How to Apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in 2026

Editorial review: August 2026. Immigration rules change frequently and vary depending on the profile. Use this guide to understand the process, but confirm forms, deadlines and eligibility on the official Canadian and Quebec portals before submitting an application.

What you need to know before choosing the province of Quebec to study

Attention! Due to ongoing changes to Canada's immigration policy (including major changes to international student limits and new PGWP rules for 2025/2026), always check the latest eligibility rules before closing your registration number.

Studying in Quebec has additional characteristics and steps compared to the rest of Canada:

1. Language: Quebec is the only province that is majority French-speaking. Although there are renowned universities and colleges that teach in English (such as McGill, Concordia and Bishop’s), knowing French is crucial for local integration and an essential requirement if you plan to immigrate permanently after your studies.
2. CAQ Process: In most cases, anyone who intends to study a program lasting more than six months in Quebec must first obtain the CAQ and then apply for a study permit from the federal government (IRCC). There are specific exceptions, so confirm your situation on the official pages.
3. Costs and Fees: The Quebec immigration process is independent, which means there are additional provincial processing fees to pay.
4. Planning Time: Due to the extra step of the CAQ, you should start your planning at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

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What is the Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) and what is it for?

The Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ) results from the Demande de sélection temporaire pour études analyzed by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI). When the CAQ is required, the attestation of issuance must accompany the federal study permit application; without the applicable document, IRCC may return the application without processing.

CAQ document template - Source: MIFI

Important details:

• As a rule, it is necessary to request a new CAQ when changing institutions or study levels. An important exception applies to CAQs issued before December 6, 2024 that are still valid, when the change occurs at the same level. Children in primary or secondary may also have specific rules.
• The validity of the document normally follows the period set out in your letter of acceptance (LOA), plus an extra margin of safety.

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Documents required to apply for a CAQ in 2026

To submit the CAQ request, you will need to fill out the electronic forms and prove the following requirements:

1. Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Issued by a Designated Educational Institution (DLI) in Quebec.
2. Valid Passport: The validity of which ideally covers the entire period of study.
3. Financial Capacity in 2026: While the basic CAQ screening form may omit bank proof for some countries in the provincial phase, you will need to present robust financial proof on the federal portal (IRCC). The minimum amounts required for basic annual subsistence in Canada in 2026 are:
   • 1 student: $24,617 CAD (excluding tuition and transportation costs).
   • 2 people: $34,814 CAD.
4. Payment of Registration Fee: The MIFI fee for analyzing the temporary selection request for studies in 2026 is $135 CAD (non-refundable).

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How to apply for a CAQ online, step by step

The request process is carried out 100% electronically and is divided into two main stages that use different portals:### Step 1: Filling and Payment on the MIFI Portal

1. Access the CAQ Request Portal.
2. Complete the personal information, contact details, institution details and study program sections (as per your LOA).
3. Indicate whether there will be companions.
4. Create your security questions and save your profile.
5. Make payment of $135 CAD via international credit card.
6. Download and sign the declaration (D-10-A) and keep the electronically generated Document Checklist sheet.

Step 2: Submission of Documents via ARRIMA Portal

Many candidates get confused because sending files is not done on the same portal as the initial filling.

1. Access the ARRIMA portal and create an account (if you don’t already have one).
2. In the services tab, choose the “Foreign Student” option (Dossier étudiant étranger).
3. Link your ARRIMA dossier to your CAQ request number (created in the previous portal).
4. Upload all required documents in PDF format (including signed declaration, copy of passport identification pages and institution acceptance letter).

Organization tip! If you need to send additional documents that do not have dedicated fields in the portal, combine them into a single PDF, arranged in a clear and logical order. Free tools such as ILovePDF can help.

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CAQ processing and issuance times

After all documents have been submitted, MIFI’s service commitment is to decide 80% of complete applications within 25 business days. As of July 17, 2026, the deadline given to the public was 29 business days, so leave a realistic margin in your planning.

Once approved, the CAQ confirmation letter is made available in digital format on your consultation portal. This PDF file is the document you must attach to your Federal Study Permit application on the IRCC portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions about CAQ

Do I need a CAQ for short-term courses?

If your study program has a total duration of less than 6 months, the CAQ and student visa are not required by federal law (you can study with visitor status). However, some institutions still require a visa.

Do my minor children need CAQ?

Dependent school-aged children accompanying their parents often need their own CAQ. There are exceptions depending on age, the place where the request is made and the status of the parents; in preschool, for example, the CAQ is not required. Whether public school is free also depends on the monthly fee exemption rules applicable to the family.

Does my spouse need CAQ?

If your spouse is coming on an open work permit (OWP) tied to his or her studies, he or she will need to complete the federal work visa steps, but the study CAQ does not apply to him or her.

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Keeping up with changes in Quebec’s immigration processes is essential for the success of your study project in Canada. We wish you success in your application!

Read also: New rules for international students in Canada and What do I need to study and work in Canada.

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See you in the next post! 😉