Navigate Quebec's unique CAQ requirements for work and study permits
On This Page You Will Find:
• Complete CAQ requirements for workers and students in Quebec • Step-by-step application process with timelines and costs • LMIA vs CAQ differences that could save you months of delays • Common exemptions most applicants don't know about • Expert strategies to avoid the 3 biggest CAQ mistakes • What to do after your CAQ approval to secure your permits
Summary:
Planning to work or study in Quebec? You'll likely need a Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying for your Canadian work or study permit. This provincial certificate proves Quebec approves your temporary residence, but the application process has specific requirements and exemptions that can make or break your timeline. Whether you're a skilled worker needing both an LMIA and CAQ, or a student preparing for your studies, understanding Quebec's unique immigration requirements could save you 2-3 months of processing delays and thousands in application fees.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- CAQ is required for most temporary workers and students in Quebec (but not all)
- Workers need both LMIA and CAQ unless their job is LMIA-exempt
- Students must get accepted to a DLI before applying for their CAQ
- Short-term work (under 30 days) and study programs (under 6 months) are exempt
- CAQ approval is required before applying for federal work or study permits
Maria Santos thought she had everything figured out for her job in Montreal. Her employer had secured the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and she was ready to apply for her work permit. Then her immigration lawyer dropped the news: "You'll also need a CAQ from Quebec first."
If you're planning to work or study in Quebec, you're probably discovering what Maria learned the hard way – Quebec has its own immigration requirements that add an extra step to your journey. But here's what most people don't realize: understanding the CAQ system can actually streamline your application and help you avoid costly delays.
What is a CAQ and Why Quebec Requires It
The Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) is Quebec's way of maintaining control over who works and studies in the province. Think of it as Quebec's stamp of approval before the federal government considers your work or study permit application.
Quebec operates under a unique agreement with the federal government that gives the province significant control over immigration. This means that while other provinces might welcome temporary workers and students with just federal permits, Quebec adds its own screening process.
The CAQ serves as confirmation that Quebec's Ministère d'Immigration, de Francisation et d'intégration (MIFI) agrees with the federal assessment that bringing you to Quebec will benefit (or at least not harm) the local job market or educational system.
CAQ Requirements for Temporary Foreign Workers
When You Need Both LMIA and CAQ
If you're a skilled worker whose Quebec employer is hiring you through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you'll need both documents:
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada
- CAQ from Quebec's MIFI
Your employer typically handles the LMIA application, which can take 2-4 months depending on the occupation and location. Once approved, you can apply for your CAQ, which adds another 4-8 weeks to your timeline.
Here's where it gets tricky: some applicants assume they can apply for both simultaneously, but Quebec requires the LMIA approval before processing your CAQ application. This sequential process is why planning ahead is crucial.
The 30-Day Rule Exception
Jobs lasting 30 days or less don't require a CAQ. This exemption covers:
- Short-term consulting projects
- Emergency repairs or installations
- Brief training assignments
- Seasonal work under one month
However, be careful with this exemption. If your initial 30-day assignment extends longer, you'll need to secure a CAQ before continuing work.
LMIA-Exempt Workers: Your CAQ Exemption
If your job falls under an LMIA exemption category, you also don't need a CAQ. Common LMIA-exempt categories include:
- Intra-company transferees
- NAFTA/CUSMA professionals
- Significant benefit workers
- International agreements (like CETA)
- Some researchers and academics
This is where many applicants get confused. Just because you don't need an LMIA doesn't automatically mean you're CAQ-exempt – but in Quebec's system, the two exemptions go hand-in-hand.
CAQ Requirements for International Students
The DLI Letter Comes First
Before applying for your CAQ, you must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Quebec. This isn't just any acceptance letter – it must be from a school authorized to host international students.
Quebec has approximately 400 DLIs, ranging from universities like McGill and Université de Montréal to colleges and private institutions. Your acceptance letter must specify:
- Program start and end dates
- Full-time or part-time status
- Program language (French or English)
- Estimated costs
The Application Sequence That Matters
Many students make the mistake of trying to apply for everything at once. Here's the correct sequence:
- Apply and get accepted to a Quebec DLI
- Apply for your CAQ with the acceptance letter
- Apply for your federal study permit using your CAQ
- Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (if required)
Trying to shortcut this process typically results in delays and rejections.
