Studying in Quebec as an international student: the CAQ, the study permit and the right order

Studying in Quebec as an international student starts with admission to a Quebec institution. Many international students need a CAQ before applying for a federal study permit, although short-term studies and some specific circumstances may be exempt under the current rules. If required, apply for the CAQ first, then submit the study permit application. These approvals serve different purposes, so following the right sequence helps keep your documents consistent and your plans connected to your program start date.

The order of steps: admission, CAQ, then study permit

Quebec and Canada make separate decisions about a student’s plans. The CAQ, or Québec Acceptance Certificate, relates to Quebec’s temporary selection for studies, while the study permit is federal authorization to study in Canada; one does not replace the other. In Quebec, the CAQ also takes the place of the provincial attestation letter that students elsewhere in Canada must include with their study permit application.

Use this sequence as your starting checklist, then confirm the current requirements for your own situation:

• Obtain an offer of admission. The institution’s letter provides the program and study details needed to prepare the provincial application and later the federal file.
• Check whether you need a CAQ. Many international students do, but exemptions can depend on the study level, program length and personal circumstances.
• Apply for the CAQ when required. Follow Quebec’s current instructions and obtain the decision before submitting the federal study permit application.
• Apply for the study permit. Use the CAQ information and the supporting documents requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Prepare for travel after the decisions. Review the entry documents and travel instructions that apply to your passport and situation.

This order matters because the federal application relies on provincial information, and mismatched details can make the file harder to assess. For an overview of the provincial stage, see our guide to the CAQ for studies in Quebec and CAQ or study permit: which comes first.

Prepare the admission and supporting documents

Before starting a CAQ application, read the admission letter carefully. Confirm the institution’s legal name, its designated learning institution status where relevant, the program title, study level and dates, then use those same details throughout both applications.

Build a clear document set that reflects your circumstances rather than relying on a generic checklist. Depending on the instructions for your case, that may include identity and education records, the letter of acceptance, tuition information, proof of financial support and evidence showing where the funds come from.

Use Quebec’s personalized document checklist as the controlling list. Common items to prepare include the identity page of your passport, your letter of acceptance, and evidence that you can pay tuition and cover living costs and transportation. Check Quebec’s current financial-capacity table for the amount that applies to your situation; do not rely on an old figure. If someone else is funding you, prepare their written commitment, evidence of your relationship, and financial records that show the funds are available. Provide translations and complete, legible copies in the format the instructions request. See the CAQ documents checklist.

Review any conditions attached to the admission offer and resolve them as needed. A changed start date, program or level can affect the details you submit, so avoid building applications around information that is still expected to change.

Requirements can differ by study level, institution and personal circumstances. Consult the current Government of Quebec guidance on temporary selection for studies and IRCC’s study permit instructions for the document list that applies to you.

Apply for the CAQ and follow the provincial instructions

The CAQ is part of Quebec’s provincial selection process for many international students. It is distinct from federal permission to study, and the fact that one student needs a CAQ does not mean every applicant has the same requirement.

According to the Government of Quebec, you apply in Arrima and pay the fee within an hour of submitting; the application only counts as submitted once paid. In 2026 the fee is $135 for an international student. You then have 15 days to upload your documents in Arrima, which is why it pays to gather them before you start the form.

Keep copies of the submitted application, uploaded documents and official correspondence. An organized record lets you check what Quebec has already received and prepare a consistent response if the ministry asks for more information.

The CAQ relates to the approved study situation, including the program and study level shown in the decision. If you change programs or levels, or your studies extend beyond the certificate’s validity, review Quebec’s current instructions to determine whether you need a new application or other steps.

For help assembling the provincial file, we prepare complete CAQ files and check the study plan and possible refusal grounds: see our CAQ page.

Use the CAQ decision to prepare the study permit application

When a CAQ is required, obtain the decision before submitting your study permit application. While the provincial file is under review, you can organize other documents and read the current IRCC instructions, but do not treat the CAQ application as a substitute for the federal stage.

