Quebec spousal sponsorship is different. It requires both federal PR approval and a Quebec CSQ — our Montreal-based lawyers handle the full process from start to finish.
SERVICES
We prepare both stages of your Quebec sponsorship: the federal sponsorship application with IRCC and the provincial undertaking with Quebec's immigration ministry to obtain your spouse's Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Married, common-law, or conjugal partner — we build a complete relationship evidence package designed to meet Quebec's strict documentation standards and minimize the risk of refusal.
If your spouse is in Canada during processing, they may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) allowing them to work for any Canadian employer while waiting for permanent residence.
Quebec is the only Canadian province that operates its own immigration system. While the final outcome — Canadian permanent residence — is the same as in other provinces, Quebec adds a second, provincial layer of approval that other provinces do not require.
Two approvals are required: federal sponsorship approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), followed by a separate undertaking with Quebec's immigration ministry that results in your spouse receiving a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Quebec also runs an intake quota system that can close to new applications quickly, and processing times are significantly longer than other provinces — currently around 35 months. Strong documentation and careful preparation make a real difference.
THE QUEBEC PROCESS
The sponsor (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Quebec) submits a federal sponsorship application to IRCC together with the spouse's permanent residence application.
After federal approval of the sponsor, a separate undertaking application is filed with Quebec's immigration ministry. Once approved, your spouse receives a CSQ and the federal PR process can continue.
Canadim is a Montreal-based law firm and a member of the Barreau du Québec. For more than 23 years, our bilingual immigration lawyers have helped families navigate Quebec's unique two-stage sponsorship process — from the federal IRCC application to the provincial CSQ undertaking.
Quebec sponsorship applications are particularly unforgiving. Quota closures, strict relationship evidence requirements, and the additional provincial step mean that small errors can cost months — or result in refusal. Our team prepares a complete, well-supported file from day one, in English or French, designed to give your application the best possible chance of approval.
"I am so happy that we chose Canadim. Our case manager Jasmine is absolutely terrific. My husband was immigrating to QC and it's a very long application. Jasmine always had fast responses to all our questions over a two-year process (QC is longer). The process is stressful and grueling but they helped every step of the way making it less stressful. Worth every penny."
"I highly recommend this company! If you're looking for a serious and professional law firm, I strongly recommend CANADIM. A big thank you and shoutout to Jasmine! Any immigration process can feel overwhelming, so it's important to choose a team that makes you feel supported, valued, and at ease. CANADIM did exactly that for me."
"I had a fantastic experience working with Canadim Law Firm. From the beginning, the communication was clear, professional, and supportive. Nadia was particularly helpful — always responsive, kind, and knowledgeable throughout the process. I felt confident every step of the way thanks to their guidance. I would highly recommend Canadim to anyone navigating immigration pathways in Canada."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Quebec runs its own immigration selection system. Unlike other provinces, Quebec spousal sponsorship requires two approvals: federal approval from IRCC, and provincial approval through Quebec's immigration ministry. The provincial step results in your spouse receiving a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which is required before permanent residence can be granted.
To sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner in Quebec, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Quebec, at least 18 years old, willing to sign a three-year financial undertaking, not in default of a previous undertaking, and not incarcerated, bankrupt, or charged with a serious offence.
No specific minimum income applies when sponsoring a spouse in Quebec. However, you must sign a three-year financial undertaking and demonstrate the ability to meet basic financial obligations without social assistance (other than for disability).
Processing times for Quebec spousal sponsorship are significantly longer than in other provinces. The current average is approximately 35 months, owing to the additional provincial undertaking stage. Strong, complete applications help avoid further delays from requests for additional information.
Yes. Quebec operates an intake quota system and limits the number of family sponsorship applications it accepts per intake period. For the June 2024–June 2026 period, only 10,400 applications for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18+ were accepted, and the quota was reached early. Because intake can close quickly, timing and preparation are critical.
No. You do not need a CSQ to submit the initial federal sponsorship application. The CSQ is issued later — once Quebec approves the provincial undertaking — and is then used to continue the federal permanent residence process.
No. There is no minimum French language requirement for spousal sponsorship in Quebec. French proficiency may help with integration, but it is not a condition of sponsorship eligibility.
Yes. If your spouse is in Canada during processing, they may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) once the acknowledgement of receipt of the sponsorship application has been issued. The SOWP allows them to work for any Canadian employer while waiting for permanent residence — without needing an LMIA.
Quebec sponsorship is a two-stage process with strict documentation requirements and long processing times. Our Montreal-based lawyers help you prepare your full file — federal IRCC application and Quebec CSQ undertaking — to give you the best chance of approval.
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