Student visa Lawyers

Planning to study in Quebec on a study permit (what most people call a Canadian student visa), or dealing with a refusal or an expiring permit? Below you can compare immigration lawyers who handle study permit files, see their rates and open times, and book a consultation online. Immigration is federal, so your lawyer doesn't need to be in your city.

Student visa or study permit? The Quebec two-step

For a program longer than six months in Quebec, you need two documents, in this order:

• Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): issued by the Government of Québec (MIFI) once you have your letter of admission.
• Study permit: issued by IRCC, applied for once you receive the attestation that your CAQ was issued.

Canada now caps study permit applications each year. In Quebec, the CAQ attestation counts as your place in Quebec's share of the cap. Some applicants, such as master's and doctoral students at public institutions, are exempt from this cap requirement but may still need a CAQ. Our guide Study permit for Quebec: CAQ and IRCC steps explained walks through each step.

Requirements, processing time and fees

IRCC asks you to show enrolment at a designated learning institution, enough money for tuition, living costs and return travel, no criminal record, good health, and that you will leave when the permit expires. Processing times vary by country. IRCC sets the fee and proof-of-funds amounts; check the current figures on canada.ca before applying.

Why study permits are refused

IRCC says it may refuse an application if you don't:

• have a valid letter of acceptance;
• show enough money to support yourself;
• pass a required medical exam;
• convince the officer that your main purpose is to study, and that you will leave at the end of your studies.

After a refusal: reapply or go to Federal Court

You can reapply with stronger evidence that answers each reason in the refusal letter. Or you can ask the Federal Court to review the decision through an application for leave and for judicial review: 15 days if the matter arose in Canada, 60 days if it arose outside Canada, from the day you were notified of the decision or otherwise became aware of it. A lawyer can tell you which route fits.

Extensions, work and after graduation

• Extending: apply at least 30 days before expiry. If you apply in time and stay in Canada, you can keep studying while you wait.
• Working: if your permit allows it, up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular terms, unlimited during scheduled breaks.
• After graduation: eligible graduates may apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of confirmation that they completed their program. See work visa lawyers and permanent residency lawyers.

When to get a lawyer

• Your study permit or CAQ was refused, especially before the court deadline.
• You have a past refusal or finances that are hard to document.
• Your permit is expiring or expired, or you changed school or program.

How much does a student visa lawyer cost?

There is no set price: some lawyers charge a fixed fee per application, others an hourly rate, and a Federal Court file is usually priced separately. Government fees are extra. On JustiConnect, you see each lawyer's rates before you book.

Choosing a study permit lawyer

• Lawyer or consultant: regulated immigration consultants can also prepare applications; a lawyer can also take a refusal to the Federal Court. Every lawyer practising in Quebec must be a member of the Barreau du Québec.
• Experience: ask how often they handle CAQ and study permit files.
• Documents: bring your admission letter, CAQ, any refusal letter and proof of funds.

Frequently asked questions

Is a student visa the same as a study permit?

"Student visa" is the everyday term; the document IRCC issues is the study permit. In Quebec you need a CAQ first.

Can a lawyer guarantee my study permit?

No. IRCC decides. A lawyer can assess your file and explain your options if you are refused.

Book a student visa lawyer

Pick a lawyer from the list and book directly, or see every lawyer's open times. For other matters, see all immigration lawyers.