Apply for authorizations to enter Canada

International students must meet certain government requirements in order to enter and study in Canada.

Take note

• Students admitted to an exchange program will receive an invitation to a mandatory information session shortly after their admission. During the session, you will be able to ask any questions you may have.
• Begin the process as soon as possible once your letter of admission to HEC Montréal is available. You must have all the required documents before leaving for Canada.
• Do not attempt to enter Canada without the required authorizations. Otherwise, you may have trouble or be turned away at the border. In such a case, HEC Montréal may not be able to validate your admission.
• Beware of fraud and scams. Trust only the links provided on this page.

For any questions or if a problem arises, please contact us right away, at incoming@hec.ca.

For one term on exchange – all nationalities

You only need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter and study in Canada.

Step 1: Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your exchange.

Step 2: Determine whether you need an eTA or a TRV, according to your citizenship.

Step 3: Based on the results from Step 2, apply for an eTA or a TRV.

• You can apply online for an eTA and receive it in under 72 hours for Can$7. Apply for an eTA
• You can apply online for a TRV for Can$100. Processing times can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Apply for a TRV

Important Processing times for a TRV can sometimes be very long.

For one paid term – France and Belgium

• You are a French or Belgian guest student, and
• You will study at HEC Montréal for one term as a guest student
• You are only eligible to receive reduced tuition fees (tuition fees table) if you have a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a student permit.

Step 1: Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your exchange.

Step 2:

• Apply for a CAQ. The fee is Can$128.
• Prepare your study permit application. You will submit it when you have received your CAQ.

Important Non-European citizens: see the specific instructions that apply to you by checking with your visa application centre (VAC) or emailing us at incoming@hec.ca.

Step 3: Once you have received your CAQ, submit your application for a study permit. The fee is Can$150. This application automatically includes an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

For two terms on exchange (one year)

You must obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a study permit.

Step 1: Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your exchange.

Step 2:

• Apply for a CAQ. The fee is Can$128.
• Prepare your study permit application. You will submit it when you have received your CAQ.

Important Non-European citizens: see the specific instructions that apply to you by checking with your visa application centre (VAC) or emailing us at incoming@hec.ca.

Step 3: Once you have received your CAQ, submit your application for a study permit. The fee is Can$150. This application automatically includes an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV).

Work or do an internship in Canada

Students who hold a study permit are usually authorized to work on campus or work off campus:

• only during the terms during which they are studying
• for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

This authorization will be indicated on the study permit that you will receive at the Canadian border.

You will no longer be authorized to work or carry out an internship in Canada as of the day following the last day of your term of exchange, even if your study permit is still valid.