Immigration: Avoid Hassles by Having all the Official Documents on Hand

The validity of your Canadian study permit will not extend past the expiry date of your passport. If your passport will be expiring within the next year, verify whether you can renew it before applying for your immigration documents. Otherwise, you will have to renew all of the documents during the course of your studies, which will entail paying all of the fees again.

NOTICE! You can begin the process of applying for a CAQ even if you must renew your passport. You might save some time by beginning both procedures at the same time. However, you must wait until you receive your new passport before applying for a study permit.

All international students (with the exception of those in programs that last less than 6 months and certain other specific cases) must obtain a CAQ from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation de l’Intégration (MIFI) in order to study in Québec. You should begin this procedure as soon as you receive your admission letter.

The CAQ is issued based on the normal length of your study program for a single level of study. The level of study is clearly indicated in your admission letter: Bachelor = 1^st level (undergraduate) / Master and Specialized Graduate Studies (DESS) = 2^nd level (graduate) / Doctorate = 3^rd level (post-graduate).

Procedure

1. Submit your application and pay the processing fees ($120) using the CAQ application form.
2. Follow the checklist and collect all of the requested documents.
3. Sign, date and digitize the forms.
4. Approximately 48 hours after submitting your application, you will be given access to the Arrima platform. You must use it to submit all of the requested supporting documents.
5. Keep a digital copy of your file.

Processing times

The processing of your request begins once the documents are submitted via Arrima. If your file is complete, the processing time will be approximately 20 business days. If your file is incomplete, you will first receive a notice of intent to reject, and you will have an opportunity to submit new supporting documents via Arrima. This will result in longer processing times.

Approval

If your CAQ is approved, you will receive an electronic confirmation in your online file. You can then apply for a study permit. Since March 15, 2023, the MIFI no longer issues printed copies of the CAQ. When your CAQ is approved, an Attestation of issuance of your CAQ for studies will be deposited in your online file.

All international students (with the exception of those in programs that last less than 6 months) must obtain a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to study in Canada. You should begin this procedure as soon as you receive your letter of approval for your CAQ (the original is not required).

Procedure

1. Submit your application online using the GCKey service.*  
2. Pay the processing fees ($150).
3. Collect all of the required documents and keep a printed or digital copy of your file. If you submit an application through the Student Direct Stream, fill the Info-ÉTS form to arrange for payment of your tuition fees.

*The online application is mandatory, with exceptions. You can only apply on paper if you have a disability that prevents you from applying online or if you hold an identity document or travel document issued to non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons.

IMPORTANT! Depending on your country of origin, there may be additional requirements for obtaining a study permit. Consult the application package for instructions pertaining to your Canadian Visa Office. It is important to understand that the refusal rate for study permits is extremely high for certain countries. Attach a detailed letter of explanation and be sure to submit a complete file along with adequate proof of financial support. Please refer to our document Understanding a refusal for a sample explanation letter that can be used when first applying for a study permit and for advice in the case your application is denied.

Paying tuition fees before arriving | Student Direct Stream (SDS) program

If you are a resident of China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam, you may be able to obtain a study permit more quickly through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. You must meet certain requirements, including having paid your tuition fees for your first year of study. IRCC may also require other students to pay tuition fees.

To do so, you must send an international transfer (ÉTS bank contact information). Allow for a delay of up to 2 weeks for ÉTS to receive the payment. If this deadline has passed, contact us via the Info-ÉTS form and attach proof of payment and your permanent code. You can produce a receipt for your transaction yourself via the MonÉTS portal, under Mes documents (My documents). Any amount that is sent will be credited toward the payment of subsequent sessions. If you change your study plans, you can request reimbursement to the issuing account. If you have any other questions concerning payment, please contact us via the Info-ÉTS form.

Processing times

Check processing times online (processing times vary widely from country to country). If the indicated processing times are exceeded, you can submit a request using the IRCC Webform. If you still do not receive a response, you can contact IRCC from outside of Canada by calling 613-944-4000. You will first have to select your preferred language, and then select the Immigration, citizenship and visas for Canada option. Please note that this is not a toll-free number, and patience will be required.

If your application is refused, you must begin the process again, with additional supporting documents. Read our document about understanding a refusal, which includes a sample explanation letter, and be sure to submit a complete file along with adequate proof of financial support.

Approval

If your application for a study permit is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction from your embassy. Keep this document safe and present it to the Border Services Officer when you arrive in Canada.

