Obtaining your entry and stay authorizations | Immigration and getting settled in Quebec

Required documents

To study at HEC Montréal, you must have three important documents:

a valid passport
a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
a study permit.

Refugees as well as persons under protection or in need of protection are considered international persons. They must apply for a free study permit, but do not need to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). They must also have documentation proving their legal status.

Procedure

You should begin the process of obtaining your documents outside of Canada (unless otherwise specified), as soon as you receive your admission letter, even if your offer is conditional. It could take up to several months for you to receive your documents, depending on your nationality. Act quickly!

Please note that you must submit your documents by the deadlines listed in the academic calendar.

Check if you are among those who, in exceptional cases, may apply within Canada or at a port of entry. However, you must have your study permit in hand by the deadline indicated in the calendar in order to begin your courses.

Step 1: Make sure your passport is valid

You must have a passport that is valid for at least the first year of your studies, but ideally for the entire duration of your program (as indicated in your admission letter).

If you plan to renew your passport or if it is currently being renewed, you must still apply for your CAQ using your current passport. However, you must wait until you have your new passport and your CAQ before applying for a study permit.

Some countries accept expedited passport applications. Check with the relevant government agency in your country.

Step 2: Request a CAQ

Visit our website to learn how to apply for a CAQ.

Step 3: Apply for a study permit

You must apply for a study permit after you receive your CAQ.

We still recommend learning about steps involved in obtaining a study permit right away.

Please note! You cannot enter Canada without confirmation that your study permit has been approved.

People under the age of 18

The age of majority in Quebec is 18. However, persons ages 17 to 18 are considered adults for the purposes of applying for a CAQ and a study permit.

The authorities in your country may have conditions on you leaving the country. Be sure to check.

If you are under age 17

You will be 17 years old at the time you submit your applications or at least one month before school starts

You must submit the same documents as an adult.

You will turn 17 during the month before school starts and before you leave for Quebec

You must submit the same documents as an adult, but you must also include a short explanatory letter, dated and signed, with your application.

You will not be 17 years old when you arrive in Quebec

You must submit the required documents for a person 16 years of age or younger and meet one of the following requirements:

Come to Quebec accompanied by one of your parents, who will stay in Montreal with you until you turn 17.
Find an adult who lives in Montreal, has Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, and agrees to take you into their care until you reach the age of majority. Visit the government website for full details.
File for emancipation. This request must be filed with a competent authority (in France: the judge on matters involving the guardianship of minors for the Grande instance court). Note that this process can take several months.

Need advice or information about immigration?

It is not necessary to hire a lawyer or a consultant to get help.

If you have any questions:

Please contact us using the contact form.
Meet with a counselor for a quick consultation (5 to 10 min.) without an appointment:
- In person: Mondays and Thursdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Zone Info in the Decelles building.
- Online (Zoom): Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
incoming [at] hec.ca (Contact the IASMS) if you are participating in an exchange program.

This web page is published for informational purposes only and holds no official standing. Changes may occur without notice. Quebec laws and regulations, as well as information emanating from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, take precedence over this document.