Quebec Reaches Cap for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents: What You Need to Know in 2025

 

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Latest Quebec Immigration Update: Sponsorship Cap Reached

If you're planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents to settle in Quebec, there's important news you should know.

As of July 22, 2025, Quebec has officially reached its maximum limit for family sponsorship undertakings, specifically for parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives. The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has closed new submissions under this stream, and the suspension will last until June 25, 2026.

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What Is the Family Sponsorship Cap in Quebec?

Quebec sets an annual quota for sponsorship applications to manage immigration flow and ensure efficient processing. The cap for 2025-2026 includes:

• 10,400 applications for spouses, common-law partners, and adult dependent children

• 2,600 applications for parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives

Exemptions from the Cap

Some applications are not subject to the cap:

• Dependent children under 18

• Adult children with disabilities

• Adding dependents to existing applications

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What Happens If You Applied After the Cap?

Applications submitted after the cap date will be returned unprocessed, and any fees paid will be fully refunded.

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Why This Matters: Real-World Impact

Case Study 1: Missed Opportunity

Priya, a Canadian PR living in Montreal, had planned to sponsor her aging mother this summer. Unfortunately, she missed the July 22nd deadline. Now, she must wait until mid-2026, affecting her mother’s ability to access proper care and emotional support.

What Can You Do Instead?

If you've missed the window, you can explore alternative pathways, such as the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 10 years, with stays up to 5 years per visit.

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Federal PGP Update: A Second Chance?

Meanwhile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is set to begin sending out invitations starting July 28, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

• 17,860 invitations will be issued via lottery

• Invitations will go to applicants who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020

• The goal is to accept 10,000 complete applications in 2025

Tip: If you submitted your form in 2020, check your email regularly during the lottery period.

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Income Requirements for PGP in 2025

To sponsor under the federal PGP, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three tax years (2022–2024). Below are the income thresholds based on family size:

Family Size	2024 Income	2023 Income	2022 Income
2 People	$47,549	$44,530	$43,082
3 People	$58,456	$54,743	$52,965
4 People	$70,972	$66,466	$64,306
5 People	$80,496	$75,384	$72,935
6 People	$90,784	$85,020	$82,259
7 People	$101,075	$94,658	$91,582

 

Each additional family member adds around $10,000 to the required income.

✅ You may combine your income with that of your spouse or common-law partner, provided they co-sign the application.

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How to Calculate Family Size

Your family size includes:

• Yourself and your spouse/common-law partner

• Your dependent children (and theirs, if applicable)

• People you’ve sponsored previously (and their dependents)

• The parent/grandparent you’re sponsoring (and their dependents—even if they’re not immigrating)

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What is the Super Visa and Who Should Consider It?

If you didn’t get invited to apply under PGP or missed the Quebec cap, the Super Visa could be your best alternative:

• Valid for up to 10 years

• Allows visits of up to 5 years at a time

• Requires private health insurance, a Letter of Invitation, and proof of minimum income

Case Study 2: Super Visa in Action

Arjun, a permanent resident in Quebec, was unable to sponsor his father due to the cap. Instead, he applied for a Super Visa. Now, his father is living with him in Laval, accessing private healthcare, and spending quality time with his grandchildren—without waiting for permanent residency.

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Navigating Your Options: What Should You Do?

✅ If you live in Quebec:

• You must wait until June 2026 to submit new sponsorship undertakings for parents/grandparents.

• Consider the Super Visa for temporary stays.

• Track Quebec and federal immigration announcements for reopening timelines.

✅ If you're outside Quebec:

• Check your email for a PGP invitation starting July 28, 2025.

• Ensure your income meets the required thresholds for the past 3 years.

• Prepare documentation in advance to submit a strong application.

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Need Help With Sponsorship or Super Visa?

At Citus Immigration, we specialize in helping families reunite in Canada through both federal and Quebec-based immigration programs.

✅ Free eligibility assessments
✅ Application filing and documentation support
✅ Super Visa and healthcare coverage guidance

Book your  consultation today to explore your family reunification options in Canada!

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Final Thoughts

Family reunification is a deeply emotional and strategic decision. While Quebec's temporary cap may feel discouraging, there are still viable pathways like the Super Visa and upcoming PGP intake to bring your loved ones closer.

Stay informed. Stay proactive. And let us help you build your future—together.