International students seeking to study in DSI in Quebec have to take an extra step in their quest for a permit. Quebec has an autonomous system that sets it apart from the other provinces and territories.
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is a temporary visa issued by the Ministry of immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI), to international students selected to enter and study in Quebec. The student must also obtain a study permit from the government of Canada.
CAQ is issued for specified periods and levels of education.For instance, two years CAQ for a master's program. The periods must be longer than six months. You will not need a CAQ for lesser durations.

Once you have satisfied other requirements allowing you to study in Canada, you must apply for CAQ through the Quebec immigration website.

CAQ exemptions

Before you start on your application, know that you will not need a CAQ if you certify either of these conditions:

• You take part in a federal assistance program for developing countries. You could be a beneficiary of the Commonwealth or the Francophone.
• You are minor seeking asylum, or a refugee, or a recognized protected person in Canada.
• Have an Indian status as specified in the Indian Act.
• Your spouse lives in Quebec as an international civil servant, a diplomat, or a consular representative.
• You have a temporary residence permit
• You are a refugee or protected person in Canada.
• Your spouse is a Canadian Citizen or has a permanent residency and has to sponsor you.

What do you need to get approved for CAQ?

• Get the Minister's permission to study in Canada.
• Have your official passport
• Admission letter from the DSI in Quebec.
• Expected amount for tuition fees.
• A valid credit card. The credit card can be yours, your parents, or the person who will pay your application fees.
• Contact details for the person who will be in charge of your expenses during your stay in Quebec.
• A photocopy of your passport or travel document, primarily showing the identity pages. The copy must show clearly; your picture, personal details, and expiry date of the passport.
• Evidence of your financial capacity. You can submit a recent three-month bank statement, payslip, proof of rental income, or funding from a bursary or scholarship. If your stay is financed by someone else, you will need to show a declaration of financial support or comprehensive financial confirmation of the individual. You don't need to show that you have the financial capability to finance the total duration of your stay. Proof required is for the first year of study.
• Have C$117 for the application fees. The fee is nonrefundable.
• Application for CAQ is made online through the Arrima portal. You must have an email address.
• Set up your profile at the website and save your application.
• Remit the application fee.
• Print up the personalized checklist given, showing any other forms that accompany your application. The index will also give you instructions on how to submit your online request through Arrima.
• Duly sign the forms as required. You must sign by hand then upload the documents. An electronic signature is not accepted.
• For manual applications, send the documents to the following address:
  Service aux etudiants etrangers
  Ministere de I’immigration de la Diversite at de I’inclusion
  285, rue Notre-Dame 4e etage
  Montreal (Quebec) H2Y 1T8
  Canada.

Note that immigration can only process your application after receiving your documents. It takes approximately 20 days for applications to be processed. The date of receipt will determine when processing will start. Try to send the documents earliest time possible.

Validity of CAQ

CAQ is valid for the period and level of your study up to 49 months. If you are through with your level and the duration has expired, you will request an extension. It is recommended that you begin the renewal application at least six months before the expiry of the current CAQ.
You may not be able to carry out the application process by yourself for whichever reason. You are allowed to obtain the services of an intermediary. The individual can be a lawyer, a notary, or a consultant.
Obtaining services from such a person will not guarantee any special treatment. It is advisable to look for an immigration professional who has the following dispositions:

• • A trustworthy person of the Barreau du Québec;
• • An upstanding associate of the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• • Persons who have been given special permission by the Barreau du Québec or the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• • Acknowledged and accepted immigration consultants who are registered with the Registre québécois des consultants en immigration (Québec directory of immigration consultants recognized by the Ministère)

If you opt to seek for services of the intermediary, you must notify the Minister that you are being represented by a paid or unpaid member. Deliberately hiding this information is an offense and can affect your immigration process. Once you have identified the person, you have to give the person power of attorney.

Reasons why CAQ may be rejected

• You may meet the minimum requirements for a course study in Quebec but have your CAQ application rejected. It can be due to the following reasons.
• Your financial proof was not enough.
• What you chose as your study program does not match with your educational or work background.
• The institution that you obtained your admission letter is not a DSI, or the visa officer is not satisfied that you meet minimum requirements for the course.
• Applicants do not have proof of intent to leave Canada at the end of their studies.
• Candidates who cannot show the job prospects at their home country once they are done with the program
• Issues with travel documents. You must strive to provide clear, complete, and readable documents.
• You must pay the processing fee in total, and the currency must be the Canadian dollar. Ensure the transaction goes through because the immigration will not contact you for failed transactions.

You can check the progress of your application. You cannot call immigration to enquire whether the office has received your document or how far they are in the process.