Changes for study permits in Quebec

With few exceptions, all applicants for study permits destined for Quebec must present an attestation de délivrance of the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francophonie et de l'Intégration (MIFI).

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According to a press release on the attestation de délivrance du Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), as of March 15, 2023, MIFI will no longer issue this certificate in paper format to clients whose application for temporary selection for studies has been accepted. MIFI now issues an attestation de délivrance de un CAQ (letter 715) for English-speaking students and an attestation de délivrance de un CAQ (letter 315) for French-speaking students in its online file, replacing the confirmation letter. In this official link, you can read the End of the physical copies of the CAQ for studies.

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A CAQ delivery certificate may be issued for a maximum of 49 months based on the length of the program of study. Officers should continue to accept paper CAQs and 705, 733, 300 and 310 confirmation letters issued prior to March 15, 2023, as they remain valid until their expiration date.

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MIFI transmits lists of CAQ attestation de délivrance letters to IRCC headquarters for redistribution to various service points, including the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton (CPC-E) and visa offices. The CAQ list can be used for verification purposes, when necessary.

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Who is exempt from applying for a CWC?

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Persons with the following cases do not need to present a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ):

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• If you are a foreigner authorized to study without a study permit.
• If you are a foreigner assigned to Quebec and wish to enroll in a program or course of six months or less.
• If you are a recipient of a Commonwealth Scholarship or a full scholarship (covering all expenses) from Global Affairs Canada (the Canadian International Development Agency), including the Francophonie Scholarships.
• If you are participating in a Canadian aid program for developing countries.
• If the spouse and children are dependents of diplomats, consular officials or international representatives who are in Quebec.
• If you are under 18 years of age.
• Preschool children (4 to 5 years old).
• Children of elementary or secondary school age already located in Quebec, accompanied by a parent who has a work or study permit. This also applies to the renewal of their study permits.
• Children of elementary or secondary school age already located in Quebec and travelling alone. This also applies to the renewal of their study permits.
• A minor claiming asylum or recognized as a refugee or person in need of protection in Canada, or the child of an asylum seeker or recognized refugee or person in need of protection in Canada.
• Holders of a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (Quebec Selection Certificate ) valid if their application for permanent residence is processed in Canada, in particular persons recognized as refugees, persons belonging to the category of spouses in Canada and persons authorized by the IRCC to have their application processed in Canada for humanitarian reasons.

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Note: A minor accompanied by a parent who has a visitor registration and is not authorized to work or study requires a CAQ and a study permit for Canada. 

In the following official link, you can find more information about requirements and exemptions.

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The CAQ and minors destined for the province of Quebec who apply from outside Canada.

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In Quebec, the age of majority is 18 years, therefore, any person who has not reached the age of majority upon arrival in Canada is considered a "minor" and the law applies equally. As such, minors who intend to study in Quebec must obtain a CAQ and a study permit before entering Canada. This does not apply to preschool children.

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On the other hand, minors of a foreigner whose application for a work permit or study permit has been approved in writing do not have to provide a letter of acceptance.

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Evaluation of available resources

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Students destined for Quebec must provide supporting documents proving that they have sufficient funds to cover all costs related to their studies in Canada, for example:

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

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If a third party is paying the student's expenses (e.g., parents), they must submit an affidavit of assumption of the student's expenses.

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Semester deferral and CAQ requirements

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As of November 11, 2022, the MIFI no longer requires students to obtain a new CAQ when they postpone the start of their program of study to the next semester as scheduled in the school calendar; however, if students must postpone the start of their program of study for more than one semester, they must submit a new CAQ application.

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If students change their level of study, they must also obtain a new CAQ. These situations apply to students both outside and inside Canada.

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For more information, please refer to the MIFI Immigration Procedures note (NPI 2022-06) (PDF, 110 KB).

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How long is the recommended duration of a study leave?

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The duration of a study permit for students bound for Québec must coincide with the duration of the attestation de délivrance of the CAQ letter, which may have a maximum validity of 49 months and according to the validity of their passports. If the duration of the study permit is shorter than the attestation de délivrance of the CAQ letter, officers must provide reasons for this in the "Remarks" section of the permit. Read our blog on Quebec's Immigration Plan for 2024 and 2025.

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We hope you found this article useful. If you need to process an affidavit/affidavit, request a consultation with an Immiland CICC regulated consultant or learn about our services, you can click on Immilandcanada.com and we will be happy to assist you. 

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With love,

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Immiland

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