Quebec Closes Door on Family Reunification Applications

In a surprising move, Quebec has officially suspended new family reunification sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law partners, and adult dependent children, leaving many families in limbo until June 25, 2026!

Application Cap Reached!

The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) has announced that it has reached its newly imposed cap of 13,000 applications under the Family Reunification Program as of July 9, 2025. This limit was set to ensure that the province can manage its processing capabilities while addressing serious housing concerns within the region.

Out of the total, a staggering 10,400 spots were earmarked for spouses and adult children, while 2,600 were allocated for parents and other relatives.

What Does This Mean for Families?

For anyone living in Quebec or planning to move there who hoped to reunite with a spouse or adult child, this announcement is a significant setback. All applications received after the cap has been reached will be returned unprocessed, effectively locking affected families out of the sponsorship process until the next intake opens.

Exemptions: Who Can Still Apply?

Amidst the freeze, not all is lost. Quebec has identified several exemptions that will allow certain individuals to bypass the suspension:

- Unmarried dependent children under 18

- Children being adopted

- Orphaned minors such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren of the sponsor

- Dependent adult children with disabilities

- Dependents added to a family sponsorship application already in progress

The Strategy Behind the Suspension

According to Travel Biz, MIFI's suspension isn't just a matter of paperwork; it's part of a broader strategy to tackle Quebec's housing crisis. By controlling immigration levels, the province aims to align new arrivals with available housing and public services, a critical need especially in bustling cities like Montreal where housing shortages are rampant.

What Should Prospective Sponsors Do?

Those affected by this suspension must now hold tight until June 25, 2026, for the next chance to apply. Meanwhile, it’s crucial for applicants to stay updated with MIFI’s announcements, consult licensed immigration professionals, and prepare their documents in anticipation of the reopening.