Immigration Procedures

• New student not in Canada: CAQ and study permit process
• New student (in Canada) with a valid study permit, but no CAQ (Transfer student from outside of Quebec)
• New student in Canada (visitor, worker, etc. – Excluding the temporary policy for the Work Permit)
• New student in Canada (Work Permit – temporary policy for the Work Permit)
• Refugee Claimant in Canada – CAQ and study permit process
• Refugee/Protected person in Canada – Study permit process
• Diplomatic status in Canada

CAQ and Study Permit Renewal Process Charts for RETURNING Students (PDF):

• International Student Renewing CAQ and study permit (Recommended: 3 months prior to expiration of documents) – CAQ Not Expired; Study Permit Not Expired – Maintained Status
• International Student Renewing CAQ and study permit (Recommended: 3 months prior to expiration of documents) – CAQ Not Expired; Study Permit Expired – Restoration of Status (student may not study in this status)
• International Student Renewing CAQ and study permit (Recommended: 3 months prior to expiration of documents) – CAQ Expired; Study Permit Expired – Restoration of Status (student may not study in this status)
• International Student Renewing CAQ
• International Student with Expiring Passport
• International Student Renewing Study Permit (SP) that has not yet Expired – Maintained Status
• International Student Renewing Expired Study Permit (SP) – Restoration of Status (student may not study in this status)

The first step is to apply for CAQ online. 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.

You will have to answer a series of questions. You will need to have your passport, letter of admission from Bishop’s University, the name and address of the person who will support you financially and pay the processing fees of $124 CAD (fees are valid as of January 1, 2023).

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, gather the required documents and create an account on ARRIMA portal and upload the documents. Click on this link to access the ARRIMA portal and create your account.

To help you, do not hesitate to refer to the tutorial for ARRIMA (tutorial is in French). When asked about your admission letter from Bishop’s University please include the 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 guardian who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident that lives nearby Bishop’s and extra forms will be required.

The application normally includes the submission of original or certified copies but due to COVID-19, MIFI now accepts regular copies with the submission if originals or certified copies cannot be obtained but reserves the right to request original or certified copies.

The Attestation de délivrance de votre Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) pour études is being issued online in PDF and can be submitted with the study permit application.

Please refer to the MIFI website for more details: https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec/renewing-authorizations.

Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), also called Entry Visas or Visitor Visas, are to be obtained by foreign nationals who require visas to enter Canada. 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 (TRV, also referred to as a “Visitor Visa” or “Entry 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, 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).

Please refer to the IRCC website for more details.

TRV: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-new-temporary-resident-visa-within-canada.html

eTA: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

The Study Permit is a mandatory immigration document for all those who study in Canada for more than 6 months. It costs $150 CAD. Unless you have valid biometrics, you will also have to pay $85 CAD for biometrics. If you already submitted biometrics to Immigration Canada, they could be valid for 10 years.

You must attach your CAQ to your study permit application. Since December 31, 2021, the proof of CAQ application only is no longer accepted. If you get your official CAQ after you submit your study permit application, you can upload your CAQ by using IRCC web form.

The processing time for a study permit depends on the country from which the application is made and can take several weeks/months (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html). We therefore recommend that you submit your application for a study permit as soon as possible.

The Study Permit must be valid for the duration of your studies. It can be renewed from within Canada.

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

Because your Study Permit validity is linked to your passport validity, you should ensure to have a valid passport for the duration of your studies prior to applying for your Study Permit.

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, and 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 done, you will have to send it by post, or deliver it in person to your local Visa Application Centre (VAC).
*VAC 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 the Port of Entry/Border (ONLY U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)

Step 1:
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 CAQ, 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).

Step 2:
Pay the required fees at the border. The processing fee for the study permit application is $150 CAD and biometrics are $85 CAD. You can pay this by cash, credit card or Canadian debit card.

Please refer to the IRCC website for more details: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/extend-study-permit.html