Quebec Suspends Spousal and Adult Sponsorship Applications Until 2026

The recent decision by the Quebec government to suspend family reunification sponsorship applications has sparked significant debate. This measure, which affects spouses, partners, and adult children, was implemented immediately and will remain in effect until June 25, 2026. With over 10,000 applications impacted, many families are being forced to reconsider their plans. In this article, we explore who is affected, the reasons behind the suspension, and what the future may hold.

Who is affected by this suspension?

As of July 9, 2025, the Quebec government is no longer accepting new sponsorship applications for the following family members:

• Spouses

• Common-law partners

• Conjugal partners

• Dependent children aged 18 or older

  
  

Any application submitted in these categories will be returned without processing, and application fees will be refunded. For families who hoped to reunite in Quebec, this means a significant delay and disruption to their life plans.

Who is not affected?

It’s important to note that certain categories are not impacted by this suspension:

• Dependent children under the age of 18

• Adult children with a disability

• Parents, grandparents, and other relatives (these categories remain open)

  
  

This means that some families still have viable pathways for reunification, offering a glimmer of hope for those eager to be together.

Why was this measure implemented?

The suspension is the result of a cap imposed by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). In June 2024, the ministry set a maximum of 13,000 sponsorship applications for the family reunification category during the period from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026, broken down as follows:

• 10,400 for spouses, partners, and adult dependents

• 2,600 for parents, grandparents, and other relatives

  
  

The quick reach of the 10,400-application cap led to the immediate suspension of this category, leaving many applicants without options.

A process that was already slow…

Historically, sponsorship processing in Quebec has been significantly slower than in the rest of Canada. The average wait time is around 37 months, compared to 11 months in other provinces. This suspension is expected to extend delays even further, impacting thousands of families.

Immigration lawyer Maxime Lapointe noted that this decision was “no surprise,” as the government had previously warned about the new quotas. However, he warned that the situation could lead to a “serious backlog” and cause distress for families relying on reunification to rebuild their lives in Quebec.

What happens next?

The MIFI has stated that no further announcements regarding this policy will be made until June 25, 2026. This creates a climate of uncertainty for many applicants, as there is no guarantee that the limits will be revised or expanded in the near future.

As families face extended waiting periods, the question remains: How will Quebec address the needs of those wishing to reunite with loved ones? The emotional and logistical strain could become overwhelming.

It’s essential for affected individuals to seek legal guidance and up-to-date immigration information. With potential delays lasting several years, families must carefully consider their next steps.

Long-term implications

Immigration policies have wide-reaching impacts on Canadian society. Family reunification not only strengthens emotional bonds, but also contributes to economic and cultural growth. By limiting access to this vital program, Quebec may face challenges in maintaining social cohesion and cultural diversity.

Over time, the province must find a balance between managing immigration flow and ensuring a humane, efficient reunification process. This issue demands a broader approach that goes beyond numbers and focuses on the human lives involved.

So, what now?

The suspension of sponsorship applications for spouses and certain adult children in Quebec marks a difficult moment for many families. As they face uncertainty and the possibility of waiting years to reunite, staying informed and supported is more important than ever.

The Quebec government has taken steps to control the volume of applications, but the human impact cannot be ignored. It is our hope that by June 2026, these policies will be reassessed and that more compassionate solutions will emerge for those who dream of building their lives together in this beautiful and diverse province.

Need help?

If you live in Quebec and believe this measure affects your family reunification process, book a free consultation with our legal team. We’ll help you explore your options and support you every step of the way.