Extending the duration of the Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies

The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) of Quebec has recently announced the extension until December 31, 2020, of the duration of the Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) expiring as of April 30, 2020 and before December 31, 2020. This regulation applies to students whose CAQ had not already expired on April 30, 2020. 

According to the Ministry, this decision is intended to facilitate the steps that must be taken by foreign students who were in the process of completing their study program but who must extend their stay in Québec due to the current health state of emergency and the temporary interruption of their courses. 

Be advised that students are still required to apply for a study permit extension in order to maintain a valid temporary residence status and continue their studies; however, they will not be requested to submit a new CAQ. 

Foreign students who would like to extend their stay in Québec for studies beyond December 31, 2020, in order to complete a study program or to begin a new program in the fall 2020 semester, must submit a new application for a CAQ for studies to the MIFI and a new application for a study permit to the federal government. In all cases, students should start the required immigration procedures at least three months before their current authorization for studies expires. 

More information can be found at https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/informations/news/news-2020/covid-19.html