Study Program Length Exemptions
Programs lasting six months or less don't require a CAQ or study permit. However, you'll still need to check if you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as a visitor.
This exemption is popular among students taking:
- Summer language immersion programs
- Short-term exchange programs
- Professional development courses
- Cultural programs
Common CAQ Exemptions Most People Miss
Family Member Exemptions
Certain family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be exempt from CAQ requirements, even for longer programs or work assignments.
Diplomatic and Consular Staff
Foreign representatives and their families working in Quebec are typically exempt from CAQ requirements.
Transit and Crew Members
Airline crew, ship crew, and others in transit through Quebec generally don't need CAQs for their work activities.
Processing Times and Costs You Should Know
Current Processing Times
Based on recent data, here's what you can expect:
- Worker CAQ: 20-25 business days
- Student CAQ: 20-25 business days during peak season (May-August), 15-20 days off-peak
Peak application periods (April through August) can add 1-2 weeks to these timelines as thousands of students prepare for fall semester starts.
Application Fees
- Worker CAQ: $227 CAD
- Student CAQ: $117 CAD
These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
The Three Biggest CAQ Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Applying Too Late
Many applicants underestimate the total timeline. If you need both LMIA and CAQ as a worker, you're looking at 3-6 months total processing time. Students should apply for their CAQ immediately after receiving their DLI acceptance letter.
Mistake 2: Incomplete Documentation
Quebec is particularly strict about documentation requirements. Missing documents don't just delay your application – they often result in refusal and require starting over with new fees.
Mistake 3: Assuming Federal Exemptions Apply
Just because you might be exempt from certain federal requirements doesn't mean Quebec exemptions apply. Always verify CAQ requirements independently of federal permit requirements.
What Happens After CAQ Approval
Your CAQ approval is just the first step. With your CAQ in hand, you can then apply for:
- Federal work permit (for workers)
- Federal study permit (for students)
- Temporary Resident Visa (if required based on your nationality)
The CAQ doesn't authorize you to work or study – it simply confirms Quebec's approval for your federal permit application.
Planning Your Quebec Journey
Getting your CAQ right the first time requires understanding Quebec's unique position in Canadian immigration. Unlike other provinces, Quebec maintains significant control over temporary residents, which means an extra step but also additional protection for local workers and students.
Whether you're Maria finally getting her Montreal job sorted, or a student preparing for studies at a Quebec university, the CAQ system is designed to ensure that temporary residents contribute positively to Quebec society.
The key is starting early, understanding the requirements specific to your situation, and recognizing that Quebec's system, while adding complexity, ultimately provides a clearer path to working or studying in one of Canada's most culturally rich provinces.
Remember: your CAQ is your gateway to Quebec, but it's not your final destination. Plan for the full process, from provincial approval through federal permits, and you'll find yourself well-prepared for your Quebec adventure.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a CAQ if I already have an LMIA for my Quebec job?
Yes, most workers need both an LMIA and CAQ for Quebec jobs. Your employer gets the LMIA first, then you apply for the CAQ using the LMIA approval. However, if your job is LMIA-exempt (like intra-company transfers or NAFTA professionals), you're also CAQ-exempt. The two exemptions go together in Quebec's system.
Q: How long does it take to get a CAQ and what does it cost?
CAQ processing takes 20-25 business days for both workers and students, with potential delays of 1-2 weeks during peak season (May-August). Worker CAQs cost $227 CAD while student CAQs cost $117 CAD. These fees are non-refundable even if refused, so ensure your application is complete before submitting.
Q: Can I work or study in Quebec for short periods without a CAQ?
Yes, there are exemptions for short-term activities. Work assignments of 30 days or less don't require a CAQ, and study programs under 6 months are exempt. However, if your initial short-term work extends beyond 30 days, you must get a CAQ before continuing.
Q: What's the correct order for applying as an international student?
Follow this sequence: 1) Get accepted to a Quebec DLI (Designated Learning Institution), 2) Apply for your CAQ using the acceptance letter, 3) Apply for your federal study permit with the CAQ approval, 4) Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa if required. Trying to skip steps typically causes delays and rejections.
Q: What can I do with a CAQ approval?
A CAQ doesn't authorize work or study – it's Quebec's approval that allows you to apply for federal permits. After CAQ approval, you can apply for your federal work permit or study permit, plus a Temporary Resident Visa if needed based on your nationality. The CAQ is your first step, not your final authorization.
