All the information on this website is taken from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website (IRCC) as well as the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration du Québec (MIFI); in case of discrepancies, the IRCC and MIFI websites prevail. The information contained on this website does not constitute a legal opinion and is not binding on Bishop’s University.

Passport

All students will need a valid passport in order to enter Canada. You must also have a valid passport in order to apply for your CAQ. We recommend that your passport be valid for the duration of your program of study, as your Canadian study permit (and visa if applicable) cannot extend past the expiration date of your passport.

Apply for your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Studies

The majority of students studying in Quebec in a program longer than 6 months in duration will need a CAQ. Please see the MIFI website for exceptions. Required authorizations | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

The CAQ is issued based on the duration of your program and the cycle of study, and as of December 6, 2024, is institution-specific. Undergraduate programs are considered 1st cycle, and master’s degree programs are considered 2nd cycle. Usually, the CAQ will be issued with an additional 90-day validity at the end of your program; this additional validity is meant to facilitate the transition after your studies and not intended for study.

As soon as you receive your offer of admission and have confirmed your decision to attend Bishop’s, you should apply for your CAQ. It is not necessary to have accepted your offer of admission at Bishop’s to start this process, however please note that CAQs issued after December 6, 2024 are linked to a particular institution. The application process is entirely online and completed in two steps. The first step is to apply for the CAQ on the MIFI website and pay the associated fees on the Arrima platform. Go to https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec/obtaining-authorizations and then select “Applying for temporary selection for studies” and submit an application.

Be prepared to answer a series of questions about your program of study including program duration, beginning and end dates, and cycle of study. In order to help you fill out the application, you will need to have in hand your passport, your letter of admission from Bishop’s University, and the name and address of the person who will support you financially. You will also have to pay the processing fees of $132 CAD (fees are valid as of January 1, 2025, and subject to change each year).

New! As of February 26, 2025, the Quebec government has placed an annual limit on the number of CAQ applications per institution. You will be asked as part of your application whether you are exempt from the application management rules. Please see the MIFI website for the table of exemptions. If you meet an exemption, you must provide proof when submitting your documents on the Arrima platform. Take note that programs offered at Bishop’s University are not considered vocational training and do not merit an exemption from the management rules. Applying for temporary selection for studies | Gouvernement du Québec

A Declaration, Commitments and Authorizations form, personalized checklist, and support documents form will be generated. You will have to print these forms, sign them by hand and gather the required documents. Please make sure to carefully read the declaration you are signing and understand the conditions associated with the CAQ. Attention: you will receive an intent to refuse from the MIFI if you do not sign the declaration by hand.

The second step is to upload all your supporting documents on the Arrima platform. Click on this link to access the ARRIMA portal and create your account.

To help you, do not hesitate to refer to the ARRIMA tutorial (the tutorial is in French). When asked about your admission letter from Bishop’s University, please make sure to include the full 3-page letter and the table with your information on it.

If you are a minor under 17 years old, your parents will have to name a custodian who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and who lives nearby Bishop’s, and extra forms will be required. Please note that the university is not able to fulfill the role of custodian.

Depending on your place of residence, your financial capacity to study in Canada will either be evaluated by the Quebec government (CAQ) or the Canadian government (study permit). Applying for temporary selection for studies | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca). You will find detailed information about the documents to provide to demonstrate your financial capacity on the MIFI website, as well as cost of living in Quebec for the year. Costs of studies and living | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

Your application will only be reviewed after you have submitted all supporting documents on the ARRIMA portal. Be careful: once you have submitted your documents on the portal, you cannot go back to modify them unless you receive an intent to refuse letter from the MIFI. The MIFI issues an intent to refuse letter when an application is considered incomplete or if the agent analyzing your file needs more information in order to make a decision. In such a case, you will be given a set timeframe in which to send in more documentation.

Processing times for the CAQ can be checked on the MIFI website.

As of March 15, 2023, the Attestation de délivrance de votre Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) pour études is only issued online in PDF format and this is the document that must be submitted with your study permit application. Remember that a valid CAQ is required for a study permit application for institutions in Quebec.

IMPORTANT – new requirement as of January 22, 2024

On January 22, 2024, the Canadian government announced a new requirement for study permit applications. Unless exempted, study permit applications submitted as of this date must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) issued by their province of destination. As stated on the Quebec provincial government website, “since February 13, 2024, the MIFI has been issuing an updated letter attesting to the issuance of the Quebec Acceptance Certificate for studies. This letter enables candidates to apply for a study permit in accordance with the federal government’s instructions released on January 22, 2024.” Study permit: Get the right documents – Canada.ca

Applying for temporary selection for studies | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

Apply for your Study Permit from the Canadian Government

The Study Permit is a mandatory immigration document for the vast majority of temporary residents who study in Canada for more than 6 months. The Study Permit must be valid for the duration of your studies. It can be renewed from within Canada if it will expire before you have completed your program.

