Our office and phonelines will be closed on July 25th, 2025.

International Students Already in Canada

International students that studied at a Canadian institution and are already in Canada should consult the table below, to ensure that they have the correct mandatory immigration documents.

Ìý Certificate of Acceptance of QuebecÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Study Permit
CEGEP in Quebec* Apply for a new level-specific CAQ

After receiving your new CAQ, you must apply to renew your study permit and wait for the approvalÌýbefore you may start of your program atÌý91ºÚÁÏÍø.Ìý

High School Outside of Quebec* Apply for an initial CAQ

After receiving your CAQ, you mustÌýapply to renew your study permit before starting your program at 91ºÚÁÏÍø. You may start studying on maintained status while waiting for the approval of your study permit renewal, as long as you applied before your current high school level study permit becomes invalid (your study permit will become invalid 90 days after completing your high school studies).

Post-Secondary Institution Outside of QuebecÌý Apply for an initial CAQ

After receiving yourÌýCAQ, you must apply to renew your study permit and wait for the approval before you may start of your program at 91ºÚÁÏÍø.

*Please note in order to start your for post-secondary studies at 91ºÚÁÏÍø you must have:

  • A valid CAQ that is specific to your level of studies
    • CAQ for 1er/premier cycle if you are completing your Bachelors;
    • CAQ for 2e cycle if you are completing your Master's;
    • CAQ for 3e cycle if you are completing a PhD
  • And a valid study permit

In Canada as a Visitor?

Students who are already in Canada as Visiting and Exchange students (for only 1 term - with visitors status) can apply for a CAQ and Study Permit from within Canada should their exchange be extended to 2 terms (thus requiring a CAQ and Study Permit).Ìý Please see "Applying for a Study Permit from within Canada" on the for details and for other categories of visitors who are eligible for this option. Only those visitors in Canada listed on can apply for their Study Permit from within Canada.ÌýVisitors in Canada that are authorized to apply for their Study Permit from within Canada are not authorized to begin their studies until their Study Permit application is approved.

Visitors who do not meet the criteria outlined in the above website will have to apply for a Study Permit at a Canadian Visa Office outside Canada. Consult the "" section of Immigration Canada’s website for more information.

Ìý

In addition to the information above, please also review ISS' FAQs page.

Back to top