The vast majority of international students (aside from those coming from the United States and certain other exceptions) must provide biometric data (photographs and fingerprints) in order to obtain a study permit and visa. Verify whether you must provide your biometric data. 

Biometric data are valid for a period of 10 years. Therefore, if you have already provided them in connection with a previous application submitted to IRCC, you do not need to provide them again. A few hours after you submit your application for a study permit, you will receive a letter of instruction via your GCKey account that will explain how and where to make an appointment. You must then travel to the appointment center nearest your home. You must also pay a fee of $85 (CAD) if you have not already paid it in connection with your application for a study permit.

NOTICE! No application for a study permit will be approved until IRCC receives the biometric data.​

Determine whether you must undergo a medical exam, depending on the countries in which you have resided within the previous year. If you are affected, you will receive instructions from IRCC, and you will have 30 day to undergo the exam. The results will be sent directly to IRCC by the designated physician, and they remain valid for a period of 12 months.

Determine whether you must obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) in order to enter Canada, depending on your country of citizenship. The TRV will be issued with your study permit, at no extra cost, and will be valid for the same period. It is recommended that you send your passport to the CVO for your country of residence, where the visa will be appended.

If you come from a country that requires an eTA, you will automatically receive it with your study permit, at no extra cost. The eTA is valid for a period of 5 years or until the expiration date of your passport.

You should plan to arrive at least 5 days before the start of the session in order to make it easier to establish yourself in Montréal, attend orientation activities and finalize your registration. If you prefer to arrive earlier, there is no official immigration deadline. However, if you decide to arrive several months before the official start of your session, a Border Services Officer may question your intentions and refuse to allow you to enter Canada. In addition, you must subscribe to private health and hospitalization insurance coverage for this period.

NOTICE! You must wait until you have received all of your immigration documents before boarding a flight to Canada. Otherwise, you may be subject to an immediate deportation order! In light of this, it is strongly recommended that you do not arrive in Canada before obtaining your letter of introduction for the study permit, regardless of your nationality.

If your application for a study permit is refused, ÉTS cannot intervene with IRCC. In such a case, you are responsible for deciding whether to cancel, postpone or pursue your studies at ÉTS. To help you decide, the following are the considerations and procedures involved in the case of a refusal.

IRCC procedure

Before applying for a new study permit, it is crucial to understand the reasons for the initial refusal and to assess whether you have the arguments and additional documents required to obtain a favourable response.

1. Consult the information related to the application package to review the specific directives from your visa office;
2. See our proposed sample explanation letter to attach to your application;
3. Draft a detailed letter of explanation (maximum two pages) with well-defined sections and clearly listed information. Adequately address the reasons for refusal that were indicated.
4. If you submitted your application online, you may decide to submit the new application directly to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for your region in paper format.

ÉTS procedure

If you plan to submit a new application for a study permit, verify the processing time first. If the delay will exceed the beginning date for the session when you are supposed to begin, request a postponement of admission to a later session via the Omnivox portal before proceeding. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a new letter of admission that you can used for your new application for a study permit.

If you choose to abandon your studies at ÉTS, you can do so via the Omnivox portal.

In order to avoid placing yourself in a non-legal position, pay particular attention to the various options for transitioning from a study permit to a work permit before applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.

Off-campus work and completion of a program of studies

If you hold a study permit that authorizes you to work, and you have completed all of you academic activities (waiting for final results for your courses, projects, thesis or dissertation):

• You are permitted to continue to work 20 hours/week off campus and an unlimited number of hours on campus while waiting for confirmation of completion of your program (“Program completed” e‑mail);
• You must stop working under your study permit immediately once ÉTS confirms the completion of your program, namely upon reception of the “Program completed” e‑mail.

Find all of the necessary information and the procedure for applying in the section entitled Working after completing your studies.

Office of Student Life is not legally authorized to guide you through the procedure for immigrating to Canada on a permanent basis (CSQ, permanent residence). However, we organize a number of information sessions every year, in cooperation with Québec and Canadian immigration authorities. Check the Interface newsletter (in French) for information about attending one of these sessions. The presentations are available for consultation at any time:

• IRCC presentation - Immigrating to Canada
• MIFI presentation - Immigrating to Québec (in French)

Procedure

• Request your official documents from ÉTS (final transcript, Attestation of Completion of Studies and letter of confirmation of proficiency in French, as applicable).
• Submit an application for a Post-Graduate Work Permit in order to maintain your legal status as a temporary resident while waiting for permanent residence.
• Submit an application to the MIFI for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) if you plan on establishing yourself in Québec.
• Submit an application to IRCC for permanent residence.

