Renewing your CAQ online | Immigration and getting settled in Quebec

Situations in which the CAQ must be renewed

You must renew your CAQ if you are in one of the following situations:

Your current CAQ does not cover the remainder of your studies.
You are changing your level of studies (for example, moving from a BBA to an MSc).
You are coming from another learning institution. However, if you have a CAQ issued before December 6, 2024, that is still valid for the remainder of your studies and you are not changing your level of studies, you do not need to renew the CAQ.

If you are renewing

Be sure to apply 6 months before your current CAQ expires! Your CAQ serves as a provincial attestation letter (PAL) and allows you to apply for an extension of your study permit before your current permit expires. Proof of renewal of your study permit is required to maintain your right to study legally in Canada.

On this page, we've summarized important information to help you renew your CAQ. For more information, visit the Quebec government's website.

Fill out a CAQ application online

Go to the Quebec governement website to fill out an application for temporary selection for studies (CAQ application) and create your online profile. You have 1 hour to pay the application fee once you have completed the application.

Please note!

When filling out the requested information, be sure to:

Write your last name, first name, and gender exactly as they appear on your passport.
Answer the question, “Does an exemption specified in the application management rules apply to you?” correctly:
- Select “Yes” if you are extending your CAQ for the same program, the same level of studies, and the same academic institution.
- Select "No" if you are changing your program, level of studies, or learning institution.
Indicate the following correctly:
- Your level of studies (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate)
- The start and end dates of your program
  - The start date is the date you submit your application.
  - The end date is the last day of the term in which you will complete your studies, plus three months. To find out this date, check the academic calendar.

Paying the application fee and submitting the required documents

Once you have completed your application, you must pay for your CAQ application and submit the required documents. To do so, you will need to switch between two platforms (your online account and the Arrima platform). Be sure to use the same first and last name in both places.

Informational videos (in French only) are available to help you with this step.

Payment

Documents to submit

48 hours after payment, a case number will be assigned to your online account. You need this number to submit your documents.
The list of documents to submit is available in your online account. To view it, download your personalized checklist.
You must submit the required documents through the Arrima platform. You have 15 days from the time you receive your case number.

Be sure to submit all required documents at the same time in PDF format. You cannot save certain documents and return to them later. An incomplete application (missing documents, lack of a handwritten signature when required, or insufficient proof of financial support) may result in a notice of intent to refuse your application, as well as additional delays.

When compiling the required documents, please pay special attention to those listed below.

Attestations and transcripts

You must submit your personal Proof of Credits Completed/in Progress Letter and your official transcript (not available in HEC en ligne). If you do not have these documents, request them now.

Proof of financial capacity

Proof of financial capacity demonstrates that you are able to pay the costs associated with your studies for one year.

Check out our tutorial (PDF, 1,5 Mo) to find out if you need to submit supporting documents and to see a description of them.

Forms to sign

You must sign the forms that require a signature by hand. Typed digital signatures are not accepted.

We recommend that you follow these steps:

Print the form.
Sign the document by hand, in blue ink, in the same way as on your passport.
Scan the document and save it as a PDF.
Upload the document to the Arrima platform.

Specific documents

Letter from your thesis or dissertation advisor

If you are a master’s student (thesis track) or a doctoral student, please ensure that your application includes a letter from your thesis advisor indicating the approximate date you plan to submit your thesis.

Documents related to a reduced course load

If you have deferred your admission, studied part time, dropped or failed courses, or taken an authorized leave of absence, please include the following with your application:

A dated and signed letter explaining why your studies were not your primary activity
Documents supporting your explanation (e.g., airline ticket, internship agreement, medical certificate)
Proof that you maintained health insurance (if you were in Quebec during an authorized study leave)
The Proof of Authorized Leave document issued by HEC Montréal (if applicable)

Documents related to poor academic performance

If you have had repeated failures or a low cumulative GPA during your studies at HEC Montréal, please include the following with your application:

A dated and signed explanatory letter
Any relevant documentation that explains your situation

After completing the application

Upload the proof of submission of your application to HEC en ligne to update your file.

Processing time

In the event of an intention to refuse or reject

A notice titled “Intention de rendre une décision défavorable concernant votre demande de sélection temporaire” is sent to you when the officer processing your application intends to refuse it or reject it.

The notice of intent to refuse is due to an incomplete file (missing documents, lack of a handwritten signature where required, insufficient proof of financial support, additional information required, etc.)
The notice of intent to reject is due to your failure to meet your obligations during your previous studies in Quebec.

You must read the entire notice carefully (including the attachements) and respond to it as soon as possible. Please note that it may take up to an additional 25 business days to process the request.

Please contact us if you have any questions about what is required.

Receiving the CAQ and what to do

You will find the confirmation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in your online account.

View an example of the confirmation of issuance (PDF, 225 KB).

Once you have obtained your CAQ:

Please verify that all the information listed there is accurate (your first and last names, date of birth, program dates, etc.).
Use the CAQ (which serves as a PAL) to apply for a study permit.
Upload a copy of your CAQ to HEC en ligne by the deadline listed in the academic calendar.
Keep your CAQ in a safe place.

As an international student, your immigration documents must remain valid for the duration of your studies. You must also make your studies your primary activity, which means studying full time (except under certain conditions). Visit our website to learn about all your obligations.

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.