Quebec Immigration

International students

You wish to come to Québec and study here? A typical procedure is suggested below to assist you in your proceedings. Take the time to read it carefully; it will give you a good idea of the steps you will have to take in order to study in Québec.

Your 6-step procedure!

1. Finding out about studying in Québec

2. Each year, Québec’s various francophone and Anglophone educational institutions welcome some 25,000 international students.

To enjoy access to higher education in Québec, you have to meet the admission requirements of the institution of your choice (no examinations required), demonstrate your ability to finance your studies, and obtain the necessary entry authorizations required by the immigration authorities.

To learn more about studying in Québec, find out about:

The Québec school system

The Québec school system is comprised of:

a public education network ranging from preschool to university

private education institutions, recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, that teach official school programs.


DURATION OF STUDIES
Level	Number of years
Preschool	1 to 2 years
Primary	6 years
Secondary	5 years
College (CEGEP)	2 to 3 years
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)	3 to 4 years
Graduate (Master's)	2 years
Doctoral	3 years or +

Primary and secondary education

Primary education covers a period of six years (excluding preschool), while secondary education runs from level 1 through 5. Together, they make up a total of 11 years.

From the third or fourth year of secondary school, the student can choose to take vocational training to learn a trade. Such training is recognized by the Diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP - Diploma of Vocational Studies).

Successful completion of the general secondary program is recognized by the Diplôme d’études secondaires (DES - Diploma of Secondary Studies). The DES gives access to the first level of higher education, which is provided by a type of institution unique to Québec, i.e. the Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (or CEGEP).

College-level education

The CEGEP network offers both pre-university and technical programs. Pre-university programs, which last two years, serve as a preparation for university. Technical programs, which last three years, can lead to employment as a technician or technologist. They can also pave the way to university studies. These two types of programs lead to a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC - Diploma of College Studies).

There are also shorter, technical-type programs that lead to an Attestation of College Studies (ACS). These programs are normally intended for adult students (18 years or older). Finally, certain CEGEPs also offer an international baccalaureate.

University education

University education is divided into three levels:
The first level (undergraduate) leads to a bachelor's degree after three or four years of full-time study, depending on the field. A bachelor’s degree enables students to enter the job market or go on to graduate studies.

Also offered at the undergraduate level are one-year programs, which are recognized by a certificate. The combination of three certificates can lead to a bachelor’s degree, provided a number of conditions are met.

The second level (graduate) leads to a master's degree after two years of full-time study and the writing of a thesis or the completion of an internship, depending on whether the master's program is research-oriented or practice-oriented.

Also offered at the graduate level are one-year programs recognized by a Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées (DESS) (advanced degree) or a Graduate Certificate.

The third level (doctoral) prepares students for a career in research. A doctoral degree (Ph.D) can be earned after approximately three years of full-time study, including the writing of a dissertation.education costs for international students

Education costs include tuition fees applicable to international students, as well as other related educational fees.

Tuition fes

Tuition fees for international students are the same at all public institutions at the same educational level, although they may vary depending on the field of study. Tuition fees are set by the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport and are subject to an annual adjustment.

Québec students who study full-time at a public institution are not required to pay tuition fees, except at the university level.

Note: All fees are given in Canadian dollars.

Preschool, primary and secondary school fees in 2006-2007*
Level	Per year
Kindergarten (4-year-olds)	$2,767
Preschool and primary school	$4,815
General secondary	$6,021
Vocational secondary	$7,258 + additional fees, depending on the program

CEGEP (college) tuition in 2006-2007
Field of study	Per year (30 credits)
Pre-university program Community or human affairs technologies Business administration	$7,862
Physical technologies Arts and Literature	$10,178
Biological technologies	$12,186

At the university level, tuition fees for international students consist of those required of Québec students plus a lump sum. Under certain conditions, some students may be exempted from the lump sum

University tuition in 2006-2007
Levels and fields of study	Per year (for each period of a program equivalent to 30 credits)
1st level	Fees applicable to Québec students	Lump sum in addition to fees applicable to Québec students
Medicine, premedical, paramedical, arts, pure and applied sciences	$1,668	$9,960
Other fields	$1,688	$8,760
2nd level (graduate)	$1,688	$8,760
3rd level	$1,688	$7,710

Other related educational costs

Other related educational costs vary according to the institution and may include admission and registration fees, the cost of course materials, student association dues, etc.