Considering the various processing times and the obligation to acquire professional experience, it may take up to 3 years to obtain permanent residence in Québec after you graduate. If your Post-Graduate Work Permit expires before then, you must obtain another type of work permit in the meantime.

If you have completed your studies earlier than expected and your study permit is still valid, you can remain in Canada with your study permit for up to 90 days after completing your studies, or until it expires, whichever comes first. If you wish to extend your stay in Canada beyond these dates, you must change your status to that of a visitor.

The following elements should be taken into consideration if you decide to undertake a new study program after having completed your current studies at ÉTS. Remember that you must maintain a valid legal status at all times.

Renewal of immigration documents

• If you are changing your study level (e.g.: from Master to Doctorate), you must apply for a new CAQ immediately.
• If you are not changing your study level, you must begin the process of renewing your CAQ at least 4 to 5 months before the expiration date of your current CAQ.
• If your permit is still valid, you do not need to apply for a new one in order to begin another program.
• If the expiration date of your permit is coming soon, you must renew it before the expiration date in order to maintain implied status. Refer to the procedure for the renewal of immigration documents in the section entitled During your studies, or follow the instructions given by your new educational institution, as applicable.

Working on a full-time basis between two study programs

If your study permit is still valid, you have completed your study program and you will be beginning the new program within 150 days, you can work on a full-time basis during this period if you meet the various conditions described in the section entitled Off-campus work and completion of a program of studies.

If the time between programs exceeds 150 days, you are permitted to work on a full-time basis for the first 150 days, but you must then submit a request to change your status (e.g.: to that of visitor) or leave Canada and return for the beginning of the new program.

Your spouse can submit an application for an open work permit (not job-specific, no requirement to obtain a CAQ for work or a Labour Market Impact Assessment – LMIA). The fee for an open work permit is $255, plus the fee for biometrics ($85). For more detailed information, consult the section entitled Help your partner work in Canada.

You must fill out the various forms required, including the IMM1295 - Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada, provide proof of your relationship and your status as a student (study permit, confirmation of registration from ÉTS) and comply with all of the other requirements of your CVO (e.g.: biometrics, medical exam, etc.). If your application is accepted, the permit will be approved for the same duration as your study permit.

Your spouse or other members of your family can come and visit you in Canada for one or more periods of 6 months by applying for a temporary resident visa (TRV). The fee is $100.

Instructions and requirements for applying for a TRV may differ from one Canadian Visa Office (CVO) to another, so it is important to get the proper information. You must fill out the various forms required, including the IMM 5257 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa, provide proof of your relationship, etc.

It is strongly recommended that you attach a letter of invitation, written by you, that contains the following information. Those who you are inviting must also attach a signed and dated letter of explanation indicating the following: the purpose and duration of the visit to Canada, ties to the country of origin, reasons for returning to the country after the visit, proof of employment in the country of origin, proof of financial capacity, etc

If your spouse also wishes to begin studying in Québec, they must obtain an offer of admission and a CAQ, and demonstrate adequate proof of financial support. In short, the procedure is almost identical to the procedure that you must follow. You can consult the procedures for obtaining immigration documents in the section entitled Before your studies.

Study permit for your children

Consult the information pertaining to applying for a study permit for a minor child.

Maintaining valid legal status for the members of your family

As is the case with your study permit, the members of your family must maintain a valid legal status throughout their stay in Canada. If you must renew your study permit, take advantage of the opportunity to renew the authorization to stay for your spouse or your children at the same time.

If you no longer meet the requirements indicated on your study permit (e.g.: leave of absence in excess of 150 days), take the time to consult Section H. Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students (C42) and Section I. Children of a full-time student.

NOTICE! If your spouse has a work permit, it is possible that they may qualify for the Québec Experience Program (PEQ - Temporary foreign worker) before the completion of your study program, which may accelerate access to permanent residence status for your family.

Applying for an open work permit within the context of your PGWP

When you submit your application for a Post-Graduate Work Permit, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, in compliance with the C41 exemption for spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers.

If you do not meet these criteria, take a look at the other types of work permits.

