Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ)

The Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate CAQ) is an essential provincial authorization required for applying for a study or work permit in Quebec. Every international student must mandatorily obtain a CAQ to authorise plans for a temporary stay which is longer than 6 months in Quebec. 

In the 2025 - 2026 academic year, Quebec plans to issue a maximum of 124,760 CAQs only, which is about 20% less compared to previous years. In this article we will delve into the complete details to Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ), from requirements to process and more needed for your immigration this year.

What is the CAQ?

The Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) stands as an obligatory immigration document for international students enrolling at McGill*. Issued by Immigration Quebec, this authorization is necessary for studying in Quebec and serves as a prerequisite for your study permit application.

• Initiate your CAQ application promptly upon receiving admission to McGill
• Regularly check your CAQ online portal for updates to your file after submission
• The standard CAQ processing time is typically 25 business days from the day Immigration Quebec acknowledges the receipt of your supporting documents on the online portal
• Be aware that processing times may vary.
• If more than 8 weeks have passed, consider reaching out to Immigration Quebec for a follow-up
• Avoid resubmitting supporting documents or initiating a new application

Important Note: Certain foreign nationals may be exempted from requiring a CAQ Quebec, such as those admitted to programs lasting less than 6 months.

Explore: Why does Quebec have Immigration Policies of Their Own?

Quebec CAQ Application Process in 2025 - 26

To get a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for your studies, you have to apply online on the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) website.

Once you apply and pay the fee, you'll get a CAQ personalized document checklist. This checklist will guide you on how to send your supporting documents to MIFI using the Arrima online system. It's a straightforward process to make sure you're all set for your studies in Québec.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application for Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

When applying for your Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), follow these easy steps:

A. Online Application and Fee Payment

• Complete your application online and pay the processing fee using your credit card

B. Access Your Admission Letter

• Retrieve your admission letter through the online application system. Remember, McGill doesn't send admissions decisions by mail.
• Save or print a copy of your letter, as it's the only version you'll get electronically.

C. Conditions on Your Admission Letter

• Your admission letter might have conditions related to class registration
• No need to wait to meet these conditions before applying for your immigration documents

D. Accompanying Persons:

• Immediate family members include de facto (common-law) spouse, child, spouse (married), mother and father with temporary residence in Canada (visitors, students, workers), refugees, persons without status, foreign diplomats and consular, permanent residents, or Canadian citizens.

E. Start and End Dates

• Indicate approximate dates for the duration of your entire degree or program of studies.
• For annual tuition fees, check the McGill Fee Calculator for Undergraduate and Graduate studies.

F. Financial Capacity Proof

• Depending on your current country of residence, you might need to provide proof of financial capacity.
• Specify who will pay for your living expenses and tuition. If you're a graduate student with a stipend, award, or grant, choose "Myself" as the responsible party.

Also Read: Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Step 2: Obtain Your Personalized Document Checklist

After finishing your online application and paying the processing fee, you'll get a personalized checklist. This checklist will tell you what supporting documents you need to send to Immigration Quebec. It also guides you on submitting these documents online through the Arrima system.

Usually, the supporting documents are these, however, it varies depending on your application

• A photocopy of the identity pages of your passport;
• A letter of admission from your educational institution in Québec
• Your proof of financial capacity

Step 3: Understanding Your Document Checklist and Following Next Steps

Once you receive the document list, here are some of the crucial information that you must follow for a smooth application process.

A. Declaration, Commitments, and Authorizations Form

• You'll get a form detailing your obligations as a student in Quebec
• Print, sign, and date the form by hand before uploading it as a PDF. Electronic signatures won't work

B. Save Copies

• Save copies of all checklist documents for your records
• You'll also use some of these for your study permit application

C. Financial Capacity Proof

• If your checklist needs proof of financial capacity, confirm you/your financial guardians can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the first year
• If a third party supports you, they need to complete and sign the Declaration of Financial Support letter. Print, sign, and date it by hand before uploading it as a PDF. No electronic signatures

D. Annual Financial Capacity

• The amount to demonstrate depends on family accompaniment
• For one person 18 or older, Immigration Quebec requires a minimum of $14,349 per year or around $1,200 per month

E. For Minors (Under 17)

• Additional documents are needed. If the custodian is the Associate Dean of Students, follow website instructions

F. Scanned Copies and Translations:

• Include scanned copies of the original documents listed on your checklist
• Any document not in English or French needs a certified translation

Step 4: Submit Documents Electronically via the Arrima Online System

• Log into the Arrima online system and create an account. The students can use the web form to get answers to any technical queries.
• Once your Arrima account is set up, click "Joindre des documents" to initiate the document upload process.
• Choose the document type from the drop-down menu and receive a confirmation pop-up after uploading.
• Click "Déposer" to submit documents to Immigration Quebec, and remember, this step is crucial for completing the application process.
• Don't forget that any additional documents can be combined into one PDF and uploaded in the "Autres types de documents" section. Ensure a smooth submission by hitting "Déposer" to avoid leaving your application pending.

Step 5: Receive Your CAQ Confirmation Letter

Immigration Quebec will send you a confirmation letter after a few days (25 Days approx) after uploading the documents. Here are the steps that you should follow upon receiving the letter

• CAQ Confirmation Letter
  • Immigration Quebec will send you a Letter of attestation of issuance of your CAQ for studies directly to your online file
  • This official document confirms your CAQ issuance; there's no hard copy sent by mail
• Study Permit Application
  • Include this confirmation letter when submitting your study permit application to Immigration Canada
• For U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
  • If applying at the Port of Entry (POE), print out your CAQ Confirmation Letter
  • Bring it with you when traveling to Canada

Also Read: What is Letter of introduction Canada: Everything About POE

CAQ for Temporary Foreign Workers in Quebec

For Quebec based employers looking to hire skilled foreign workers under the Temporary Work Permit, obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) is mandatory in addition to securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

The CAQ confirms that Quebec’s Ministere d’Immigration, de Francisation et d’Integration (MIFI) agrees with Service Canada’s evaluation that hiring a foreign worker will have either a neutral or positive impact on the province’s labour market.

In case the employment period is 30 days or less, a CAQ is not required and similarly individuals  in LMIA exempted roles are also not obliged to obtain a CAQ to work in Quebec

CAQ for Students in Quebec

Most of the international students planning their studies in Quebec must secure a CAQ before applying to the Canadian federal immigration authorities for a study permit. To apply, students first need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI Canada) listed colleges. 

A few of the applicants could qualify to be exempted from the CAQ requirement - either because they are exempted from needing a study permit or because their program qualifies for an exemption.

For example, individuals pursuing a study program of six months or less do not need a CAQ or a study permit. However, they would need to verify whether a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Secure Your Certificate of Acceptance Quebec CAQ With GetGIS Assistance

Obtaining the Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ) is the first and most necessary step for aspirants planning to study or work in Quebec and the document helps determine eligibility before federal permits are issued. 

With Quebec's recent updates to international students caps, timely application and accurate documentation are more important than ever. For personalised support in securing your CAQ and meeting all immigration formalities, consider seeking guidance from GetGIS, ensuring a hassle free journey to Quebec.

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