Study Permit for Quebec: CAQ and IRCC Steps Explained

To study in Quebec as an international student, you generally need two authorizations: the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies, issued by Quebec's immigration ministry (the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration, or MIFI), and the federal study permit, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You get the CAQ first, then apply for the study permit.

This guide explains how a study permit for Quebec works, the order of the steps, the documents to plan for, and when an immigration lawyer can help. Rules change often, so always check the official IRCC and MIFI pages before you apply.

How do you get a study permit for Quebec?

Quebec has its own powers over immigration, including selecting international students. That is why studying in Quebec involves one more provincial step than elsewhere in Canada. In broad terms:

• Get accepted by a school. You receive a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Quebec.
• Apply for the CAQ for studies. You apply to MIFI with your letter of acceptance and the required proof.
• Apply for the study permit. Once you have the CAQ, you apply to IRCC and include it.
• Arrive and follow your conditions. The permit is issued as IRCC explains, and you must then respect the conditions written on it.

The CAQ application: Quebec's first step

The CAQ confirms that Quebec agrees to you studying there. It is tied to your study plan: the school, the program or the level of study. MIFI publishes the requirements and how to apply on Québec.ca.

Most international students coming to Quebec need one, and exceptions are rare. If you think you are exempt, confirm it with the official sources or a professional before skipping this step.

Do you need a provincial attestation letter for Quebec?

Elsewhere in Canada, most study permit applications now need a provincial or territorial attestation letter. For Quebec, IRCC says the CAQ fills that role: the attestation of issuance of your CAQ serves as the attestation letter and must include the wording IRCC requires.

In practice, a valid, compliant CAQ is essential for the federal application. Because these requirements have changed more than once, check IRCC's current version when you apply.

The federal study permit (IRCC)

The study permit is the federal document that allows you to study in Canada. You apply to IRCC, usually online. IRCC's study permit page explains who needs one, how to apply and which documents to include.

Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization, and to give biometrics. IRCC will tell you what applies to your file.

Documents to plan for

The exact list depends on your situation, but it usually includes:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
• Your CAQ for studies (or its attestation of issuance).
• Proof of financial means showing you can pay for your studies and support yourself, and any family coming with you, during your stay. Quebec and IRCC each set their own requirements, and both review them regularly.
• Valid identification, such as a passport.
• Anything else requested: a letter of explanation, proof of ties to your home country, or a medical exam if required.

Keep your CAQ and study permit applications consistent. A contradiction between the two can raise questions.

How long does it take to get a study permit approved?

Processing times vary with where you apply from, the time of year and the volume of applications, at both MIFI and IRCC, and they change often. Check the times posted on the official sites and apply as early as you can after you are accepted. Avoid booking flights before your authorizations come through.

Extending your permit or changing schools

If your studies run longer than planned, you usually need to renew your CAQ and then extend your study permit before it expires. The same idea applies if you change school, program or level of study: a new CAQ and an update with IRCC may be needed.

Watch your expiry dates. Letting your permit lapse without applying can lead to loss of status, and restoring it is harder than extending on time.

Working while studying and after you graduate

Some students can work during their studies, on or off campus, if their permit allows it and they meet IRCC's conditions. Those conditions have changed a lot in recent years, so rely on what is written on your permit and on IRCC's page rather than word of mouth.

After graduation, some programs can lead to a post-graduation work permit, and Quebec has its own pathways to permanent residence. Eligibility depends on the program, the school and the rules in force when you apply.

What to do after a study permit refusal

A refusal is not always the end. The refusal letter gives the reasons, such as doubts about your finances, the purpose of your stay or whether you will leave Canada at the end of your studies. Depending on the case, you may reapply with a stronger file or consider a legal challenge. A CAQ refusal by MIFI follows its own rules.

Before reapplying, understand why the first application failed. Sending the same file again often leads to the same result.

When to talk to an immigration lawyer

Many students apply on their own. An immigration lawyer can help, especially if:

• your CAQ or study permit was refused;
• you are accused of misrepresentation or incomplete information, which can seriously affect future applications;
• your status is about to expire, or already has;
• you have a complex history: past refusals, time without status, a criminal record, or program changes;
• you want to plan ahead for work after graduation or permanent residence.

Compare and book an immigration lawyer on JustiConnect

JustiConnect is a marketplace where you can compare lawyers and book a consultation. Browse immigration lawyers to see what they handle, or search for an immigration lawyer and book directly online.

For tips on choosing, read how to choose a lawyer in Quebec.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the CAQ and the study permit?

The CAQ is Quebec's authorization, issued by MIFI. The study permit is Canada's authorization, issued by IRCC. To study in Quebec you generally need both, and the CAQ comes first.

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

Generally, no. IRCC requires the CAQ, which also serves as Quebec's attestation letter. An application without a valid CAQ risks being refused or returned.

My study permit expires soon. What should I do?

First check whether your CAQ needs renewing, then apply to IRCC to extend your permit before it expires. The steps are on IRCC's study permit page.

Do the rules change often?

Yes. Financial requirements, work conditions and attestation rules have all changed several times. Before each step, check IRCC and MIFI on Québec.ca.