Renewing your CAQ online
Steps required to renew your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Situations where 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 remaining duration of your studies;
- You are changing the level of studies (e.g., from BBA to MSc);
- You are coming from another educational institution. However, if you hold a valid CAQ issued before December 6, 2024, covering the remainder of your studies, and you are not changing your level of studies, you do not need to renew your CAQ.
Apply for your CAQ sufficiently in advance. That way, you can apply for an extension of your study permit before the current one expires. This is mandatory to maintain your right to study legally in Canada.
If your study permit expires before your CAQ renewal is confirmed, write to us!
Application
Please note! You must select “No” for the question “Does an exemption specified in the application management rules apply to you?”
Also, be sure to indicate:
- Your academic level (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral);
- Start and end dates for your program.
- The start date is the date of application.
- The end date is the final day of the session in which you will earn your degree plus 3 months. You can find this date in the academic calendar.
Once you complete your online application
- Pay the fees associated with your application on the Arrima platform.
- Read carefully the checklist you receive in your online file once your application has been paid.
- Gather the necessary documents and submit them on the Arrima platform.
- Be sure to get the official documents from the School: transcripts and Proof of Credits Completed/in Progress Letter available in your HEC en ligne.
- Remember to sign by hand in blue ink the declaration, commitments and authorizations form.
- Don't forget to submit specific documents in the following cases:
- If you are studying for a master’s degree (thesis stream) or a doctorate, include a letter from your thesis supervisor, indicating the tentative date on which you will submit your thesis.
- If, during the period covered by your last CAQ, you studied part-time, dropped or failed courses, or took an authorized break, include the following:
- A letter explaining why your studies were not your primary focus.
- Documentation, such as a plane ticket, internship contract or doctor’s note, to support this.
- Proof that you were eligible for medical and hospital insurance (if you were in Quebec during your authorized break).
- Please note! An incomplete application (i.e. missing documents, failing to sign by hand when requested, or insufficient financial evidence) may result in a notice of intent to refuse your application, as well as additional delays.
- Upload your proof of application into HEC en ligne to update your file.
If your application is approved
A letter confirming issuing of your CAQ (PAL) will be made available in your file. You can use it to apply for a study permit.
- Check the document to ensure that all your information is correct (first and last name, date of birth, program dates, etc.).
- Upload a copy to HEC en ligne or deliver it in person to Zone Info.
- Keep the certificate in a safe place.
If your application is denied
You will see “intent to refuse” in your file on the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) website. You will have 30 days to provide the requested documents.
For advice, contact Zone Info.