The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) has introduced new rules concerning the receipt and processing of applications for commitment in Quebec for the period from July 2, 2026 to June 30, 2028.
These changes affect people wishing to sponsor a family member in the context of permanent immigration to Quebec.
initial context before the new period
during the previous period, i.e. June 26, 2024 to June 25, 2026, Quebec had set a ceiling for sponsorship commitment requests:
* From a spouse
* of a common-law partner
* From a marital partner
* a dependent child aged 18 and over
the maximum number of authorized requests has been reached on July 9, 2025, which led to the suspension of the receipt of new applications in these categories until the new period.
What is a commitment request in Quebec?
In Quebec, the guarantor, that is to say the person who sponsors, must submit a commitment request to the MIFI. This approach allows the sponsored person to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), a mandatory step in the context of permanent residence in Quebec.
The main stages of sponsorship
1. Apply for sponsorship and a permanent residence application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Receive the IRCC letter (the acknowledgment of receipt or the letter inviting you to file the application for commitment in Quebec).
3. Apply for a commitment to MIFI.
The request is made by the guarantor who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and lives in Quebec.
Once the application is approved, the MIFI issues a CSQ to the sponsored person.
4. Resume applications to IRCC.
New Engagement Request Ceiling
For the period of July 2, 2026 to June 30, 2028, the MiFi will receive a maximum of 15 700 requests commitment, distributed as follows:
* 13 300 requests For the sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or marital partner;
* 2 400 requests For sponsorship of a parent, grandparent or other eligible family member.
If the maximum number of commitment requests is reached before June 30, 2028, the MIFI will stop receiving new requests.
Any request received after reaching the ceiling will be returned without being processed and the examination fees will not be collected.
Guarantors whose request has been returned may submit a new application when the new reception period is open.
New schedule for receiving sponsorship requests
A progressive reception schedule is in place to prioritize people who have been waiting for the longest.
The eligible date to submit an application will depend on the date on the eligibility letter or acknowledgment issued by IRCC.
IMPORTANT: Any request submitted before the date provided for in the calendar will be considered inadmissible and returned without being examined.
exemptions
Some categories remain exempt from the ceilings and schedule, including:
* dependent children under 22;
* minor children to adopt;
* Some orphan minor children in the family;
* Addition of dependents to a request already being processed.
Do you have questions or would you like to be accompanied in your sponsorship procedures? Our professionals are at your disposal.