Immigration documents
Mandatory for all international students 
All non-Canadians coming to McGill must obtain all 3 of the documents below to study legally in Quebec (and Canada) if enrolled in a program lasting 6 months or longer.
Programs shorter than six months (e.g. 1-term exchanges) do not need a CAQ and Study Permit.
Passport
All travellers entering Canada require a passport from their home country. If you are already in Canada and need to renew your passport, consult Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's list of foreign diplomatic representatives in the country here.
Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 1 year.
Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ)
The CAQ is official permission for you to study in the province of Quebec. You can apply for this document online via Immigration Quebec.
You should begin the application process for a provincial CAQ before applying for a federal Study Permit. Please be sure to apply for both documents as soon as possible after receiving your letter of admission from McGill, to allow for the possibility of delay.
How do I Apply for a Certificate of Acceptance from Quebec (CAQ)?
- The application is completed online and the processing fee ($108 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.
Study Permit
The Study Permit is official permission for you to study in Canada. You can find out more via Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
How do I Apply for a Study Permit?
Once you receive your CAQ, apply for the Study Permit through the nearest Canadian Visa Office (or online if you are eligible for this option). A processing fee of $125 applies.
(U.S. citizens can apply at the Port of Entry upon arrival in Canada – no advance application is required)
- You may need to undergo a medical examination. Please consult the Immigration Medical Exam section of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website for details.
- Students from certain countries may also require a Temporary Entry Visa (also known as an "Entry Visa") to enter Canada. Click here for details.
Mandatory for certain International Students:
Temporary Resident Visa
International students from certain countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (also known as a "TRV" or "Entry Visa") to study in Canada. To learn more, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Medical Exam
Students from certain countries must undergo a medical examination if they intend to remain in Canada for six months or more. Check Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website to see if this applies to you.
Work Permit for Mandatory Internship/Co-op Terms
Students in programs of study with mandatory co-op or internship terms, such as the Bachelor of Education programs, must obtain an Internship Work Permit (along with their CAQ & Study Permit). The application for the Co-op/Internship Work Permit must be made at the same time as the Study Permit if the co-op/internship starts in the first term of classes.
Custodianship Transfer Letter
If you are an international student under the age of 18 and plan to live in a McGill residence, your parents or custodians must send an original letter requesting that your custodianship be transferred to McGill's Dean of Students until your 18th birthday. This is required by Quebec law. Please refer to the following Minors information.
Please note that visa, study & work Permit fees have recently changed:
See the CIC February 3rd News Release for details.
| Document | New fee | (Old fee) |
| TRV – Multiple-entry | $100 | $150 |
| Study Permit | $150 | $125 |
| Work Permit | $155 | $150 |
Approximate Processing Times:
For specific Study Permit Processing Times, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. For directions to the Immigration Quebec office, view our map or our Immigration offices pamphlet.
Please note:
When you apply for certain documents, such as your Study Permit, there is no guarantee of acceptance. You should not purchase plane tickets or make other final travel arrangements until your documents are in order.
Also, be sure to place your travel documents, prescription medication, eyeglasses, contact lenses, Buddy's telephone number and other vital information in your carry-on bag. Don't risk losing these important items due to lost checked luggage!