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

 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-by-Step Guide to Apply for Immigration Documents 

1. Obtain your official letter of admission

   1. Begin the process of applying for your immigration documents once you have your official letter of admission.
   2. Access your official letter of acceptance via the Applicant Portal.

2. Check the validity of your passport

   1. You must have a valid passport to apply for your immigration documents.
   2. 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.​
   3. A study permit will not be issued beyond the passport expiry date

3. Apply for your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

   1. Processing times: 5 to 8 weeks
   2. Applying for your CAQ is a two step process:
      1. First submit the online application via the Immigration Quebec portal
      2. Then pay the application fee and submit your supporting documents via the Arrima portal
   3. 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. 
   4. See our CAQ application guide for full details

4. Apply for your Study Permit

   1. 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. 
   2. 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 Permanent Residents.
   3. 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.
   4. See our study permit guide for full details.

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

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