Study Permit for Quebec: CAQ and Study Permit Requirements
International students planning to study in Quebec usually need authorization from both the Quebec and federal governments. For most long-term studies, the process begins with admission to a Quebec educational institution, followed by a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies and then a federal study permit application.
What Do You Need to Study in Quebec?
Quebec has an additional provincial authorization process for international students. For studies lasting more than six months, the Government of Quebec states that a foreign student generally needs both a Quebec Acceptance Certificate for studies and a study permit issued by the Government of Canada.
The usual sequence is:
- obtain admission to an eligible educational institution in Quebec;
- apply to Quebec for temporary selection for studies and obtain the CAQ;
- use the attestation confirming issuance of the CAQ in the federal study permit application; and
- obtain any other immigration or travel documents required for entering and studying in Canada.
A CAQ and a study permit are not the same document. The CAQ is issued through the Quebec immigration system, while the study permit is issued by the federal government through IRCC.
For the federal study permit framework, see Study Permit Canada: Complete Guide .
What Is a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)?
The Certificat d'acceptation du Québec, commonly called a CAQ, is the Quebec authorization used for temporary selection of many foreign nationals who want to study in the province.
To obtain a CAQ for studies, the applicant submits an online application for temporary selection for studies to Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration, commonly known as MIFI.
If the application is approved, the applicant receives a letter confirming that a CAQ for studies has been issued. That attestation is then used for the federal study permit application.
What Is the Difference Between a CAQ and a Study Permit?
| Document | Issued by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CAQ for studies | Government of Quebec | Quebec temporary selection authorization for studies. |
| Study permit | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | Federal authorization to study in Canada, subject to applicable conditions. |
| TRV or eTA | Government of Canada | Travel authorization where required; these are separate from the study permit. |
Receiving a CAQ does not guarantee approval of the federal study permit. IRCC must still assess the study permit application under federal immigration law.
Similarly, a letter of acceptance from a Quebec school does not replace the CAQ where a CAQ is required.
Does the Quebec CAQ Replace a PAL or TAL?
For Quebec study permit applications, the attestation confirming issuance of the CAQ serves as Quebec's provincial attestation for the federal study permit process.
IRCC currently states that a person who wants to study in Quebec needs an attestation of issuance of the CAQ rather than a separate PAL or TAL.
The CAQ attestation used for the federal allocation requirement must contain the required wording confirming that the applicant has a place in Quebec's share of study permit applications or is exempt from that allocation.
A federal PAL/TAL exemption does not automatically create a CAQ exemption. IRCC states that most students who are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement but want to study in Quebec still need a CAQ, unless a specific CAQ exemption applies.
For more on the federal attestation system, see PAL/TAL for Canada Study Permits .
Who Needs a CAQ to Study in Quebec?
Most foreign nationals planning to study in Quebec for more than six months need a CAQ for studies before applying for the federal study permit.
Quebec's requirements apply separately from the federal study permit rules. Applicants should therefore determine both:
- whether Quebec requires a CAQ for the proposed studies; and
- whether federal immigration law requires a study permit.
The answer can differ for short-term studies, minor children, certain workers and other exempt groups.
Who May Be Exempt From the CAQ Requirement?
Quebec recognizes specific situations in which a foreign national does not need a CAQ for studies.
Exemptions depend on the person's status, program, duration of studies and other circumstances. Applicants should confirm the current Quebec exemption that applies rather than assuming that a federal exemption also applies provincially.
One common example is qualifying short-term study. Quebec states that a CAQ is generally required for studies lasting more than six months, while separate rules apply to shorter periods.
There are also temporary measures. As of September 4, 2026, eligible work permit holders studying in Quebec under the current federal temporary public policy may complete qualifying studies of six months or less without a study permit and without a CAQ.
See Studying in Canada Without a Study Permit for the broader federal exemptions.
How Do You Apply for a CAQ for Studies?
The CAQ process begins after admission to the Quebec educational institution.
The general process is:
- obtain the required letter of admission from the Quebec institution;
- submit the online application for temporary selection for studies;
- pay the required Quebec processing fee;
- submit the required supporting documents through the applicable Quebec process;
- monitor the online file for messages or requests from MIFI; and
- if approved, obtain the attestation confirming issuance of the CAQ.
The CAQ attestation is then used to proceed with the federal study permit application.
What Documents Are Needed for a Quebec CAQ?
The exact documents depend on the applicant and the type of studies. Quebec currently instructs applicants to have key information available when preparing the online application.
This can include:
- passport information;
- the admission letter from the Quebec educational institution;
- tuition fee information;
- information about the person responsible for study-related expenses, where applicable;
- a previous CAQ for studies, where applicable;
- representative information, if a representative is used; and
- supporting evidence for an exemption from Quebec's application-management limits, where applicable.
The federal study permit application has its own documentary requirements. See Study Permit Documents Checklist .
How Much Does a Quebec CAQ Cost and How Long Does It Take?
For applications in 2026, Quebec lists the processing fee for an international student's temporary selection application for studies as $135.
Quebec states that these fees are adjusted on January 1 each year, so applicants should verify the current amount before applying.
