International students looking to study in Quebec must obtain an attestation letter from the province and a Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec to apply for a study permit. This information was confirmed by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The CAQ is a required immigration document for study permit applicants planning to attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Quebec. It serves as an authorization that an applicant has met Quebec’s provincial standards to study in the province. Additionally, applicants must receive both a CAQ and an attestation letter before applying for a study permit issued by IRCC.
An attestation letter is now required for all study permit applications submitted after January 22nd. Provinces and territories have until March 31st, 2024, to create a system for issuing these letters to applicants. These new measures are intended to tackle malpractice in the international student space and stabilize the number of temporary residents in Canada.
Quebec is known for its diverse educational institutions and low cost of living expenses. International students are also able to take advantage of province-specific immigration programs such as the Quebec Experience Program and the Regular Skilled Worker Program. After obtaining the needed work experience in the province, students can also explore federal programs like Express Entry-managed pathways for more immigration options after graduation. Montreal, which has the highest per capita international student population in Canada, is located in Quebec and offers a rich francophone heritage and culture.
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