Temporary immigration for studies is a competence (jurisdiction) shared between two levels of government: the Government of Canada (federal) and the Gouvernement du Québec (provincial).
As such, the immigration application takes place at two successive levels:
- First, in Quebec, with a favourable temporary selection decision issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) leading to the issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ);
- Next, a study permit and a visa (if applicable) are obtained from the Government of Canada (with medical exams if necessary and the collection of biometric data).
If you want to pursue your studies in Québec or register in a program of over 6 months, you must follow several steps in order to obtain the necessary authorizations to study.
Note: If you plan to pursue short-term studies (program of study of 6 months or less) in Canada, you will not need to obtain a study permit and, consequently, you will not need to obtain a CAQ for your studies.