Studying in Quebec: CAQ Requirements and What You Need to Know

What Is the CAQ?

The CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec) is a provincial authorization document issued by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) — Quebec's immigration ministry. It confirms that Quebec accepts your enrollment at a designated Quebec educational institution.

Quebec controls its own immigration under the Canada-Quebec Accord (1991), which gives the province authority over the selection of immigrants and students arriving in Quebec. This is why the CAQ exists as a separate step that is not required in any other province.

The Two-Step Process for Quebec Students

To study in Quebec as an international student, you need two documents:

1. CAQ (from Quebec's MIFI)
2. Study Permit (from Canada's IRCC — federal government)

You must obtain the CAQ first. You include your CAQ confirmation in your federal study permit application.

Application order: ``` Step 1: Accept your admission offer from a Quebec school Step 2: Apply for your CAQ through MIFI's online portal (Arrima) Step 3: Receive your CAQ (approximately 20 business days) Step 4: Apply for your federal study permit from IRCC Step 5: Enter Canada and begin your studies ```

Who Needs a CAQ?

You need a CAQ if:

• You are an international student (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
• You plan to study at a Quebec educational institution
• Your program is more than 6 months long (programs 6 months or less only need a study permit, not a CAQ)

Exemptions from the CAQ requirement:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Diplomats and their dependants
• Exchange students coming through certain recognized programs
• Students in programs of 6 months or less (CAQ not required, but study permit may still be needed depending on nationality)

CAQ Application: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

You will need:

• Valid passport (valid beyond your intended study period)
• Letter of acceptance from a Quebec Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of financial capacity (see financial requirements below)
• Proof of health insurance (see below)
• Passport-style photo(s)
• Application fee payment

Step 2: Apply Online Through Arrima

MIFI processes CAQ applications through its online portal: arrima.immigration.quebec.ca

Create an account, complete the CAQ application form, upload your documents, and pay the fee.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

CAQ fee: $126 CAD (as of 2025)

Payment is made online by credit card. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Standard processing: approximately 20 business days (4 calendar weeks) from receipt of a complete application.

Processing times fluctuate — check current processing times at immigration.quebec.ca before applying.

Step 5: Receive Your CAQ

You receive your CAQ by email. Print it and include it with your federal study permit application.

Financial Requirements for the CAQ

MIFI requires proof that you can support yourself financially during your studies in Quebec. The amounts are generally aligned with IRCC's study permit proof of funds requirements.

Minimum funds required (2025):

• Living expenses: $20,635/year (aligned with IRCC's January 2024 update)
• Tuition: Your actual first-year tuition as shown on your acceptance letter
• Return transportation: Estimated $2,000+

Acceptable proof: official bank statements (4–6 months), sponsorship letter with sponsor's financial documents, scholarship confirmation letter, or a Student GIC from an IRCC-designated bank.

Health Insurance Requirement for the CAQ

MIFI requires that international students in Quebec have health and accident insurance throughout their studies. This is a firm requirement — you must have a valid insurance policy before your CAQ is approved and maintain it throughout your enrollment.

Why health insurance is mandatory for Quebec: Unlike Ontario, BC, and Alberta, international students on study permits in Quebec are not covered by RAMQ (the Quebec provincial health plan). You must therefore have private insurance.

Accepted Health Insurance Options

Option 1: Student plan through your Quebec institution Most Quebec universities and colleges include a mandatory health insurance plan in student fees:

• McGill: SSMU Student Health Insurance Plan (~$800–$1,000/year)
• Concordia: CSU Health and Dental Plan (~$750–$900/year)
• Université de Montréal: FAÉCUM plan
• UQAM: CASE plan

These institutional plans are specifically designed to meet MIFI requirements. Most students simply use their school's plan — it is automatically included in tuition fees.

Option 2: Private insurance If you are attending a smaller institution that does not provide a mandatory plan, or if you prefer external coverage, private options include:

• Desjardins Group
• Croix Bleue (Blue Cross Quebec)
• Industrial Alliance
• Manulife

Your policy must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, with coverage in effect from the date of arrival in Quebec.

What Makes Quebec Different for International Students

Language

Quebec's official language is French. Bill 101 (the Charter of the French Language) requires that services be available in French and that businesses with 50+ employees operate primarily in French. At English-language institutions (McGill, Concordia, Bishop's), instruction is in English — but daily life in Quebec requires at least basic French.

For immigration purposes: French language skills significantly improve your chances if you later wish to apply for Quebec permanent residence through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

Quebec Immigration Stream

If you want to stay in Canada after graduating and studied in Quebec, your path to permanent residence runs through Quebec's own immigration system (QSWP or other Quebec streams) rather than Federal Express Entry — unless you specifically choose a federal pathway. Graduating from a Quebec institution and having French language skills are significant advantages under the Quebec system.

Tuition

International students pay higher tuition than domestic students everywhere in Canada. However, Quebec distinguishes between:

• French-speaking international students (from Francophone countries): eligible for tuition exemptions that bring fees much closer to domestic rates at francophone institutions
• English-speaking international students: standard international rates apply

McGill and Concordia are English-language institutions with international-rate tuition for all international students regardless of language background.

Social Benefits

Quebec offers its subsidized $10–$15/day childcare (CPE) to all Quebec residents, including international students with children. This can be a significant financial benefit for families.