The CAQ for studies. The Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for studies — Quebec's Acceptance Certificate — is the provincial authorization you need to study in Quebec. The application is provincial: you file it with Quebec's immigration ministry, not with the federal government. It is done entirely online, and the Government of Quebec describes every step on its official page.
An online form, with no save. To apply for the CAQ for studies, you fill out the online application for temporary selection for studies. Before you start, you create an account on Quebec's Arrima platform. The form cannot be saved: you must complete it in a single sitting. After submitting, you have one hour to pay the fees, or the application is not considered submitted. You then receive your file number within 48 hours, and you have 15 days to submit the required documents.
The fee: $135. Reviewing your application costs $135 as of January 1, 2026. The amount is adjusted every January 1, is paid by credit card, and is not refundable, except if your application is deemed ineligible.
Processing time. The ministry commits to a decision within 25 business days for 80% of complete applications. As of July 17, 2026, the actual stated time is 29 business days for 80% of applications. The clock starts only once all required documents have been received.
Caps per institution. Since February 26, 2025, Quebec caps CAQ-for-studies applications: each educational institution has a maximum number of applications accepted per year, from December 17, 2025 to December 16, 2027. If your institution's cap is reached, you cannot apply, unless you qualify for an exemption — for example, to continue the same program at the same institution, or as a dependent child of a foreign worker or student, per the Government of Quebec.
One letter, two uses. If your application is accepted, you receive an attestation letter confirming the CAQ in your online file. The letter proves your CAQ, but it also serves as the provincial attestation letter (PAL) for your federal study permit application. One letter for two governments.
Proof of funds. You must show you can pay for your stay. For applications submitted from January 1, 2026, you need at least $24,617 for a single person, to cover one year of essential needs (housing, food, transport, insurance), per the official cost-of-studies page. For a household of two, the amount rises to $34,814. Tuition and travel costs come on top.
Good to know for newcomers. As soon as you get your admission letter, start the CAQ application: the form is completed in one sitting, payment is due within the hour, and documents must be uploaded within 15 days. Keep your online file up to date, since the ministry posts its communications there. For the full picture, our guide to the CAQ and study permit in Quebec walks through every step, from admission to arrival.
