CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec)
A CAQ, or Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate), is a document from Quebec's immigration ministry that most international students, and some temporary foreign workers, need before they can get a federal study or work permit for Quebec.
How it works
- Students: you apply for a CAQ after being admitted to a Quebec school, then include it in your IRCC study permit application. Short programs may be exempt.
- Workers: for many jobs that need an LMIA in Quebec, the worker also needs a CAQ unless exempt.
The CAQ is part of Quebec's role in selecting temporary residents. It sits alongside the national study permit cap; in Quebec, the CAQ process covers the provincial attestation requirement (see PAL/TAL).
A CAQ is not a permit on its own; IRCC still decides the permit. For permanent immigration, Quebec issues a different document, the CSQ. See our Quebec page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CAQ to study in Quebec?
Yes, for most programs longer than 6 months.
Is a CAQ the same as a CSQ?
No. The CAQ is for temporary stays. The CSQ is for permanent immigration.
Do I apply for the CAQ or the study permit first?
The CAQ first, then the IRCC study permit.
Official sources
- Quebec: Immigrationquebec.ca
- IRCC: Study permitcanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.