Sponsoring a spouse from Quebec means two governments, two applications and an extra waiting line. From my office in Old Montreal, I handle both the IRCC file and the Quebec undertaking — from Gatineau to Quebec City to Sherbrooke, in English or French.
Everywhere else in Canada, spousal sponsorship is a federal process. In Quebec, the province also selects its immigrants, so your spouse needs a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before IRCC can grant permanent residence. That adds three things to your file:
For the two-year intake that opened on July 2, 2026, Quebec will accept up to 13,300 undertakings where a spouse or partner is the principal sponsored person. Dependent children are exempt from the cap. The previous cap of 13,000 was reached in July 2025, nearly a year before it was due to expire.
MIFI receives files according to a published calendar: each two-month window is open to files whose IRCC eligibility document is dated before a set cutoff, so the oldest federal files go first. Applications go by mail only; MIFI does not accept them in person.
In practice, a Quebec couple's timeline depends heavily on when the IRCC file was opened. IRCC currently estimates about 33 months for spouses abroad sponsored from Quebec and about 32 months for those in Canada (October 2026), against 18 and 26 months elsewhere in Canada — check IRCC's current figure. Part of my work is telling you exactly which window applies to you and having the undertaking ready to mail the day it opens.
An incomplete file or a wrong fee amount is returned by mail with no chance to correct it, which can push you into a later window. Getting it right the first time matters more in Quebec than anywhere else.
The undertaking for a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner lasts three years. For dependent children it lasts longer: at least 10 years or until 18 for children under 16, and at least 3 years or until 25 for those 16 and over. During that time you agree to cover your spouse's essential needs if they cannot, and to repay certain government assistance they receive. The undertaking cannot be cancelled once permanent residence is granted.
There is usually no income test for a spouse. A financial capacity assessment applies only if your spouse has a dependent child who also has a dependent child. More on financial requirements.
A refusal is preceded by a notice of intent, and you have 60 days to respond. After a refusal, you can contest it before the Tribunal administratif du Québec within 60 days. This is separate from an IRCC refusal, which goes to the Immigration Appeal Division, whose Eastern Region sits in Montreal. More on refusals and appeals.
Yes. After IRCC confirms you are eligible, you also file an undertaking with MIFI. If it is accepted, your spouse receives a CSQ, and IRCC then finalizes permanent residence.
Yes: up to 13,300 spouse and partner undertakings for the two years starting July 2, 2026, received according to a calendar that favours the oldest IRCC files.
Generally no. A financial capacity assessment is required only when your spouse has a dependent child who also has a dependent child.
The same posted flat fees as everywhere in Canada, plus $500 in legal fees for the Quebec undertaking. Government fees are about $1,260 to IRCC for a spouse and $335 to MIFI. See flat-fee pricing.
A free 15-minute consultation is the simplest way to know whether this practice fits your file. Book online, or call directly at 514-961-6222.
