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Studying in Québec
How to get your "Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec"
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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.
This article will help you navigate through the paperwork needed for applying, your eligibility, the fees and process associated with getting a CAQ.
Do you need a CAQ?
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.
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.
Eligibility Requirements
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To be able to obtain a CAQ for your studies, you will need to:
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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.
How to Apply for the CAQ
You can either apply online or on paper:
We would strongly advise you to apply online, for the following reasons: (i) you can pay the fees by credit card (you try another card if refused and not see your entire application being sent back to you), (ii) you will be provided with a personalized list of supporting documents, (iii) you can correspond online and avoid postal delays, and (iv) you can follow-up online on your application.
- If you apply online, you will have to pay the fees online and print, fill and send any additional forms or supporting documents by mail.
- If you apply on paper, you will have to fill the Application for a Québec Acceptance Certificate for studies form, sign it and send it by mail with your supporting documents. You can still pay by credit card, but you will have to fill a form with your card number, and if the credit card number is refused, the whole application will be returned to you by mail and you will not be advised of the card refusal.
We would strongly advise you to apply online, for the following reasons: (i) you can pay the fees by credit card (you try another card if refused and not see your entire application being sent back to you), (ii) you will be provided with a personalized list of supporting documents, (iii) you can correspond online and avoid postal delays, and (iv) you can follow-up online on your application.
Required Forms and Supporting Documents
With regards to forms to fill and supporting documents to provide, we urge you to check our dedicated guide.
Application Fees
As of January, 1st 2022, the application fee for a CAQ is $120.
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.
Note that it takes around 3 weeks for the online tracking system to receive confirmation of receipt of documents.
Note that it takes around 3 weeks for the online tracking system to receive confirmation of receipt of documents.
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.