Your Study Permit’s validity cannot extend past that of your passport; you should thus ensure that you have a valid passport for the duration of your studies prior to applying for your Study Permit.

Since you will be studying in Quebec, you must submit a valid CAQ with your study permit application. Please note that as of December 31, 2021, the proof of having applied for a CAQ is no longer accepted.

IMPORTANT – new requirement as of January 22, 2024

As noted above, on January 22, 2024, the Canadian government announced a new requirement for study permit applications. Unless exempted, study permit applications submitted as of this date must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) issued by their province of destination. Applications submitted without the additional attestation letter will not be processed and will be returned to applicants. Since February 13, 2024, the MIFI has been issuing an updated Quebec Acceptance Certificate in accordance with the federal government’s instructions. As stated on the IRCC website, “for your CAQ to act as your provincial attestation letter, it needs to include the following line: This attestation letter confirms that the application has a place in Quebec’s share of the distribution of study permit applications or is exempt from it.” The list of persons who are exempt from the PAL requirement is posted on the IRCC website. It is your responsibility to check the IRCC website to verify if you are exempt at the time of application, as you will need to indicate this as part of your study permit application and provide evidence. Study permit: Get the right documents – Canada.ca

Processing times for a study permit can vary greatly depending on the country from which the application is made. Check average processing times on the IRCC website.

As part of your study permit application, you will answer a series of questions that will determine the documents that you have to provide as part of your application. Please pay particular attention to how you answer these questions to make sure you are directed to the appropriate forms. We highly recommend that you read the instructions that are specific to the region from which you are applying, as the documents that you need to include with your application may vary (ex: police certificate, proof of fluency in English, explanation letter or study plan).

The designated learning institution number for Bishop’s University is: O19359010995

Before your application will be processed, you must provide your biometrics. You will likely see the $85 fee for biometrics as part of your study permit application. U.S. citizens are exempt from providing their biometrics.

Finally, depending on your situation, you may need to pass an immigration medical exam (IME) as part of your application. All international students admitted to the Bachelor in Education program must complete an immigration medical exam in order to be authorized to work in elementary and secondary school settings. You can choose to do the medical exam ahead of time, or wait until you receive instructions after having submitted your online application. You must make an appointment with a physician authorized to conduct the medical exam by IRCC. The results of your medical exam will be sent directly to IRCC by the physician and are valid for 1 year (to be taken into consideration if you have to defer your admission).

The Student Direct Stream program, which promised rapid processing times for study permit applications for residents of certain countries, closed on November 8, 2024.

Student Direct Stream: About the process – Canada.ca

Applying online

Step 1:
Check if you are eligible to apply for your Study Permit online by filling out the “Check your eligibility to apply” questionnaire on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Step 2:
Print your “Document Checklist” and take note of your personal reference code (found on the first line) as you will need it to start your online application. Don’t forget to read your application guide to have all the instructions to fill your forms and the local visa office instructions guide that may apply.

Step 3:
Log onto your MyCIC account (register for an account if you don’t have one already).

Step 4:
Complete the “Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” PDF form (included in the “Document Checklist”).

Step 5:
Collect all of the supporting documents listed on your personalized “Document Checklist”.

Step 6:
Pay the required fees with a credit card ($150 CAD plus $85 CAD for biometrics if applicable).

Step 7:
Wait to receive your Study Permit Letter of Introduction, which will be issued through your MyCIC account. Print this letter and present it to the Canadian Border Services agent upon arrival in Canada, where your actual Study Permit will be issued.

Applying using a paper application (only if you are not eligible to apply online)

Step 1:
Follow the instructions on how to apply using a paper application on the Government of Canada website. *ONLY if you are NOT eligible to apply online.

Step 2:
Once your Study Permit application is complete, you will have to send it by post, or deliver it in person to your local Visa Application Centre (VAC).
*VACs have their own additional processing fees and forms to be completed.

Step 3:
Wait to receive your Study Permit Letter of Introduction, which will be issued either by email or with your passport (if returned to you through the VAC).

Step 4:
Present this letter to the Canadian Border Services Officer upon your arrival in Canada. Your actual study permit will then be issued to you.

Applying at a port of entry: US Citizens and Permanent Residents

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may choose to apply for their study permit directly at the port of entry when arriving to Canada rather than applying online. In this case, you are not required to complete and present any immigration forms, but you must have all your supporting documents ready to present to the Canadian Border Services Officer:

  • Your valid passport;
  • your valid CAQ and provincial attestation letter (unless exempt, the PAL is required as of January 22, 2024);
  • your official letter of acceptance from Bishop’s University;
  • a photocopy of your proof of financial capacity;
  • the processing fee of $150 CAD plus biometric fees of $85 CAD if applicable (CAD or US cash, debit or credit card). U.S. citizens are exempt from biometrics. Payment by cash, credit card or Canadian debit card.

