If this is your first time applying for immigration documents to study in Canada, please consult the Immigration Information in our Pre-Departure Guide.
Once you arrive in Canada, keep copies of all important documents (e.g. Passport, Study Permit, CAQ, Health Insurance Card, etc.) in a safe place, and take note of your documents' expiry dates.
1. Passport
Renew your Passport (at least 6 months before expiry). Check this list of foreign representatives in Canada to find your country's closest Consulate or Embassy.
2. Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ)
Renew your CAQ (3 - 4 months before expiry).
- The application is completed online and the processing fee ($107 CAD) can be paid by credit card.
- Post-application, you will receive a checklist of the supporting documents to mail to Immigration Quebec’s office (address provided on the checklist).
- For the start and end date of your program, indicate approximate dates for the duration of your entire degree (example: 3 years, 4 years, etc).
- If your checklist includes a request for proof of financial capacity, your parents (or financial guardians) should provide a confirmation of their annual salary and/or investments/savings indicating that they can cover tuition and fees plus one year of living expenses. For living expenses, Immigration Quebec requires a minimum of $1,000 per month.
- If you are applying for U.S. government aid, please note that a copy of your application for aid will not be sufficient: the approval of aid awarded will be required.
3. Study & Work Permits
Once you receive your new CAQ, you can renew your Study permit AND apply for a Student Work Permit in the same application. This application is made online, and application processing times can be anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
US STUDENTS ONLY: You can renew your Study Permit at the border (Lacolle/Champlain, St. Armand/Phillipsburg, or Stanstead), or - if arriving by plane - with immigration services at the airport (instead of online). You cannot renew your Off-Campus Work Permit at the border - this must be done via the CIC online application system.
If your study permit expires after you have submitted your application for an extension, but before you receive a decision on your application, you can stay in Canada under what’s called implied status. This means that you can continue to study (and work as a student, if you were doing so prior to your application) until you receive your new Study Permit.
For tips on how to apply, please see our Study Permit Application Guide.
Important! DO NOTE LEAVE CANADA until you receive your new Study Permit, as you may encounter problems at the border upon re-entry (see here for more information).
4. Entry Visa (TRV)
Only citizens of certain countries require a TRV to enter Canada. Apply for a new TRV after you have renewed your CAQ & Study Permit.
As a student, you can now apply for a new TRV online, from within Canada, before you leave (to have a valid TRV upon your return, and not have the hassle of having to apply while abroad).
Once you fill out the online portion of the application, you will receive instructions from CIC indicating where to mail your passport.
CIC processing times for in-Canada TRV applications (for Students and Workers) are provided here.
For tips on how to complete your application, please see our Entry Visa (TRV) application guide.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
- While your documents are being processed... It is strongly recommended that you remain in Canada while your immigration documents are being processed.
- Keep records Ensure that you keep a photocopy of all application forms and supporting documents that you send to Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Immigration Québec.
- Track your application Always mail important documents using a mail or courier service that allows you to track your items. It is important for you to have proof of the date that your dossier was received. You should also keep the receipt of delivery for your records.
- Your contact information Please remember that if your documents are being processed by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office in Vegreville, your Study Permit can only be mailed to an address in Canada, so please ensure that you indicate a valid Canadian mailing address and a phone number where messages can be left in your application.
- "Restoration of Status" fee If you apply to renew your Study Permit after it expires, you must pay a "Restoration of Status" fee. Once it has been renewed, you must submit a copy of both your CAQ and Study Permit to Enrolment Services.
