CAQ for studies: get your certificate without losing a semester.

Received an offer of admission from a Québec institution? If you're a foreign national planning to study in Québec for more than six months, you'll need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying for a study permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The two steps are separate and follow a precise order.

Visa Canada Rouge, an immigration consulting firm in Montréal, helps students prepare their CAQ application and coordinate it with the federal file: clarifying the requirements, gathering the right documents and avoiding the gaps that derail a study plan.

Who needs a CAQ for studies?

A foreign national coming to Québec for a program of more than 6 months must obtain a CAQ. An online program that requires an in-person part in Québec also requires a CAQ, whatever the length of that part. You get it by submitting an online application for temporary selection for studies to Québec's immigration ministry (MIFI).

Québec lists situations where a CAQ isn't required, including:

• a program of 6 months or less (a program whose total length exceeds 6 months requires a CAQ);
• a federal development-assistance program (for example a Commonwealth, Global Affairs Canada or Francophonie scholarship);
• a person recognized as a refugee or protected person in Canada;
• certain minors pursuing primary or secondary studies (minor asylum claimants, minors already in Canada, except children of visitors not authorized to study or work);
• the spouse or partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has submitted an undertaking application;
• a holder of a temporary resident permit with a view to permanent residence.

A CAQ exemption doesn't mean no immigration document is required: check the federal requirements too. For programs of 6 months or less, Québec notes that requesting the CAQ and study permit anyway can be useful (renewing from inside Québec, working on campus). The full list is on Québec's page on the authorizations required to study in Québec (in French).

The process, in the right order

The CAQ is a provincial authorization; it doesn't replace the federal study permit, but it serves as the provincial attestation letter in the federal application.

1. Admission: obtain a letter of admission from a Québec educational institution that meets the Ministry's requirements.
2. CAQ: apply for temporary selection for studies in Arrima as soon as you receive the letter of admission.
3. Documents: after the online application, you have 15 days to upload the required documents, following the list in your Arrima file.
4. Study permit: once you have the CAQ, apply for the study permit with IRCC.
5. What comes next: working during your studies, the post-graduation work permit, then Québec's permanent residence programs.

Don't start with the federal application expecting to add the CAQ later. For the federal stage, see our study permit page and our guide CAQ or study permit: which comes first.

Fees and processing time

For 2026, the fee to review an application for temporary selection for studies is $135 for an international student. It's adjusted on January 1 each year and isn't refundable, unless the application is found inadmissible.

According to the MIFI, 80% of applications receive a decision within 25 business days of receipt of all the required documents. That's not a guaranteed timeline: the clock only starts with a complete file, and a request for additional documents pushes it back.

The cap on applications per institution

Application management rules have applied to Québec's International Student Program since February 26, 2025. From December 17, 2025 to December 16, 2027, Québec sets a maximum number of applications for temporary selection for studies per educational institution, school service centre and school board.

Some people aren't subject to this cap, for example those continuing the same program, asylum seekers, certain dependent children of temporary foreign workers or international students, or people in a health-care bridging program. A cap exemption doesn't exempt you from applying for a CAQ: it's proven with the documents requested.

Financial capacity

You must show you can cover tuition, living expenses and transportation, for yourself and any accompanying family members. The amounts depend on your situation and are published by Québec. The evidence must show where the funds come from, who can access them and how they'll cover the stay: bank statements, a scholarship or loan, or support from another person with their written commitment and proof of income. See Québec's page on the documents to submit and proof of financial capacity (in French).

Required documents

• A valid passport
• The institution's letter of admission
• Information on the program, its length and tuition fees
• Proof of financial capacity, as required for your situation
• Supporting documents if you claim an exemption from the application cap
• Authorizations required for a minor, where applicable

A document that isn't in English or French must be translated according to the official rules. Don't assume a document given to the institution or to IRCC reached the MIFI: each authority asks for its own. Our CAQ documents checklist goes through each item.

Renewing the CAQ or changing programs

If your CAQ expires before the end of your program, plan the renewal before it expires: you generally submit a new CAQ application, then ask IRCC to extend your study permit. Changing programs, level of study or institution can also require a new CAQ; check with the MIFI and IRCC before making the change. See Québec's page on renewing study authorizations (in French) and our guide to renewing your CAQ and study permit.

Common difficulties and refusals

An incomplete file, unreadable documents or contradictory information stop the assessment from going smoothly, and unclear financial evidence is a frequent concern. The MIFI's decision on the CAQ and IRCC's decision on the study permit are separate: your admission letter, funds and study plan must be consistent across both. After a refusal, read the reasons carefully before reapplying: see our visa refusal page.

What we do for you

• Check that your study plan holds up, and that it prepares what comes next (work, permanent residence)
• Check whether a CAQ is required, or whether a CAQ or cap exemption applies
• Prepare a complete CAQ file the first time, within the 15-day window, then the study permit application
• Anticipate common refusal grounds: financial capacity, a coherent study plan, ties to your home country
• Plan a renewal or a change of program

To discuss your plans, book a consultation or describe your situation. Our guide studying in Québec: CAQ, then study permit covers the whole process.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for my study permit before getting the CAQ?

No. For studies in Québec that require it, the CAQ letter is part of the federal study permit application. You therefore need to obtain the CAQ first.

Do I need a CAQ for a program of six months or less?

No, as long as the program's total length doesn't exceed 6 months. Québec notes it can still be useful to request one, and other federal requirements may apply.

How long do I have to upload my documents?

15 days after submitting the application. Prepare your documents before you fill in the form.

Does the CAQ guarantee the study permit?

No. They are two separate decisions by two governments. IRCC assesses your application under its own requirements, even if the CAQ was issued.

Do I need a new CAQ if I change school or program?

Often, depending on the change and the conditions of your CAQ. Check with the MIFI and IRCC before changing your plans.

Does my CAQ entitle me to a post-graduation work permit?

Not directly. The post-graduation work permit depends on the program, its length (900 hours minimum for a program in Québec), the institution and language requirements. Better to check before choosing your program. See the PGWP guide.

Official sources: Government of Québec, "Présenter une demande de sélection temporaire pour étudier au Québec", "Autorisations requises pour étudier au Québec" (updated June 3, 2026), "Programme d'études de 6 mois et moins" and "Documents à transmettre" (quebec.ca, in French). Accessed October 11, 2026.