Apply for an Intern Work Permit Depending on your Program

If your program of study includes a mandatory internship, you must apply for and obtain a co-op/intern work permit from IRCC. This type of permit is free of charge and may only be used for the internship component of your academic program.

At Bishop’s, the B.A. Major in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Bachelor in Arts Administration program and the Bachelor’s of Education program require successful completion of an academic internship. Students in these programs must obtain an intern work permit (see table on page 3 of your offer of admission). We strongly encourage you to apply for the work permit at the same time as your study permit. To do so, you will need to answer ‘yes’ to the question in the study permit application pertaining to whether work is an integral part of your academic program, and include the proof with your application. When you apply for the intern work permit at the same time as your study permit, both documents will be issued upon your arrival in Canada by the border agent. It is possible to apply for the intern work permit after arrival in Canada, but processing times vary and in this case the permit will be mailed to you.

Please note that students in the Business Co-op and Computer Science Co-op bachelor’s degree program will decide only after having completed 30 or 60 credits whether to participate in an internship. In this case, they will need to apply for the intern work permit during their studies here in Canada. Students who are enrolled in other programs at Bishop’s who have an Academic Internship embedded in their program, or who take part in experiential learning activities, may also require an intern work permit. Co-operative Education Program – Bishop’s University (ubishops.ca)

Students must upload their intern work permit to their file at the Registrar’s Office before the add/drop deadline of the semester in which they will be completing an internship.

Please see an Immigration Advisor at Bishop’s International for more information.

Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization

Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), also called Entry Visas or Visitor Visas, are to be obtained by foreign nationals who require visas to enter Canada. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) allows foreign nationals from visa-exempted countries to enter Canada without a visa.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to have either a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to enter Canada (in addition to a valid Study Permit).

The TRV costs $100 CAD, and the eTA costs $7 CAD.

*If you apply for a Study Permit from outside of Canada and the application is approved, your TRV or eTA will be issued automatically. You don’t need to submit a separate application or pay the processing fees of $100 CAD/$7 CAD with your Study Permit application.

*If you will NOT be applying for a Study Permit or if you are ALREADY in Canada as a high school student or as an exchange or visiting student, you will need to apply separately for a TRV or eTA.

See if you need a Visa to travel to Canada.

*U.S. citizens are both TRV and eTA exempt (i.e., they are not required to hold either a Visitor Visa or an eTA in order to enter Canada). As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are also exempt from the eTA requirement. They will need to show a valid green card upon arrival in Canada along with their passport. Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Who can apply – Canada.ca

Diplomats, Refugees, Refugee Claimants, Temporary Workers

The majority of international students studying in Quebec will need a CAQ and a study permit in order to pursue a program of studies longer than 6 months. However, students with other statuses may need additional documents, or be exempt:

Diplomats and dependents of diplomats

Persons with this status do not need a CAQ or a study permit. Students must present their passport, diplomatic visa, and the Office of Protocole Identity Card to the Registrar’s Office in order to complete their file. If your program of study includes a mandatory internship or work component, you will also need to provide documentation authorizing you to work in Canada. In addition, by presenting the Office of Protocole Tuition Attestation letter, the student will be eligible to pay the Quebec tuition fee rate.

Refugees and Protected persons

Students who have been accepted by the Canadian government as a Convention Refugee or Protected Person must present the following:

  • Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ).
  • Valid study permit (required even if your program of study is less than 6 months in duration)
  • Notice of decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada confirming their status as a Convention refugee or protected person.

If the student becomes a permanent resident, a copy of their permanent residency card needs to be provided to the Registrar’s Office to replace the study permit.

Refugee claimants

A refugee claimant is a person waiting for a decision on their status and needs both a CAQ and a study permit in order to pursue their studies. They must also present their Refugee Protection Claimant Document issued by the federal government to the Registrar’s Office.

Work permit holders

A temporary public policy is in place from June 27, 2023, through June 27, 2026, allowing some work permit holders to study in Canada without a CAQ and study permit. If you qualify for this temporary policy, you should have received an email from IRCC in June 2023 confirming your eligibility. You need to present the confirmation email from IRCC, your work permit (or the dated work authorization letter issued to you by IRCC for a work permit extension) and your passport to the Registrar’s Office.

Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit – Canada.ca

Accompanying Family Members

Your spouse or common-law partner, and/or dependent child(ren) may be eligible apply to accompany you to Canada during your studies.

