Quebec to open two-year intake window for family reunification applications

Quebec to Reopen Family Reunification Undertaking Applications -- June 2026 -- What It Means for You

What Happened

On June 22, 2026, the Quebec government announced that it will reopen intake for family reunification undertaking applications, with a cap of 15,700 submissions across a two-year window. According to IRCC, this move is intended to facilitate family reunification for Quebec residents. The IRCC announcement 2026 states that the intake window will be open for two years, allowing a limited number of family sponsorship applicants to submit their applications. This development is significant for individuals who have been waiting to reunite with their family members in Quebec.

The announcement is part of the Quebec government's efforts to balance its immigration priorities with the need to reunite families. As of June 22, 2026, family sponsorship applicants can begin preparing their applications for submission. According to IRCC, the application process will involve a thorough review of the applicant's eligibility and the sponsor's ability to support their family members. The IRCC announcement 2026 provides details on the application process and the required documents.

Who Is Affected

The reopening of the family reunification undertaking applications will primarily affect family sponsorship applicants and Quebec residents. International students, PGWP holders, and work permit holders may also be impacted if they have family members who are eligible for sponsorship. For example, a PGWP holder in Montreal with a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor their family member for permanent residence. According to IRCC, the application process will involve a thorough review of the applicant's eligibility and the sponsor's ability to support their family members.

Express Entry candidates may also be affected, as they may have family members who are eligible for sponsorship. For instance, an Express Entry candidate with a CRS score of 450 who has a family member in Quebec may be able to increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence. Permanent residents in Quebec may also be impacted, as they may be able to sponsor their family members for permanent residence. The IRCC announcement 2026 provides details on the eligibility criteria and the application process.

What This Means in Plain English

The reopening of the family reunification undertaking applications means that family sponsorship applicants will have a limited window of opportunity to submit their applications. According to IRCC, the application process will involve a thorough review of the applicant's eligibility and the sponsor's ability to support their family members. If an applicant submitted their application in March 2026, this means that their wait time will be affected by the new intake window. For example, if an applicant has a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor their family member for permanent residence.

The IRCC announcement 2026 states that the application process will involve a thorough review of the applicant's eligibility and the sponsor's ability to support their family members. This means that applicants will need to provide detailed information about their family members and their financial situation. For instance, a family sponsorship applicant in Quebec City will need to provide proof of their income and their ability to support their family members. The IRCC announcement 2026 provides details on the required documents and the application process.

Historical Context

The reopening of the family reunification undertaking applications is part of a larger trend in Canadian immigration policy. According to IRCC, the Quebec government has been working to balance its immigration priorities with the need to reunite families. In recent years, the Quebec government has introduced various measures to facilitate family reunification, including the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ). As reported in Quebec to reopen Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) on July 2, the PEQ has been an important pathway for international students and workers to obtain permanent residence in Quebec.

The IRCC announcement 2026 is also part of a larger effort to address the backlog of immigration applications. As reported in 36,000 permanent residence applications suspended under Ebola measures, the IRCC has been working to clear the backlog of applications and improve processing times. The reopening of the family reunification undertaking applications is a significant step in this effort, as it will allow a limited number of family sponsorship applicants to submit their applications.

What to Do Right Now

Family sponsorship applicants should begin preparing their applications for submission as soon as possible. According to IRCC, the application process will involve a thorough review of the applicant's eligibility and the sponsor's ability to support their family members. Applicants should gather all required documents, including proof of income and proof of family relationships. They should also review the eligibility criteria and the application process to ensure that they are eligible to apply. If applicants have questions about the application process, they can Ask Ikovia their immigration question to get personalized guidance.

Applicants should also review the IRCC announcement 2026 to ensure that they understand the application process and the required documents. They should also check the IRCC website for updates on the application process and the intake window. By taking these steps, applicants can ensure that they are well-prepared to submit their applications and increase their chances of being approved.

What to Expect Next

Based on the pattern of this announcement, it is likely that the IRCC will continue to introduce measures to facilitate family reunification and address the backlog of immigration applications. The IRCC may also introduce new pathways for international students and workers to obtain permanent residence in Quebec. As reported in Quebec extends special work permits to spouses of applicants for permanent selection, the Quebec government has been working to support the spouses of applicants for permanent selection.

How Ikovia Can Help

Ikovia can help family sponsorship applicants navigate the application process and ensure that they are well-prepared to submit their applications. By Ask Ikovia, applicants can get personalized guidance on the application process and the required documents. Get personalized alerts when news like this affects your specific profile. Start free at Ikovia.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is based on official IRCC announcements and may change. Always verify current requirements at canada.ca or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).