Immigration Procedures

To study in Québec you will need two documents:

  1. The provincial Ministry of Cultural Communities and Immigration of Québec (M.C.C.I.) will issue the Certificate of Acceptance/Certificat d'acceptation (C.A.Q.).
  2. The federal Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide the Study Permit/Permis de séjour.

You will need both of these to study at Bishop's University.

IMPORTANT:
Please take special note: Students who have been accepted to programs that will be completed in less than six months, have the option of studying without the CAQ and the Study Permit. However, should you want to seek on-campus employment during your studies, you should apply for the CAQ and the Study Permit. The reason for applying for these documents (normally not required for studies less than six months) should be clearly indicated on each of the applications).

 

Immigration Procedures (as soon as possible, or once you have received your official acceptance letter - this process can take several months).

If you are coming to Bishop’s on Exchange for two semesters or admitted to a degree program at the undergraduate or graduate level, you will need a CAQ & Study Permit.

Students coming on Exchange for one semester only (Fall or Winter) do not need a CAQ or Study Permit, as you will not exceed 6-months of study in Canada (semesters are four months in duration).

  1. Apply first for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate known as a CAQ from Immigration Quebec (on-line application is recommended);
    www.caq-studies.gouv.qc.ca;
    www.caq-etudes.gouv.qc.ca;
    www.caq-estudios.gouv.qc.ca.

    Once your application is approved, Immigration Quebec will notify the Canadian Visa Centre (Consulate or Embassy) nearest you. Please allow several weeks, possibly up to two months to complete this part of the process. Should you require any assistance or additional information concerning the Quebec Certificate of Acceptance, please call them directly at: 1 514 864 9231 (outside Quebec), within Quebec 1 514 864 9191 or consult the website:
    www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca

  2. Once you have your CAQ - Apply for a Study Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. US students with a CAQ can apply for a Study Permit at the border or airport when they travel to Canada: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp

Some embassies will send you the Study Permit application form and others will require you to pick them up. Because of these discrepancies, we encourage you to remain in close contact with the embassy handling your file so that you can obtain the proper forms as soon as possible.

There is a processing fee of $125 for the Study Permit. This document gives you permission to study at only one institution in Canada, and is normally valid for the period of your programme. Government regulations allow international students to work in Canada only on the University campus and with a valid Study Permit.

Please note: Prepare your financial documents - the bank statement you or your sponsor provide for your CAQ & Study Permit applications must show the minimum amount indicated in your Letter of Admission (i.e.$22,000 - tuition and living expenses for one year for degree program students).

Should you require any assistance or additional information concerning the Canadian Student Visa, please contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate nearest you outside Canada.