Applying for a CAQ | Immigration and getting settled in Quebec

Already have a CAQ? Visit our webpage Renewing your CAQ online.

About the CAQ

The CAQ serves as a provincial attestation letter (PAL).
It must include the name “HEC Montréal” since it is associated with your educational institution.
It must be used to apply for your study permit.

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.

Check out our tutorial (PDF, 3 MB) to help you navigate the process.

When filling out the requested information, it is important to include the following:

Your level of studies as indicated on your admission letter.
A breakdown of tuition fees as indicated in your admission letter.
Program start and end dates, as indicated in the table below (including an additional 3 months to complete the post-graduation work permit application process).
- BBA with a preparatory year: even though these dates are indicated, you may receive a CAQ and a study permit valid only for the duration of the preparatory year, and you will need to renew these documents from within Canada before they expire.

Program	Fall 2026	Winter 2027
BBA with preparatory year	August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2030	-
BBA	August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2029	January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2030
Specialized Graduate Diploma (D.E.S.S.)	August 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028	January 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
Master's (16 months)	August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028	January 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
Master's (24 months)	August 1, 2026 – November 30, 2028	January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2029
MBA	August 1, 2026 – November 30, 2027	-
Certificate	August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027	January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028
EMBA	August 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027	-

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

Submission of documents

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.

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.

If you are 17 or older, you must sign your forms yourself. If you are under 17, visit the MIFI website for more information.

After completing the application

Processing time

In the event of an intention to refuse

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 because your file is incomplete (missing documents, lack of a handwritten signature where required, insufficient proof of financial support, additional information required, etc.)

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.

Applying for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)