Visa Options for Foreign Students in Quebec


Canada’s education system is known for its high quality, wide variety of programs, world-class institutions, and a non-discriminatory admission process. These and other factors make Canada the third most popular destination for international students. The Canadian government has developed an easy and efficient procedure for obtaining a Study Permit in Canada.
What Are the Advantages of Studying in Quebec?

There are many advantages of studying in Quebec:

  • Quebec welcomes international students at different levels of education: primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, and postgraduate education;
  • There are more than 700 prestigious universities located in Quebec that specialize in artificial intelligence, aerospace, biotechnology, quantum computing, visual arts, etc;
  • In total, Quebec learning institutions offer more than 3,000 university programs, half of which are at the master’s and doctoral levels;
  • Tuition fees for foreign students and the cost of living in Quebec are among the lowest in Canada;
  • Quebec diplomas are recognized internationally;
  • There are many vocational training centres equipped with cutting-edge technology that offer various programs that focus on hands-on opportunities to learn a trade directly relevant to the job market.
Peculiarities of Quebec Selection Process for International Students

Persons who want to study in Quebec, in addition to a Canadian Study Permit, must also apply for temporary selection for studies in Quebec directly to the Quebec government.

To apply, an applicant must:

If the application is approved, the Quebec government will issue the applicant a Quebec Acceptance Certificate for studies (QAC). The QAC is generally valid for the duration of the applicant’s study program, subject to a maximum of 49 months. Only after receiving QAC, the person must apply for a Study Permit to the Canadian federal government.

What is a designated educational institution (DLI)?

A DLI is an educational establishment (such as a school, college, or university) that is allowed to admit foreign students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated as DLIs. Not all post-secondary institutions are designated, so you need to check whether your preferred education establishment is in the Designated learning institution list.

Who does not need a QAC for studies?

There are several situations where applicants do not need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies:

  1. The duration of the applicant’s study program is less than six months.
  2. The applicant is a person registered as an Native Canadian Indian under the Indian Act.
  3. The applicant is a refugee or protected person in Canada.
  4. The applicant is participating in a federal assistance program for developing countries.
  5. The applicant’s spouse is staying in Québec as a diplomatic agent, or a consular representative, or an international civil servant.
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 Minimum Amount of Funds Necessary to Come as a Student

The table below shows the minimum funds required by immigration authorities to support you as a student in Quebec (and family members who may come with you).

In Quebec

Persons coming to Canada

Amount of funds required per year (without tuition fee)

Amount of funds required per month (without tuition fee)

Student

CAN $ 11,000

CAN $ 917

First family member who is 18 years or older (if applicable)

CAN $ 5,100

CAN $ 425

First family member who is under 18 years (if applicable)

CAN $ 3,800

CAN $317

Every additional accompanying family member who is 18 years or older (if applicable)

CAN $ 5,125

CAN $ 427

Every additional accompanying family member who under 18 years (if applicable)

CAN $ 1,903

CAN $159

Please note that you must provide proof that you can afford the above costs.

Working During the Studies in Quebec
International students are allowed to work during their studies. However, they can work only under certain conditions that are specified in the federal legislation. This area of regulation is beyond the scope of Quebec authorities. Thus, it is regulated similarly by the federal immigration authority - the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In our article, you can find out more about the working opportunities while studying in Canada.
PR for Recent Graduates in Quebec

In Québec, immigration is the jurisdiction of both the government of Québec and the government of Canada. The former is responsible for selecting individuals wishing to immigrate to the province, while the latter is in charge of admitting newcomers. Selection is guided by Québec’s own criteria. That is why this province has a two-stage application process for permanent residence.

The Quebec Experience Program (QEP) is an immigration program developed for recent Quebec graduates who wish to work in Quebec and settle there permanently. There is a special Quebec graduate stream. After completing studies, students must initially apply for this stream and obtain a Québec selection certificate. This certificate opens the possibility of applying for permanent residence to the IRCC.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE ON HOW TO OBTAIN A PR IN QUEBEC AFTER GRADUATION:

  1. Graduate from a Quebec learning institution: Only Quebec graduates are allowed to apply under this stream.
  2. Apply for a Quebec selection certificate under the Quebec graduate stream: You can apply for this certificate if you:
  3. Apply to IRCC for a permanent residence: After receiving your Québec selection certificate, you must submit an application for permanent residence to the federal government and pay respective fees (at least CAN $550).
  4. Wait for approval: The average processing time is 118 days. However, it depends on the particular situation and can be longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that our client ask; if your question is not covered here, please contact us.

We Can Help

To ensure the best chances of getting approval for your Study Permit application, contact our team. We can help you to choose the best learning institutions for studying in Quebec based on your personal situation and merits.

The importance of providing clear, complete, and accurate information throughout the process cannot be overstated. It is usually a good idea to seek the assistance of a professional who is an expert in the process so that you avoid making mistakes or providing incorrect information at any step of the process.

If you are unsure about your likelihood of successfully obtaining a Study Permit or a PR, contact us for a free evaluation. If you have any other questions that are not addressed in this article, please contact us and we will be happy to help.