Quebec’s International Student Allocation Plan Simplified

The Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Francization (MIFI) has introduced new rules that limit the number of international students Quebec’s colleges and universities can accept. This cap on study permits will remain in place until February 26, 2026.

Key Points:

1. Student Limits: Each institution is now allowed a certain number of new international students. Once they reach that limit, no further applications are accepted unless they fall under specific exemptions.
2. Exemptions to the Cap: These limits don’t apply to certain groups, such as:
• Students applying to renew their permits for ongoing vocational programs.
• Children of international students or temporary foreign workers in Quebec.
• Applicants for primary or secondary school.
• Individuals in certain health-related training programs.
• Candidates selected through the Excellence Scholarship Program.
• Those protected under certain sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
3. Previously Submitted Applications: If students applied for study permits before February 26, 2025, the new caps won’t affect them.

Breakdown of Study Permit Allocations

In total, Quebec universities can support up to 63,299 study permit applications over the next year. Below are the maximums for some institutions:

• Laval University: 8,276 applications
• University of Montreal: 8,709 applications
• Concordia University: 5,233 applications
• McGill University: 5,131 applications

Other institutions, including certain conservatories and theological schools, have much smaller caps or none at all.

How to Apply for a Study Permit in Quebec

Before beginning studies in Quebec, international students must:

1. Obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from MIFI.
2. Apply for a study permit from the federal government.

Steps to Secure a CAQ:

• Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need a valid passport, an admission letter from a Quebec institution, and proof of financial capacity.
• Create an Arrima Account: Use Quebec’s official platform to submit your application and pay fees.
• Submit Your Application Online: Ensure all documents are legible, complete, and scanned into a single PDF if required.
• Pay the Processing Fee: The current fee is $132, and the application won’t be processed until this payment is made.
• Submit Required Documents: Depending on your country of residence, you may need to provide proof of financial capacity directly to MIFI or to the federal government.

Once the CAQ is approved, you can apply for a federal study permit to finalize your plans to study in Quebec.