Quebec Reaches Limit for Sponsorship Applications for Parents and Grandparents

The Quebec immigration ministry has officially announced that it is no longer accepting sponsorship applications (called “undertakings”) for parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives. This is because the cap for these applications has been reached as of July 22, 2025.

What Is the Cap and Who Is Affected?

On June 26, 2024, the Quebec government introduced a limit on how many family sponsorship undertakings it would accept. This cap will stay in place until June 25, 2026.

The total limit is 13,000 applications, divided as follows:

• 10,400 for spouses, common-law partners, and adult dependent children
• 2,600 for parents, grandparents, and other relatives
  
  

The cap for spousal sponsorships and adult dependent children was already reached earlier, on July 9, 2025.

Now, the remaining category—parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives—has also hit its limit.

What Happens If You Submit Now?

Any sponsorship applications submitted after the cap has been reached will not be processed. Instead, the application will be returned, and any fees paid will be refunded.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, the following applications are not affected by the cap:

• Sponsorships for dependent children under 18
• Adult dependent children with a disability

Also, the cap does not stop applicants from adding dependents to an existing sponsorship file.

Why the Undertaking Matters

For anyone immigrating to settle in Quebec through family sponsorship, submitting an undertaking to the Quebec government is a mandatory step. It is needed to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which is required before the federal government can issue permanent residency.

Federal PGP Program Still Moving Ahead

This announcement from Quebec comes just as the federal Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is preparing to send out new invitations to sponsors. The PGP operates separately from Quebec's system.

The federal government will begin sending invitations through a lottery system starting July 28, 2025. These will go to people who submitted an "Interest to Sponsor" form during the 2020 intake.

Next Steps

If you are affected by Quebec's cap or want to explore alternative options to reunite with your family in Canada, consider booking a consultation to discuss available immigration pathways for your loved ones.