Study permits

Study permits

Temporary immigration for studies in Quebec is a shared jurisdiction between the federal (Canadian) government and the provincial government (of the Province of Quebec).

If you are planning to come to Canada for a short-term study program (6 months or less), you do not need a study permit or a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

If you are planning to come for a training course of more than 6 months, regardless of the level, you need:

• a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ);
• AND a study permit.

It is also important to choose an establishment that is recognized by a provincial or territorial government for hosting foreign students: a designated learning institution (DLI).

To obtain a study permit, you will have to complete 2 successive steps:  

• First: obtain a CAQ at the provincial level;
• Next, obtain a study permit – and possibly a visa, depending on your country of residence – at the federal level. This step may require medical examinations and providing biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

Watch this video from our partner, BB Immigration, an immigration law firm, which explains the steps to obtain a temporary study permit in Canada.