Quebec Introduces Cap on Family Sponsorship Applications
Quebec has introduced a limit on family sponsorship applications effective until June 25, 2026. This new regulation aims to manage the number of incoming immigrants and address housing market pressures.
Details of the Cap (Family Sponsorship )
Application Limits
Quebec has capped family sponsorship applications at 13,000. Of these, 10,400 are reserved for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18 and above. The remaining 2,600 applications are designated for parents, grandparents, and other eligible family members. Once the cap is reached, the Ministry will stop accepting applications for the rest of the period.
Exemptions
Certain categories are exempt from this cap, including:
- A sponsor’s dependent minor child.
- Minor children the sponsor wishes to adopt.
- An orphaned minor child of the sponsor’s brother, sister, nephew, niece, grandson, or granddaughter.
- A sponsor’s adult child who is dependent on a parent due to disability.
To qualify for these exemptions, the sponsored individual cannot be married or in a common-law relationship.
Government Response
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The Quebec government has linked this new cap to the province’s ongoing housing crisis, which they attribute to the influx of temporary residents. By limiting the number of family sponsorship applications, the government aims to alleviate some of the pressures on the housing market.
Ensuring Effective Management
Quebec will announce when the cap is reached, and any non-exempt applications received after this point will be returned without processing or charging the application fee. This measure ensures that the application process is managed effectively and fairly.
Additional Information
Quebec’s Unique Immigration System
Quebec administers its own immigration programs with unique criteria separate from those of other provinces and the federal government. The province’s system is designed to maintain a continuous flow of new workers with profiles that meet the needs of Quebec businesses. Foreign nationals wishing to settle in Quebec must undergo a two-step immigration process: obtaining a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ) and then filing a permanent residence application with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
FAQ
Quebec has capped family sponsorship applications at 13,000 until June 25, 2026.
Exempt categories include a sponsor’s dependent minor child, minor children to be adopted, orphaned minor relatives, and dependent adult children due to disability.
Once the cap is reached, Quebec will stop accepting applications for the rest of the period and return any non-exempt applications without processing or charging the application fee.
The cap aims to manage the influx of immigrants and address the province’s housing crisis.
Quebec administers its own immigration programs with unique criteria, focusing on meeting the needs of Quebec businesses and maintaining a continuous flow of suitable workers.
