The Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies is intended for foreign nationals wishing to study in Quebec. This document, issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI), is a preliminary step to obtaining a study permit. The CAQ is specific to the level of study and the expected duration of the program.

It is imperative that studies constitute your primary occupation during your stay. This implies full-time enrollment during the mandatory semesters of your program and the successful completion of most of your courses. You must also maintain health and hospitalization insurance for yourself and any accompanying family members throughout your stay. Failing to meet the CAQ for studies conditions may result in a renewal refusal, jeopardizing your program. However, some categories of CAQ holders for studies are exempted from this obligation.

Depending on your program level, you will need to request a 1st cycle CAQ for a bachelor’s degree, a 2nd cycle CAQ for a specialized graduate diploma or a master’s degree, and a 3rd cycle CAQ for a doctorate.

There are exceptions allowing study without a CAQ in specific cases, for instance, during a single-semester exchange. More information on CAQ exemptions for studies can be found on the MIFI website.

The CAQ application process includes filling out an online form and paying processing fees by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card. You need an email address and a computer meeting the required technical specifications. Once the request is paid for and submitted online, you must send the supporting documents electronically via the Arrima platform. It is vital to provide all necessary documents at once since forgetting documents could delay processing. Please note that only handwritten signatures are accepted on certain forms, as electronic signatures result in automatic rejection.

For applications approved before March 15, 2023, you will receive a confirmation letter of obtaining the CAQ for studies, which you can use to apply for your study permit. MIFI will then mail a physical copy of the CAQ to the address you provided in your file. From March 15, 2023, approved applications will receive a CAQ for studies attestation letter in their online file, and no physical document will be mailed.

In most cases, you must await your CAQ for studies approval before applying for a study permit at a Canadian Visa Office (CVO). However, some CVOs allow study permit applications before receiving the CAQ response. If you fear running out of time for all necessary steps, check this possibility by visiting our study permit page.

Proof of financial capacity might be required when applying for the CAQ, depending on your nationality. For more information on the types of proofs and minimum amounts required, see the financial evidence page. Note that financial proofs will also be required when applying for a study permit. You don’t need to demonstrate immediate access to all funds for your entire studies, but the MIFI agent must be convinced these funds will be available throughout your course. Annual tuition fees are indicated in your admission letter, but certain special situations, like exchange students or those benefiting from tuition fee exemption scholarships, are considered differently.

If you receive financial support from several people, each must complete a “Financial Support Declaration” form. The form is automatically generated when you indicate someone will fund your studies online. If others contribute financially, they must fill out and sign their own form, downloadable from the Arrima platform, and attach it with other evidence.

Graduate research students receiving financial aid from their research director must include a letter confirming the annual amount of this assistance. It’s crucial to note that only bank statements from personal accounts are accepted as financial evidence, whereas business accounts and real estate are not accepted in the CAQ for studies application.

If you are a minor student, CAQ for studies requirements differ from those of minor study permits. You can find the specific requirements for CAQ applications for minors below. We also invite you to check the dedicated page for more information. For all rules related to minor students, visit the MIFI website.

Requirements for CAQ for studies applications for minors:

If you are 17 at the time of application or reach this age one month before your program starts.

If you turn 17 less than a month before starting your study program but are 17 upon arriving in Quebec.

If you haven’t turned 17 upon arriving in Quebec.

From January 1, 2023, a fee of $124 CAD is required for the CAQ application processing. Online payments can only be made using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card, in the applicant’s name or someone else willing to pay the fees.

Once the application is complete, the average processing time under normal circumstances is up to 20 working days from the day MIFI receives all forms and necessary documents. However, during the spring peak period (April to June), there might be exceptionally longer delays.

The content of this page is provided for informational purposes only and may change at any time without notice. It cannot substitute the content of the official site, which can be accessed at any time at https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec/temporary-selection-studies