Rules governing the reception of applications

As of June 26, 2024, new rules will be in effect for the receipt of family reunification applications.

From 26 June 2024 to 25 June 2026 inclusive, the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration will accept a maximum of 13,000 applications to sponsor a family member. Applications are received on a first-come, first-served basis, and as follows:

• A maximum of 10,400 applications for an undertaking by a guarantor in favour of his or her spouse, common-law spouse, conjugal partner or dependent child aged 18 or over;
• A maximum of 2,600 applications for a guarantor undertaking on behalf of his or her father, mother, grandfather, grandmother or other relative listed on this page.

For each of the above-mentioned categories, if the maximum number of undertaking applications that can be received is reached before June 26, 2026, the Minister will stop receiving applications in this category until the end of the reception period. In such a case:

• All applications received after the maximum number of applications has been reached are returned to the applicant without processing and without collection of the exam fee;
• Guarantors whose applications have been returned will be able to reapply when a new reception period opens.

If the guarantor wishes to sponsor any of the following, the above rules do not apply and the application may be submitted at any time from June 26, 2024 through June 25, 2026, inclusive:

• Their dependent child under 18;
• A minor child the person wishes to adopt;
• An orphaned minor child who is their brother, sister, nephew, niece, grandson or granddaughter;
• Their dependent child who has reached the age of majority and is dependent on either parent because of his or her physical or mental condition.

These people must not be married or in a common-law relationship.

Applications to add a dependant (dependant child, spouse, common-law partner) of the sponsored person already covered by an undertaking application or by a concluded undertaking and who is awaiting admission as a permanent resident are also exempt from the application reception cap.