At the university level, health and hospital insurance is mandatory for all students. The cost of this insurance is added to the other fees, unless you are covered by a social security reciprocity agreement. If so, you will be covered by the Québec health and hospital insurance plan, and you will not have to pay a premium. You may, however, take out additional insurance covering eye and dental care.

If your educational institution does not provide health and hospital insurance, you need to take out private insurance or prove that you have valid health and hospital insurance.

employment opportunities during your program of study

Working during your studies

To obtain the necessary authorizations to study in Québec, you must demonstrate your ability to pay applicable tuition fees as well as your living expenses, without having to work in Québec. Once you are settled in Québec, you may be authorized to work part-time during your studies, subject to certain conditions.

On-campus work and internships

As a foreign student, you may be employed on the campus of your educational institution if you have a study permit and are engaged in full-time studies. However, the number of on-campus jobs, including employment as a research assistant or teaching assistant, is limited.

You may also work outside your educational institution if you are completing an internship, whether remunerated or not, that is an integral part of your Québec study program. To work off-campus, you are generally required to obtain a work permit from the appropriate Canadian authorities.

To familiarize yourself with the conditions that apply to these different work scenarios, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Off-campus work

If you attend an educational institution that participates in the Off-Campus Work Program for international students, you may be eligible for a work permit authorizing you to work off-campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

1. Applying for admission to an institution
Have you found out what you need to know about studying in Québec and do you wish to study there? After you’ve selected a program of study, the first step is to submit an application for admission.

Your admission depends on your educational credentials and language capabilities. Other requirements may also apply. If, when submitting your application for admission, your educational credentials or language capabilities do not fully meet the stated requirements, you may be admitted on condition that you successfully complete certain courses.

Educational credentials

To be admitted to a Québec educational institution, your educational credentials must be equivalent to those required of Québec students.

At the undergraduate level, you must have earned the equivalent of the Diploma of pre-university college studies (DCS), which recognizes two years of schooling following secondary school, i.e. 13 years in all. Some universities may accept students who have completed 12 years of schooling, in which case the university program would be extended by one year.

At the college level, you must have earned the equivalent of the Diploma of Secondary Studies (DSS), which recognizes 11 years of schooling.

Equivalent studies

The evaluation of your diploma or the studies you have completed outside Québec is conducted by the higher learning institution or the regional admission service at the college level. Prerequisite requirements, or course recognition through equivalency, can therefore vary from one institution or one regional admission service to another.

Course equivalencies are granted (where applicable) only after the candidate’s admission has been confirmed.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Make sure you provide an official description of the relevant courses you have successfully completed, along with the corresponding grade transcripts. This will increase your chances of being granted equivalencies for certain courses.

At the general or vocational secondary levels, you must, at the institution’s request and prior to your definitive admission, submit a Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec.

Language capabilities

To be admitted to a program of study in French or English, you must have sufficient language skills to be able to complete the program successfully. Educational institutions may assess your language level in whatever manner they see fit.

Obtaining the necessary authorizations to study in Québec
Your admission to an institution has been confirmed. Your plan is taking shape, and now you want to obtain the necessary authorizations to stay in Québec.

Obtaining the necessary authorizations to study in Québec

Once you have received your letter of admission from a Québec educational institution, you need to obtain:

a CAQ, issued by the Government of Québec
a study permit, issued by the Government of Canada.

This applies whether you are pursuing primary, secondary, college-level or university studies, adult education or any other type of training program.

Excluding postal delays, it generally takes four weeks to process an application for a CAQ, provided your file is complete (including all duly completed forms and required supporting documents).

The time required for processing an application for a study permit may vary from one Canadian visa office to another. It may also depend on whether or not you need to undergo a medical examination.

3 important steps

As soon as you receive your letter of admission from the educational institution, you should take the following three steps:

1. Making sure you are familiar with the requirements for staying in Québec as an international student.

recent ID photo, passport format (35 mm x 45 mm)

payment of fees to examine your application

legible photocopy of the identity pages of your passport containing your personal information, photo and the passport expiry date

original or certified true copy of the admission letter from the registrar of the educational institution that you will attend.

The required documents must be in French or English. Originals or copies of documents in a language other than French or English must be accompanied by a translation signed and certified by a professional translator.