If you must or wish to postpone your admission, ÉTS allows you to do so twice, for a maximum of three sessions (one year). Postponement of your admission is not automatic. You are responsible for going to the Omnivox portal to request a postponement. You can also access your new admission letter through the Omnivox portal once your application has been processed. Due to the high volume of applications, it may take several weeks to process your application. If you encounter any problems, please fill out this form.

Deadline

You must submit your request for admission postponement before the deadline:

• Winter session: January 15
• Summer session: May 15
• Fall session: September 15

If you do not take any action before this date (postponement or registration), the Registrar’s Office will deem that you have abandoned your studies, and will close your file. You will no longer be able to submit postponement requests via the Omnivox portal.

Impact on immigration documents

• CAQ: Please note that you do not need to apply for a new CAQ if you are postponing the start of your program of study to the following semester. However, in all other cases, you must apply for a new CAQ.
• Study permit, eTA, TRV: If your study permit has already been approved, send your new admission letter and your new CAQ (as applicable) using the IRCC Webform.
• TRV or eTA: You do not need to apply for a new TRV or eTA, but it is important to verify the expiration dates.

NOTICE! It is strongly discouraged to postpone your admission after having arrived in Canada. Among the CAQ conditions that must be respected, you must study full-time during all the regular sessions of your program and maintain health insurance for you and the members of your family who accompany you. By not being registered, you risk having your CAQ renewal refused if you have not complied with these conditions. If you decide to postpone your admission, it is your responsibility to get medical and hospitalization insurance and to document your situation. In addition, you must ensure that you meet the study permit conditions in order to maintain your legal status (e.g.: do not work before the official beginning of your program, obtain a new admission letter, begin within 150 days of entering Canada or change your status to that of visitor or worker, leave Canada, etc.).

If you have a valid study permit, you can change your study program or designated learning institution without having to submit a new application for a study permit. However you must inform IRCC immediately and change the number of your designated learning institution in your GCKey account.

In all cases, you must begin or return to your studies within 150 days. Otherwise, you must do one of the following:

• Change your status to that of visitor or worker;
• Leave Canada.

Read Section C carefully for detailed information about how to change your institution or program.

If you are outside of Canada and your application is still being processed: You must inform IRCC by submitting your new letter of acceptance using the IRCC Webform.

If you are outside of Canada and your application has already been approved: You must submit a new application for a study permit and pay the applicable fees.

NOTICE! If you interrupt your studies, you are not permitted to work on or off campus, because you are not considered to be a full-time student, and therefore, you do not meet the requirements of Section 186 f) or v). You can only return to work once you have returned to your studies and meet all of the requirements for working on or off campus.

Sometimes, a student must temporarily interrupt their studies for exceptional reasons (illness, pregnancy, family emergency, etc.). Please verify in advance whether you are required to request an authorized absence from ÉTS.

For immigration purposes, a leave of absence cannot exceed 150 days, beginning with the start date of the leave, and it must be authorized by the DEI, as applicable. If you do not return to your studies within 150 days, you must do one of the following:

• Change your status to that of visitor or worker;
• Leave Canada

NOTICE! You are not permitted to work on or off campus during a leave of absence, whether authorized or not, because you are not considered to be a full-time student, and therefore, you do not meet the requirements of Section 186 f) or v). You can only return to work once you have returned to your studies and meet all of the requirements for working on or off campus

If you are expelled from your program, ÉTS will close your file and cancel your course registration. Desjardins health insurance coverage will also be canceled. If you have already paid your tuition fees, you can request a reimbursement by by filling out the Info-ÉTS form. You will receive a cheque by mail at the address indicated in your student file within 4 to 5 weeks.

• Expulsion: Legal implications and strategies for international students (workshop)

Legal status

If you intend to stay in Canada, please make sure you understand all conditions associated with your study permit, and more specifically the 150-day rule on IRCC's website:

A student should begin or resume their studies at their new institution within 150 days from the day that they ceased or completed their studies at the previous institution. If a student does not resume their studies within 150 days, they should do either of the following:

• Change their status (that is, change to visitor status or worker status)
• Leave Canada

NOTICE! You do not have the right to work on or off campus during this period.

Insurance

As ÉTS will cancel your Desjardins coverage, it is essential that you take out a personal contract for health and hospitalization insurance from a Canadian insurer if you stay in Canada. You must do so for your own health and safety, but also to comply with immigration conditions associated with you CAQ.