​​​​​​​Applying for your immigration documents : Step by Step Guide

Note: this is a general step by step guide, for full details on how to apply for your immigration documents, please see our specific guides: CAQ application guide and Study permit application guide.

Step 1 : Obtain your official letter of admission

• Begin the process of applying for your immigration documents once you have your official letter of admission
• Access your official letter of acceptance via the Applicant Portal (Is this the correct link? Ask Recruitment) Is this right for both grad and undergrad?

Step 2: Check the validity of your passport

• You must have a valid passport to apply for your immigration documents
• Length of the CAQ is not affected by the passport expiry date. You can submit a CAQ application as long as you have a valid passport at the time of submission.​
• A study permit will not be issued beyond the passport expiry date

Step 3: Apply for your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

• Processing times: 5 to 8 weeks
• Applying for your CAQ is a two step process:
  • First submit the online application via the Immigration Quebec portal
  • Then pay the application fee and submit your supporting documents via the Arrima portal
• Your CAQ will also act as your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for the study permit application.
  • Note: Even if you are PAL-exempt, you are still required to obtain a CAQ. 
• See our CAQ application guide for full details

Step 4: Apply for your Study Permit

• Processing times: Depends on your country of residence
  • Note: Incoming PhD students (and their accompanying family members) applying for a study permit from outside of Canada may be eligible for 14 day processing of their application(s). Review the IRCC webpage for more information. 
• Apply for your study permit via the IRCC secure account
  • Note: American citizens and permanent residents can apply for their study permit at a port of entry. See our guide for US citizens and US PRs.
• If you require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV), these documents will be issued automatically once your study permit approved
• See our study permit guide for full details

Step 5: Obtain your Letter of Introduction and prepare for your arrival to Canada

• Make sure to show the border officer your letter of introduction (study permit approval letter)
• Your study permit will be issued to you at the border
• Bring a copy of all the supporting documents you included in your study permit application
• We do not recommend that you come to Canada more than 4 to 6 weeks before the start of the term
• You should NOT make travel plans until you have received your CAQ, Letter of Introduction and your TRV or eTA (if required)
• You must have a valid CAQ and study permit to begin your studies (except one term exchange students)