Applying for a study permit | Immigration and getting settled in Quebec

You already have a study permit? See our webpage Extending your study permit.

About the study permit

You must hold a valid study permit for the duration of your studies.
You cannot apply for one until your CAQ is obtained.
It must include the name “HEC Montréal,” just like your CAQ.

Generally, the expiration date of the study permit is the same as that of the CAQ. However, the expiration date of the study permit cannot exceed the expiration date of your passport. Therefore, if your passport expires during your studies, you will need to renew both your passport and your study permit. Must cover the duration of your studies. You will be required to pay the fees associated with renewing both documents. We therefore recommend that you have a passport that remains valid beyond the duration of your studies, if possible.

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.

Before submitting an application

Are you from a country outside of Europe? Please also see our page on additional documents to provide.
Read the instructions from your country’s Canadian visa office.
If you need to undergo a medical exam, it is possible—and even recommended—to do so in advance. This is called an upfront medical exam.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to visit a visa application center (VAC) in your area to have your biometric data collected. More details are provided in the section below.
Is your spouse or partner coming with you to Canada? This person may be eligible for an open work permit. For more information, see the Relocating your family page.
Most international students need to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. These documents will be issued at no additional cost along with the study permit.

Applying online

You must apply online from outside Canada.

Visit the Government of Canada website to submit your application online. This service involves a fee.
Check out our tutorial (PDF, 3 MB) to help you navigate the process.

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.

Questionnaire

Documents to provide

HEC Montréal's designated learning institution number is O19359011058.

You will need to provide several documents:

Letter of admission (even if it is conditional)
Passport
CAQ
IMM 1294 form completed but not signed
Passport-sized photo
Proof of financial capacity
Biometric data

Is your country located outside of Europe? Be sure to check whether any other documents are required.

In general, the Government of Canada does not require any specific procedures for people aged 17 to 18. However, additional documents may be required.

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.

Biometric data

All individuals applying for a study permit must provide their biometric data. Be sure to answer the following question correctly when you fill out your application:

In the past ten years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometric data) for an application to come to Canada?
- You must answer: "No."

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email inviting you to visit a visa application center (VAC) in your area to have your biometric data collected. You will likely need to make an appointment.

Once your application has been submitted

Processing time

To check processing times, visit the Government of Canada’s website:

For the question, “What are you applying for?” select “Temporary residence (visiting, studying, working).”
For the question, “What type of temporary residence application?” select “Study permit (from outside Canada).”
For the question, “Where are you applying from?" select your answer.

If your application is approved

You will receive a letter of introduction (PDF, 183 Ko) by email once your application has been approved.
You must not leave your country without the letter of introduction for your study permit. Print it out before you leave your country.
This letter of introduction is not a study permit. You will receive your study permit upon your arrival in Canada.

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.

If your application is refused

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.