Program Delivery Update: Study Permits – Students Destined to Québec
What’s changed
The federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its internal Program Delivery Instructions covering study permits for those intending to study in Québec. The document titled “Study Permits — Students destined to Québec” now clarifies several key aspects.
One of the main clarifications: the date of issue of the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for Studies that may be reused when a student changes educational institution at the same level. Previously the guidance incorrectly stated “CAQs issued before December 6 2025”; the updated version corrects this to “CAQs issued before December 6 2024”.
A new section has been added on the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for Québec-bound students, aligning the Québec-specific process with federal expectations.
On the provincial side, the Québec government’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has introduced application management rules for international students: from February 26 2025 until February 26 2026, each institution has a maximum number of CAQ applications it can accept.
Why it matters
For students heading to Québec, it means there is greater clarity around what documentation is required (CAQ, PAL, study permit) and under what conditions.
It also means that certain transfers/change of institution or level of study may now be subject to stricter rules if the CAQ was issued after the December 6 2024 cutoff.
The cap on CAQ applications per institution means that timelines may become more competitive, and applicants should act sooner rather than later — especially for vocational and college programs where the limits are tighter.
From a federal perspective, the overall allocation of study permits for Québec for the year 2025 is monitored under the PAL/TAL regime: Québec is allocated around 72,977 permits in the “PAL/TAL-required” category for that year.
Key points for applicants
Ensure you hold a valid CAQ: If you are studying in Québec, you must generally submit a CAQ issued by MIFI with your study permit application, unless you fall under an exemption.
Check the CAQ issue-date rule: The updated guidance clarifies that only CAQs issued before December 6 2024 can be used in certain institutional-transfer/change scenarios at the same level of study. If yours was issued after that date, you may need a new CAQ for the new institution or level.
Review the institution’s CAQ quota: Since each Québec institution has a limit on how many CAQ applications it can receive in the 2025-26 period, verify whether your school still has quota openings for international students.
Apply early: Given the caps and increased clarity, starting your application process (CAQ → study permit) early gives you a better chance of meeting deadlines and avoiding possible rejection due to quota caps or incomplete documentation.
Stay updated on policy changes: Both the federal and Québec governments continue to refine rules (e.g., regarding PALs, CAQs, study permit quotas). Keeping abreast of changes ensures your application remains compliant.
Keep your documentation accurate: When you apply for a CAQ or study permit, make sure your admission letter, program details, institution, level of study, and duration match all your application forms and the institution’s records. Discrepancies can lead to delays or refusals.
Action checklist for Québec-bound international students
Obtain an official letter of admission from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Québec.
Apply for your CAQ online, following MIFI’s instructions: include proof of admission, financial capacity, and any additional required documents.
Confirm whether your institution still has quota (CAQ application allowance) for international students for your program/level.
With your CAQ in hand (or the attestation of its issuance), apply for your federal study permit through IRCC, attaching all required documents.
If transferring institutions or levels within Québec: check whether your CAQ issue date (before Dec 6 2024) allows continuation under the same CAQ, otherwise a new CAQ may be required.
Monitor your application status and any communications from MIFI or IRCC; respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Prepare for arrival: ensure your study permit, CAQ, passport, and admission documents are in order before travel to Canada.
Key takeaway
The updated program delivery instructions that cover Québec-bound study permits reflect a maturing landscape of international education in Canada and Québec. The introduction of caps, clearer documentation rules, and alignment between federal and provincial processes signals that prospective international students must approach their applications with precision, timeliness, and awareness of evolving policy.
For students aiming to study in Québec, the takeaway is clear: prepare early, follow the rules closely, and stay informed. With the right approach, you can successfully navigate the updated process and begin your educational journey in Québec.
