Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

The Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec, CAQ) is a mandatory requirement for most temporary workers and international students intending to reside in the province of Quebec.

The Quebec government issues the CAQ to foreign workers and international students who meet the province’s intake criteria. Approved candidates may then submit the CAQ to the Canadian government to apply for a work permit or study permit.

Overview

The Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is the Quebec acceptance certificate issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). It is mandatory for international students and temporary workers wishing to study or work in Quebec, Canada, for more than 6 months. It is the first step before applying to the Canadian federal government for a study or work permit.

For students, the CAQ requires a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Quebec, proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs, and documents such as a passport and photographs. Applications are submitted online through the Arrima platform, with an average processing time of 25 working days. The Quebec acceptance certificate is tied to a specific programme of study and institution, and requires the holder to study full time and comply with the stated conditions.

The CAQ does not apply to programmes of study of less than 6 months, to recognised refugees, or in certain other special cases. It is a tool that helps Quebec manage immigration and ensure that foreign nationals contribute positively to the province.

Temporary workers in Quebec

A Quebec employer recruiting a foreign skilled worker under thework permittemporary programme must obtain a CAQ in addition to holding anLabour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The CAQ certifies that Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) agrees with Service Canada’s assessment that hiring the foreign worker will have a neutral or positive effect on the local labour market. Jobs in Quebec lasting 30 days or less do not require this certificate.

Individuals whose work isexempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)do not need a CAQ to work in Quebec.

International students in Quebec

Most individuals intending tostudy in Quebecmust obtain a CAQ before applying to Canada’s federal immigration authority for astudy permit. To obtain a CAQ for a programme of study, prospective candidates must hold aLetter of Acceptance (LOA)from aDesignated Learning Institution (DLI).

Some individuals may be exempt from the CAQ requirement before applying for a study permit. Equally, an individual exempt from the study permit requirement may also be exempt from this certificate requirement.

Individuals intending to take a programme of study lasting 6 months or less need neither a CAQ nor a study permit. It is, however, worth checking whether aTemporary Resident Visa (TRV)is required to enter Canada as a visitor.

Find out more about the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) on the Government of Quebec website athere.