The Quebec government currently states that a decision is rendered within 25 business days in 80% of complete applications.
The processing period begins when MIFI has received the complete application, required documents and payment. An incomplete or non-compliant application may take longer.
The CAQ processing time is separate from IRCC's study permit processing time. Students should allow time for both the Quebec and federal stages.
Does Quebec Limit International Student Applications?
Yes. Quebec currently operates application management rules within its International Student Program.
For the period from December 17, 2025 to December 16, 2027, Quebec has established a maximum number of temporary selection applications for studies that may be received for individual educational institutions, school service centres or school boards during each applicable one-year period.
These management rules apply to:
- vocational studies;
- college studies; and
- university studies.
If an institution has reached its applicable limit, a new application may not be receivable unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption and submits the required supporting evidence.
Admission to a school does not by itself confirm that a CAQ application can be submitted under Quebec's current application-management rules. Check the current status and applicable exemptions for the institution before submitting the temporary selection application.
How Do You Apply for the Federal Study Permit After the CAQ?
After receiving the CAQ attestation, the student can proceed with the federal study permit application to IRCC.
The federal application normally requires the applicant to establish the general study permit requirements, including the applicable letter of acceptance, Quebec documentation, proof of identity and other supporting evidence required for the case.
IRCC assesses the federal application independently. A CAQ approval therefore does not guarantee that a study permit will be issued.
For the federal application process, see How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada .
Do You Need a New CAQ When Extending a Study Permit?
Students continuing their studies in Quebec need to consider both the validity of the CAQ and the federal study permit.
IRCC's current guidance states that a student studying or intending to study in Quebec must obtain an attestation of issuance of the CAQ for both an initial study permit application and, where required, a study permit renewal.
Students should begin reviewing the renewal requirements before their existing authorizations expire because the Quebec and federal applications are separate stages.
See Study Permit Extension in Canada for the federal extension rules.
What Happens to the CAQ If You Change Schools?
A change of educational institution can affect both Quebec and federal study authorization requirements.
IRCC currently allows a valid CAQ to be reused for another study permit application in some circumstances, but the rules depend on factors such as when the CAQ was issued, whether the student is changing levels of study and whether the CAQ is linked to a particular school.
Separately, the federal rules for changing post-secondary DLIs now generally require a student to obtain a new study permit naming the new institution, subject to limited exceptions.
Students changing institutions should therefore review both Quebec's CAQ requirements and IRCC's DLI-change rules before transferring.
Can International Students Work While Studying in Quebec?
Holding a CAQ does not by itself authorize a foreign national to work in Canada.
Work authorization is governed primarily by federal immigration rules and the conditions applicable to the student's study permit.
An eligible study permit holder may be authorized to work on or off campus without a separate work permit if the applicable federal requirements are met.
A student should confirm work eligibility before beginning employment rather than relying on the CAQ or school enrolment alone.
Quebec Study Permit and CAQ FAQs
Do I need both a CAQ and a study permit to study in Quebec?
For most foreign nationals studying in Quebec for more than six months, yes. The CAQ is the Quebec authorization and the study permit is the federal authorization. Specific exemptions may apply.
Is a CAQ the same as a study permit?
No. They are issued by different governments and serve different purposes. A CAQ does not replace the federal study permit where a study permit is required.
Do Quebec students need a separate PAL or TAL?
Generally, no separate PAL or TAL is used. The attestation confirming issuance of the Quebec CAQ serves this function for the federal study permit process.
If I am exempt from PAL/TAL, am I also exempt from a CAQ?
Not necessarily. IRCC states that most students who do not need a PAL or TAL but want to study in Quebec still need a CAQ, unless a specific CAQ exemption applies.
Do master's and doctoral students in Quebec still need a CAQ?
The federal PAL/TAL exemption that began on January 1, 2026 for eligible degree-granting master's and doctoral programs at public DLIs does not automatically remove Quebec's provincial requirements. Eligible graduate students studying in Quebec must still check and meet the applicable Quebec requirements.
How much is the CAQ application fee in 2026?
Quebec currently lists the 2026 processing fee for an international student's temporary selection application for studies as $135. The fee is adjusted annually, so the current amount should be checked before applying.
How long does Quebec take to process a CAQ?
Quebec currently states that 80% of complete applications receive a decision within 25 business days. This is separate from the federal study permit processing time.
Can my CAQ application be affected by a school application limit?
Yes. Quebec currently has institution-level application management rules for vocational, college and university studies. If the applicable limit has been reached, an application may not be receivable unless an exemption applies.
Does receiving a CAQ guarantee my study permit?
No. IRCC independently assesses the federal study permit application. A CAQ approval does not guarantee study permit approval.
Can I study in Quebec for six months or less without a CAQ?
Short-term studies may be exempt from the CAQ and study permit requirements when the applicable conditions are met. The student's complete study plan and immigration status should be reviewed before relying on an exemption.
Quebec study authorization involves both provincial and federal requirements. Application limits, exemptions, fees and documentary requirements can change. Confirm the current Quebec and IRCC rules before submitting an application.