In a significant update from Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), the province has officially closed the intake of new family sponsorship applications for parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives. This suspension will remain in place from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026.
This move directly impacts residents of Quebec who were planning to sponsor their parents or grandparents for immigration under the Quebec Family Reunification program. The cap has been met, and no new applications will be accepted during this period.
Parents and Grandparents Program: What Has Been Suspended?
The pause applies specifically to sponsorship applications for:
- Parents (father or mother)
- Grandparents
- Other adult family members not falling under the immediate family definition
All applications submitted after the cap was reached will be returned. And crucially, No application fees will be processed. Any payments made will not be deposited.
Who Can Still Be Sponsored in Quebec?
Despite this suspension, some categories remain open under Quebec’s family reunification program. These include:
- Minor dependent children
- Children to be adopted
- Adult children who are dependent due to a physical or mental health condition
- Spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners (only if submitted before the separate cap for them was reached in early July 2025)
Quick Recap: Who Is Still Eligible?
Here’s a snapshot of who can still be sponsored under Quebec’s Family Reunification stream:
| Family Member | Eligibility Status |
| Parents or Grandparents | Suspended until June 25, 2026 |
| Spouse, Common-law or Conjugal Partner | Cap reached in July 2025 |
| Minor Children | Still eligible |
| Adopted Children | Still eligible |
| Adult Children with Disabilities | Still eligible |
What Happens If You Have Already Sent Your Application?
If your application was submitted after the intake limit was reached:
- It will be returned.
- You will not be charged.
- You may reapply when the program reopens in 2026.
The next update from MIFI is expected by June 25, 2026, when Quebec will announce new measures and application limits for the next cycle.
Why Did Quebec Reach the Cap So Soon?
Quebec operates under its own immigration agreement with the federal government, which allows it to manage its own immigration levels and categories. Family sponsorships, especially for parents and grandparents, are high-demand streams, and the province imposes annual limits to manage processing capacity and integration resources.
What Can You Do Until 2026?
If you were planning to sponsor a parent or grandparent, consider:
- Waiting until the next intake window opens in June 2026
- Ensuring you meet all documentation and financial requirements in advance
- Seeking professional advice to explore alternative immigration options (e.g., temporary visit visas or federal pathways outside Quebec)
Quebec Family Reunification Changes
The Quebec Family Reunification cap on sponsoring parents, grandparents, and certain relatives has created disappointment for many Canadian residents hoping to reunite with their loved ones. Still, options remain open for sponsoring children and dependent adults. The best approach now is preparation and patience until the province reopens this stream in June 2026.
At ImmigCanada, we’ll continue to monitor all provincial immigration updates, including changes to Quebec Family Reunification policies and Parents and Grandparents Program and guide you with the most up-to-date strategies.
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