A copy can be certified by the institution that issued the original document or by a person or institution authorized to administer an oath. The seal of the authorized institution or individual must appear on the certified copy.

Once your application has been accepted, your copy of your CAQ for studies will be mailed to you and a conditional agreement will be dispatched to the Canadian visa office indicated in your application form. This office will validate your financial capacity to continue your studies in Québec.

2. Applying for a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec for studies.

3. Applying for a study permit. you must apply to the Canadian visa office covering the country where you currently reside.

2. Preparing yourself before your departure for Québec
You will soon be heading off to Québec, where you have decided to pursue your studies. Get ready to discover new horizons and a whole new study environment. Take advantage of the time it will take to obtain your study authorizations to prepare yourself. This will make your temporary stay in Québec that much easier.

If you are thinking of renting a room or an apartment in the campus residence, you should reserve it as soon as you send in your application for admission since the number of rooms is limited. Residences are often managed by private organizations that are independent of the educational institution. You should contact them directly to secure a reservation.

The contact information for residences is available on the sites of educational institutions that offer this service. Some institutions do not have residence facilities.

As a international student, you are entitled to temporarily import your household and personal items (furniture, dishes, appliances and automobiles) duty free, if you plan to stay in Canada no longer than 36 months.

To do so, you must give the customs officer a list that clearly distinguishes between the items you brought with you and those that will arrive later. It is a good idea to have two copies of this list, preferably typewritten, and to write down a description, model, serial number, where applicable, and the value of these effects.

Proof of health insurance coverage

Once you are in Québec, you will have to submit this document to your educational institution as proof of your health insurance coverage. It should also be enclosed with your application for a Québec health insurance card.

International driver’s licence

If you hold a valid license of the equivalent class, you are allowed to drive an automobile or motorcycle for the length of your studies without holding a Québec license. However, any license restrictions also apply in Québec.

If your driver's license is neither in English nor in French, getting an International driver’s license is highly recommended. You must apply for this license in the country that issued your driver's license, before leaving. However, you must always have the country-of-origin driver's license in your possession. However, if you do obtain an international driver’s license, always keep both licenses in your possession.

3. Proceeding with your temporary settlement in Québec
You’ve now arrived at your destination. Read this section for a brief survey of entry formalities and to obtain all the information you need to help you with your temporary stay in Québec.

Have the following documents on hand when you arrive at the airport or a border crossing:

your passport
your study permit (or the letter of authorization issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
your temporary resident visa (where applicable)
your CAQ for studies
your health certificate (if you had to pass a medical examination to obtain your study permit)
the letter of admission from the educational institution you will attend.

If you have a letter of authorization to study from a Canadian representative abroad, this letter will be validated by the Canadian immigration authorities.

You will also have to provide the customs inspectors with a list of personal effects that you are bringing with you or have sent, where applicable. See the section on the list of personal effects (Step 4- Preparing yourself before departure for Québec)

If you arrive at Montréal’s Pierre-Eliot-Trudeau International Airport, you can ask an Immigration Québec officer for general information.

5. Extending your stay
If you plan to pursue your studies in Québec beyond the term of your Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ - Québec Acceptance Certificate) for studies, remember to renew your authorizations before their expiry date. If you intend to work after graduation or to reside in Québec permanently, you should read this section as well.

After you have graduated from your program of study, you could be authorized to hold a job related to your field of study under certain conditions. However, you must first obtain a work permit.

Requirements

To hold a job after your studies in Québec, you must:

have successfully completed a program of full-time study of at least eight months in a university, public college or publicly funded private college
have an employment offer for a job that is related to the program of study you have just completed
not have been issued a prior work permit upon completing any other program of study in Canada
apply for a work permit, accompanied by proof of a valid job offer, within 90 days of receiving notice from your educational institution indicating that you have satisfied all the requirements for obtaining the diploma
have a valid study permit upon submission of your application for a work permit.

Procedure

If you have met all the required conditions, you may apply for a work permit to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), at the Case Processing Centre, Vegreville, Alberta. At this step, fees will be charged.

A work permit could be issued to you for a maximum period of one year, or for a maximum period of two years if you have studied and intend to work outside the Montréal Urban Community. However, the duration of the work permit cannot exceed that of the program of study you have just completed.

USEFUL INFORMATION

To obtain a work permit under these conditions, you are not required to have a CAQ for work.