Canadian Province Suspends Family Reunification Applications for Spouses and Adult Dependent Children Until June 2026
Quebec, one of Canada’s ten provinces, has officially suspended new family reunification sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law partners, and adult dependent children until June 25, 2026.
The province has reached its newly set limit for applications under the Family Reunification Program.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), no additional applications will be accepted in certain categories until the next intake period.
**Cap Reached**
As of July 9, 2025, MIFI confirmed that it had reached the cap of 13,000 family sponsorship applications established under the Family Reunification Program. Out of this total, 10,400 spots were designated for sponsoring spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and adult children, while 2,600 were reserved for parents, grandparents, or other eligible relatives.
Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who attempt to submit sponsorship applications in these categories will not be able to proceed until the next intake opens on June 25, 2026. If you live in Quebec or plan to move there and were hoping to sponsor a spouse or adult child, this suspension will prevent you from advancing in the MIFI process. Applications submitted after July 9, 2025, will be returned unprocessed.
**Exemptions**
Despite the suspension, Quebec has specified that several categories are exempt from this intake freeze. These include:
– Unmarried dependent children under 18
– Children being adopted
– Orphaned minors (siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren of the sponsor)
– Dependent adult children with disabilities
– Dependents added to an ongoing family sponsorship application
These exemptions ensure that vulnerable family members can still be protected and reunited, even with the new restrictions in place.
**Reason for the Suspension**
According to Travel Biz, MIFI explained that this measure is not only about managing processing capacity but also aims to address housing challenges in the province. The goal is to align immigration levels with Quebec’s ability to integrate newcomers, particularly concerning housing availability and public services.
The province is facing a housing crisis, especially in major cities like Montreal, where rising rents and shortages have put pressure on policymakers.
Prospective sponsors affected by the suspension must now wait until June 25, 2026, for the next intake window. However, those who applied before the cap or fall under the exempt categories can continue with their applications.
All applicants are encouraged to monitor MIFI’s updates, consult licensed immigration professionals, and begin preparing their documents in advance of the 2026 reopening.
Reactions
Social Media Reactions
1. @TobeTheImmigrant:So I can’t bring my wife till 2026? Na wa o. Canada really said “come alone, stay alone” 😭
2. @AmakaMoves:First they slowed visas. Now family reunion? This migration thing is not for the weak 💔
3. @JideInCanada:Two years is a long time to keep families apart. This one pain me o 💔🇨🇦
4. @ZeeOnTheMove:People just dey reach Canada, now dem lock gate for spouses. My God, why didn’t I come last year 😩
5. @OyinTheTruth:You dey marry person you never see in two years? LDR go humble plenty people now. Canada no dey joke 😭
6. @FavourWrites:Canada’s immigration used to feel humane. Now it’s starting to look like UK 2.0 — tough and unpredictable.
7. @KelvinVisaPlug:All of una wey dey plan “I go go first, my babe go join me later” — e don choke. Rethink the strategy 😬
8. @DamiFromOyo:So what’s the point of “family-friendly immigration” if I can’t see my actual family till 2026? Canada, do better!
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