The Quebec province of Canada has recently imposed a cap on the number of family sponsorship visa applications, a move that could affect many potential immigrants, including Nigerians.
According to CIC News, Quebec has set a limit of 13,000 applications across several categories of family sponsorship visas.
This cap will be in effect from June 26, 2024, until June 25, 2026.
10,400 slots of the 13,000 applications are designated for spouses, common-law spouses, and dependent children aged 18 years and above.
The remaining 2,600 slots are allocated for parents, grandparents, and other eligible family members.
Once this limit is reached, Quebec authorities will no longer accept applications, and any applications submitted after the cap is filled will be returned without processing or charging the procedural fee.
While the new cap affects many applicants, certain categories are exempt. These include:
The cap on family sponsorship visas is a measure closely related to Quebec’s housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the increasing number of temporary residents.
This influx has put pressure on housing availability and affordability in the province.
Beyond Quebec, the Canadian federal government aims to reduce the overall number of temporary residents.