Once you have the provincial decision, prepare the federal application using the CAQ information and the documents IRCC requests. Your study purpose and financial plan should be supported by clear documents that explain how the proposed program fits your plans and how you will cover the relevant costs. IRCC’s study permit fee is $150, plus $85 for biometrics in most cases.

Before submitting, compare the admission letter, CAQ materials and federal application side by side. Check the spelling of names, institution details, program title, study level and dates, and correct any inconsistency before it becomes part of the submitted record.

IRCC requirements and any applicable exceptions depend on the applicant’s circumstances. Follow the current instructions on IRCC’s study permit page for your case.

After the CAQ stage, we prepare the federal application so the information presented to IRCC can be checked against the student’s Quebec documents: see our study permit page.

Coordinate the schedule, decisions and travel preparation

Begin planning as soon as you receive the admission offer. The overall sequence includes a provincial stage when required, a federal application and possible requests for further documents, so leaving the preparation until close to the program start date can limit your options if something needs attention.

Do not rely on old processing estimates to plan a move. Check the current Quebec and IRCC pages for processing guidance and application requirements, since published figures and rules can change; no single estimate applies to every file.

If a decision is delayed, monitor the correct application account or communication channel and respond to official requests using the instructions provided. Contact the institution about options for a delayed start if your program date is at risk, rather than submitting a duplicate application without a clear reason.

After the required approvals, keep your decision records and travel documents accessible. Before departure, review the current entry requirements for your situation, including whether you need a visa or electronic travel authorization in addition to the study permit approval.

Common mistakes to avoid

Small inconsistencies or assumptions about the sequence can create avoidable complications. Watch for these common errors:

• Treating the CAQ as the study permit. The CAQ is a Quebec decision, while the study permit is federal authorization; when a CAQ is required, complete that stage before filing for the permit.
• Assuming everyone follows the same CAQ rule. CAQ requirements vary by study level, program length and personal circumstances; check the current rule that applies to you.
• Starting the CAQ form before gathering documents. The 15-day upload window is short.
• Submitting unclear or inconsistent documents. Unreadable copies, mismatched names, different program details or conflicting dates can make the file harder to review.
• Relying on a CAQ after your plans change. A program or study-level change can affect the provincial requirements, so check Quebec’s instructions for the new situation.
• Restarting an application without a reason. A longer wait does not by itself mean you should file again; use official tracking, follow document-request instructions and keep the institution informed if your start date may be affected.

See also: study permit, CAQ for studies, post-graduation work permit, PEQ, visa refusal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare my study permit documents while my CAQ application is pending?

Yes. You can draft an explanation of your study plans, request records from a sponsor or financial institution, and arrange translations in the format required by the applicable instructions.

What should I do if Quebec or IRCC asks me to provide additional documents?

Read the notice closely to identify each requested item, the accepted format and the submission channel, then answer every part of the request. If a document cannot be obtained, explain the reason and include relevant evidence of the steps you have taken.

Can I travel to Canada immediately after my study permit is approved?

Approval does not always mean you can board a flight with only the approval notice: an applicant outside Canada may also need a port of entry letter of introduction and a visa or electronic travel authorization, depending on their circumstances. Check the instructions issued with your decision and the current entry requirements before travelling.

What happens if my passport expires before my studies are finished?

A study permit may be limited by the passport’s expiry, so check the dates on both documents and renew your passport when needed. If you need to continue studying beyond the permit’s validity, see renewing your CAQ and study permit.

The CAQ, the study permit and the order of steps are central to preparing a coherent file, but the requirements depend on your circumstances and can change. To discuss your situation with us, book a consultation or describe your situation.

Official sources

Official pages consulted on October 11, 2026:

• Québec — Application for temporary selection for studies (French)
• IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply
• IRCC — Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada