The Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)/Certificat d’acceptation du Québec is a mandatory document required by all international students planning to study in Québec for more than six months. This step is in addition to other Canadian study permit requirements and is mandatory for admission to any Québec educational institution.
Essential Application Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have access to:
- A computer and reliable internet connection.
- A valid email address.
- The letter of admission from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Québec.
- A printer or scanner (for personal records).
- A credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express).
How to Apply for a CAQ in 2026
- Create an Arrima Account: Start by registering on the Arrima platform. Ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
- Complete the Online Form: Access the MIFI portal to fill out the application for "Temporary Selection for Studies."
- Pay the Application Fee: As of January 1, 2026, the processing fee is CA$135. This must be paid online via credit card within one hour of submitting your form.
- Download Your Checklist: Within 48 hours of payment, a personalized document checklist will appear in your portal. This includes your CAQ File Number.
- Upload to Arrima: You have 15 business days from the date of payment to upload all required PDF documents to your Arrima account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As of January 1, 2026, Québec has significantly increased the minimum proof of funds. A single student (aged 18+) must now demonstrate CA$24,617 in available funds for living expenses, in addition to tuition and travel costs. For a family of two adults, the requirement is CA$34,814.
In Québec, your CAQ approval typically includes the attestation needed for your federal study permit. However, Master’s and Doctoral students at public institutions are now exempt from the national enrollment cap and do not require a PAL for their 2026 applications.
Standard processing for a complete CAQ application is 25 business days from the date MIFI confirms receipt of all digital documents on Arrima. Always apply at least 4–6 months before your program start date to account for both CAQ and federal study permit processing.
Applying to Programs in Québec with ApplyBoard
You can apply for programs in Québec through ApplyBoard, which streamlines the application process by guiding you step-by-step and ensuring all your documents are complete. ApplyBoard connects you to hundreds of partner institutions in Québec, providing easy access to a wide range of study programs.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Program Match?
Follow in the steps of 1.3M+ other students and trust ApplyBoard’s team of experts to guide your way.