepare during the suspension period to maximize their chances when applications reopen in June 2026?
Use this waiting period strategically by gathering required documents, though be mindful of expiration dates as you approach 2026. Focus on strengthening your financial position since Quebec scrutinizes sponsors' ability to support family members – improved bank statements, employment letters, and tax returns can accelerate approvals. If your sponsored family member needs French language training, this period provides valuable preparation time since strong French abilities can expedite Quebec's assessment process. Research current form requirements and stay updated on any changes Quebec implements before reopening. Consider consulting with immigration lawyers familiar with Quebec's specific requirements to identify potential issues before submission. Prepare certified French translations for all supporting documents in advance. Most importantly, avoid the temptation to submit applications early – Quebec's suspension means they won't accept any applications regardless of how well-prepared they are. When June 2026 arrives, expect high demand and potentially limited application windows, so having everything ready will give you a competitive advantage.
Q: Are there any alternative immigration options for families who cannot wait until June 2026?
While general family sponsorship remains suspended, several alternatives may apply depending on your specific circumstances. Humanitarian and Compassionate applications can be considered by federal authorities in exceptional cases involving urgent family reunification needs, such as medical emergencies or extreme hardship situations. Your family members might qualify for economic immigration programs like the Quebec Experience Program, Quebec Skilled Worker Program, or federal Express Entry if they have relevant education, work experience, or language skills. Temporary residence permits may provide interim solutions for some family members while waiting for sponsorship programs to reopen. Students can apply for study permits to come to Quebec for education, potentially leading to permanent residence through other streams. Visitors' visas allow temporary stays, though these don't provide a path to permanent residence. Each alternative has specific eligibility requirements and processing times, so evaluate them carefully with professional guidance. Remember that these alternatives don't replace family sponsorship but may provide interim solutions or different pathways to permanent residence.
