If you desire to study in Quebec, you will most likely have to apply for a “Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec” (CAQ) to the Government of Quebec before applying for a Study Permit at the Federal level. This article will help you navigate through the paperwork needed for applying, your eligibility, the fees and process associated with getting a CAQ.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Overview
If you are intending on studying in a Quebec Designated Learning Institution, you will need, besides exceptions, to apply for a CAQ before applying for a Study Permit. Be careful before applying to schools in Canada (including Quebec) as you need the school to be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If the school is not a DLI, don’t bother trying to get a CAQ or Study Permit. There is a list of exception to obtaining a CAQ, mainly if you plan to study for less than 6 months, or are holding a Commonwealth Scholarship, etc. You can find the full list here to see if you need to apply or not for a CAQ.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Eligibility
To be able to obtain a CAQ for your studies, you will need to:
- pay the application fee,
- be accepted by a Québec educational institution that is included in the Designated Learning Institutions list,
- agree to respect all of the CAQ issuing conditions, such as being a full-time student and maintaining insurance for health and hospitalization for you and the members of your family, and
- possess sufficient financial resources.
Note: Starting September 1, 2023, there will be changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for certain programs at some DLIs in Quebec. Before you enrol in an institution, make sure to check its Details page in the DLI list.
- If you complete your program of study prior to September 1, 2023, and apply for a PGWP within 6 months of completing your studies, you will have access to the PGWP under the current criteria.
- If you begin a program of study after September 1, 2023, you will only be able to apply for a PGWP if you graduate from a subsidized program of study that remains eligible for the PGWP after September 1, 2023.
- If you are studying in a program that will no longer be eligible for the PGWP after September 1, 2023, the time you spent studying in the program prior to that date may be counted towards a PGWP in the future.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Financial Requirements
In addition to the living expenses amounts below, you will need to add (i) the tuition cost for the first year, (ii) the transportation costs to make the round trip from your country of origin/residence for you and all accompanying family member, (iii) the $500 settlement fees for the first year, and (iv) costs of health and hospital insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Québec for you and all accompanying family member (your might be exempt if your country of origin has a social security agreement with Quebec). The following amounts are valid between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
| Number of people above 18 | Number of people under 18 | Total Amount for 1 year (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | $7,541 |
| 2 | $11,312 | |
| For each additional person | ADD $3,771 | |
| 1 | 0 | $15,078 |
| 1 | $20,265 | |
| 2 | $22,874 | |
| For each additional person | ADD $2,609 | |
| 2 | 0 | $22,115 |
| 1 | $24,773 | |
| 2 | $26,737 | |
| For each additional person | ADD $1,965 | |
| For each additional person | – | ADD $7,031 |
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – How to Apply
You must submit an online application for the CAQ. The request is made in two steps:
- Presentation of the request on the MIFI website (it is not possible to save the request, it must be completed in one go). This step will require payment of the application fees.
- Submitting the required documents on the Arrima platform. Each candidate will receive a personalized list of required documents a few days after the end of step 1.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Supporting Documents
The following list of documents in support of your application is not exhaustive, it will be necessary to rely on the personalized list of documents that will be issued by the MIFI:
- Copy of the identity pages of your passport
- Letter of admission from your educational institution in Quebec
- If your country of residence is one of the following, you will need to submit proof of financial capacity (whatever your country of residence is, proof of financial capacity will still have to be submitted at the federal level with IRCC, and they will use the Quebec requirements above to assess the eligibility):
- Austria
- Canada
- United States
- France
- Greenland
- Hong Kong
- Reunion Island
- Monaco
- Mexico
- Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
- In the case of financial support by another person and for minors, it will be necessary to submit the financial documents of this person as well as to submit additional forms.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Application Fees
As of January 1, 2024, the application fee for a CAQ is $128.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Processing Times
Applications are processed within 20 business days from receipt of a complete application package. However, it can take longer in periods of high demand. The 20 business days do not include postal delivery times of the CAQ.
Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – Next step?
You will need, after receiving your CAQ, to apply for a Study Permit at the federal level with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Find out here how to apply for a Study Permit.
