Note: Policy content as of September 12, 2025. For current instructions, see the official IRCC source.

This summary references the procedures, requirements, and operational guidance from the IRCC for students applying to study in Quebec.

CAQ Requirement and Issuance Attestation

Section 216(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provides that an officer must not issue a study permit to a foreign national who intends to study in Quebec unless they hold a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), unless exempted by the laws of Quebec.

Except for rare exemptions, study permit applicants for Quebec must submit an attestation of issuance of a CAQ, which is issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) and may be valid for a maximum of 49 months.

The attestation of issuance is received electronically after approval by MIFI. MIFI transmits lists of these to IRCC headquarters and overseas processing offices for verification. The document number and expiry date from the attestation must be entered in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). The CAQ is distinct from the provincial attestation letter (PAL).

CAQ Application and Processing

Applicants must apply directly to MIFI for a CAQ. When their application is approved, they will receive an electronic attestation. This attestation is mandatory for submitting a study permit application to IRCC, unless the applicant qualifies for a CAQ exemption.

Details of the issuance must be checked against the GCMS for verification.

Information on the MIFI process is available at Quebec authorizations.

Exemptions to the CAQ Requirement

Exemptions are provided in section 20 of the Québec Immigration Regulation and are explicitly listed by IRCC:

• Foreign nationals studying under a federal assistance program for developing countries.
• Foreign nationals authorized to study without a study permit.
• A foreign national eligible to apply on entry, without a CAQ, for a period not exceeding six weeks.
• Foreign nationals studying in a program of six months or less.
• Minor children of preschool age (4–5) or at primary/secondary level accompanied by a parent with a work or study permit or a temporary stay for medical treatment.
• Minor children who are asylum seekers, recognized refugees or protected persons, or children of such individuals.
• Recognized refugees or protected persons in Canada.
• Foreign nationals whose spouse or common-law partner has applied to sponsor them.
• Foreign nationals with a temporary residence permit (TRP) issued with a view to obtaining permanent residence.
• Foreign nationals holding a valid work permit (or work authorization while awaiting extension), where the associated application was received by IRCC on or before June 7, 2023.

Minor children accompanied by a parent with only a visitor record require both a CAQ and a study permit to study in Canada. If a minor does not have a study permit, they must hold a valid visitor record for their stay.

For full details, see the exemptions section.

Minors Applying from Outside Canada

The age of majority in Quebec is 18. Minors below this age must obtain a CAQ and a study permit prior to entry unless an exemption applies. Minor children whose parent is approved for a work or study permit in writing are not required to supply a letter of acceptance, PAL, or TAL, but may still need a CAQ.

CAQ Renewals

Students must apply for a new CAQ if they need to extend studies beyond its validity, change their level of study, or change institutions. Exceptions apply for those holding a valid CAQ (issued before December 6, 2025) and changing institutions at the same level of study, and for minors at primary or secondary level unless the CAQ is institution-specific.

More renewal details are at Quebec CAQ renewals.

Verifying Financial Resources

Applicants for study permits in Quebec must submit documentation showing sufficient funds to cover:

• Tuition and education expenses
• Living expenses
• Travel costs (e.g., round-trip ticket)
• Medical and hospitalization insurance
• Settlement costs for the first year

If expenses are covered by a third party, a sworn statement confirming financial support is required.

Permit Duration

The length of the study permit should align with the CAQ’s validity (up to a 49-month maximum), as well as with the applicant’s passport validity.

Resources

For full, current, and official policy and procedures, refer directly to the Government of Canada’s Quebec Study Permits Guidance.

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