When applying for your CAQ and study permit for yourself and your family members, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself and your family members for the duration of everyone’s stay in Canada. Please note that as a condition of your CAQ, you agree to maintain health insurance for all accompanying family members throughout the duration of their stay in Canada.

Required Documents to Enter Canada

Spouse or Common-Law Partner:

*May require biometrics.

Child who will stay home, attend daycare, pre-school or kindergarten in Canada:

  • Passport
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

*Do not require biometrics. If your child becomes of age to attend school once inside Canada, you will be able to apply for the CAQ and study permit from within Canada for them (recommended) Studying in Canada as a minor – Canada.ca.

Child who will attend school (first grade or higher) in Canada:

  • Passport
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
  • CAQ
  • Study Permit

*A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is not required when applying for a study permit for primary or secondary school.

*May require biometrics if 14 years old or older. Please note that an elementary school or high school admissions letter is not required in order to apply for a study permit outside of Canada for a minor.

*US citizens do not require a TRV/Visitor Visa, an eTA or biometrics to enter Canada.

Learn more about how your spouse or common-law partner could work in Canada.

Deferral, Change of Institution and Refusal

Deferral

The deadline to present your immigration documents to the Bishop’s Registrar’s Office is the add/drop deadline at the start of the semester. Thus, international students who have not presented valid immigration documents to the Registrar’s Office by the add/drop deadline will be dropped from their courses. Keep in mind that if you wait until the add/drop deadline to arrive and start your program, you will have missed the first two weeks of the semester which can impact your academic success. If you cannot arrive by this date, you need to defer your admission to Bishop’s before the add/drop deadline by contacting the Registrar’s Office. Please refer to the sessional dates on the website.

New! In March 2025, the MIFI announced that it is no longer necessary to apply for a new CAQ in the case of deferral for more than 1 semester, as long as the document’s validity dates have not expired. Please take note that for each semester with registration at Bishop’s, international students must have a valid passport, CAQ and study permit. If you defer your admission, your CAQ and/or study permit will likely expire prior to the end of your studies, and you will have to apply to renew them ahead of time from within Canada.

If you defer your admission while your study permit application is still being processed, you must make sure you inform IRCC of the deferral by sending a copy of your new admissions letter via their web form.

You should not arrive in Canada after the add/drop deadline. We also discourage students from deferring their admission after their arrival in Canada due to the multiple conditions associated with the CAQ and study permit. In fact, deferring after your arrival can jeopardize the renewal of your official documents. Please consult an Immigration Advisor at Bishop’s International if you are considering deferring your admission after arrival in Canada.

Change of Institution

Have you already been studying in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada? Take note of important information related to changing your designated learning institution.

As of December 6, 2024, the CAQ is institution-specific. As stated on the MIFI website, you must submit a new CAQ application “if you are changing the level of your studies, or are changing educational institution.” An exception is granted to students changing educational institution at the same level of study if their CAQ was issued before December 6, 2024. Find out more information through the official webpage: Renewing your authorizations to study in Québec | Gouvernement du Québec

Attention – IRCC announced on November 15, 2024, that as of November 8, 2024, “you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit, and to change DLIs, you need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one.” Please consult the IRCC website and the news release stating that going forward, “international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions.”

Students who are studying at a Cégep or College in Quebec and are offered admission at Bishop’s must thus obtain a new CAQ valid for university-level undergraduate studies at Bishop’s and a new valid study permit prior to being able to start their new program.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/11/new-international-student-program-regulations-take-effect.html – Canada.ca

Changing your school or program – Canada.ca

Students currently studying in another province must remember that to study in Quebec in a program longer than 6 months in duration, a CAQ is also required from the Quebec government prior to applying for a new study permit.

Refusal

If your application for a study permit is refused, you will receive a letter indicating the reasons behind this decision. Please note that Bishop’s cannot influence decisions made by IRCC. You will have to decide whether you wish to apply again for a study permit, in which case you would have to address the issues stated in the refusal letter and provide new documentation, or change your plans to study in Canada. Contact the Admissions Office if you wish to defer or cancel your admission.

CAQ and Study Permit Assistance

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for and obtain the appropriate immigration documents for their situation prior to commencing their studies at Bishop’s. Bishop’s employs two Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) whose scope of practice is restricted to advising our international students and their accompanying family members on their status as temporary residents in Canada. We advise international students from admission up through graduation; we cannot complete applications on a student’s behalf.

Please sign up to attend our extensive series of live webinars for our incoming students where you will have the opportunity to ask your questions. We also invite you join us at the Virtual Office or to contact us by email if you have specific questions.

CAQ and Study Permit Process Charts for New Students

To better understand the process of applying for immigration documents, please see the following charts depending on your situation.