Quebec Acceptance Certificate
CAQ
A certificate required by international students before they can study in the province of Quebec.
What is a CAQ?
The Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d'Acceptation du Quebec, or CAQ) is a document issued by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) that international students must obtain before they can study in Quebec. It is required in addition to a federal study permit.
Why It Matters for Newcomers
If you plan to study at a school in Quebec, you need both a CAQ and a federal study permit. The CAQ must be obtained first, as you will need to include it with your study permit application to IRCC. Without a CAQ, your study permit application for a Quebec institution will be refused.
How to Apply
You apply online through the MIFI website after receiving an acceptance letter from a Quebec DLI. The application requires proof of acceptance, proof of financial resources, and a valid passport. Processing times are typically a few weeks.
Quick Tip
Apply for your CAQ as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from a Quebec school. Processing the CAQ first and then the study permit adds extra time to your overall application timeline, so starting early ensures you receive both documents before your program begins.