How do I sponsor my spouse or partner to immigrate to Quebec?

General information, not immigration advice. When you live in Quebec, sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner involves two steps: a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), then an undertaking application to the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI), to be submitted only when IRCC tells you to. You must be at least 18, be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and live in Quebec. The undertaking lasts 3 years for a spouse or partner and cannot be cancelled once permanent residence is obtained. The MIFI receives applications according to a cap and a schedule that depend on the date of your IRCC letter: check the official page.

Key facts

Length of the undertaking

3 years for a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner. It cannot be cancelled once permanent residence is obtained, even in case of separation or divorce. The length is different for a dependent child.

Examination fee in Quebec

$335 for sponsoring one person, from January 1, 2026; additional fees apply for each additional sponsored person. These fees are updated every year and are not refundable. IRCC's fees are to be checked on the IRCC page.

Processing time in Quebec

Most undertaking applications are processed within 3 months, counted from the receipt of a complete application. IRCC's processing time is to be checked on the IRCC page.

Receipt of applications

From July 2, 2026 to June 30, 2028, a maximum of 13,300 applications to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner. Applications are received according to a schedule based on the date of the IRCC letter. Mail only.

Minimum income

In most cases, IRCC does not require a minimum income to sponsor a spouse, partner or conjugal partner. Proof of financial capacity is required in some cases (for example if the dependent child of the sponsored person has a dependent child of their own).

Steps

1. Check that you can be a sponsor: at least 18, Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, living in Quebec, and the other conditions on the IRCC and Quebec pages.
2. Check that the person is covered: spouse; common-law partner (union of at least one year); or conjugal partner (who lives outside Canada).
3. Submit the sponsorship application to IRCC. The person you sponsor is the principal applicant and submits both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application online at the same time. Declare all family members.
4. Wait for the eligibility letter or email from IRCC addressed to you. Do not submit the undertaking application to Quebec until IRCC tells you to.
5. Read Quebec's "Application reception rules" page: depending on the date of your IRCC letter, there is a date from which your undertaking application can be received. An application sent too early is returned.
6. Fill out the Quebec forms, attach a copy of the IRCC letter and pay the examination fee. Send everything by mail, one application per envelope.
7. Read the responsibilities of the undertaking carefully before signing: financial support for basic needs and help with integration, for the whole length of the undertaking.
8. Wait for the decision. If it is positive, the MIFI sends you a letter and the Quebec selection certificate of the sponsored person, which you must give to them. IRCC then processes the permanent residence application and may still refuse it.
9. If you want paid help with your application, check that the person is an authorized representative: a consultant who is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, or a lawyer or notary who is a member of their law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. IRCC says not to use the services of a representative who is not a member in good standing. This page gives general information, not advice on your situation.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.