The CAQ, a crucial immigration document, is now obligatory for all study permit applicants seeking admission to Designated Learning Institutions in Quebec.
The CAQ, a crucial immigration document, is now obligatory for all study permit applicants seeking admission to Designated Learning Institutions in Quebec.
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that international students intending to pursue studies in Quebec must now provide an attestation letter, in addition to the mandatory Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate, CAQ), when applying for a study permit.
Understanding the CAQ
The CAQ, a crucial immigration document, is now obligatory for all study permit applicants seeking admission to Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Quebec, the CIC News reported. It signifies that the applicant has met the provincial standards set by Quebec for studying in the region.
The role of attestation letters
On Jan. 22, IRCC disclosed a cap on approved study permit applications for this year.
Provinces and territories, weighted by population, will allocate the study permit cap. As part of this process, international students must obtain both a CAQ and an attestation letter from the respective province before applying for a study permit. Provinces and territories have until Mar. 31, to establish systems for issuing attestation letters.
Reasons behind the changes
These measures are aimed at addressing malpractice in the international student sector and managing the influx of temporary residents, which places strain on essential services such as housing and healthcare in Canada.
Studying in Quebec
With the third-largest international student population in Canada, Quebec, especially Montreal, stands out for having the highest per capita international student population in the country.
The province offers world-class educational institutions, including some of Canada’s top-ranked universities and colleges.
Quebec is known for its lower cost of living, rich francophone history, and culture, making it an attractive destination for international students.
Immigration opportunities
International students studying in Quebec can benefit from province-specific immigration programs such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) after gaining essential work experience.
Moreover, graduates from Quebec can explore federal programs such as Express Entry-managed pathways for additional immigration options beyond the province.
Canada breaches 1 million mark
Canada’s international student community has officially surpassed the one-million mark, reaching 1,028,850 individuals as of December 2023, according to data from IRCC.
Ontario leads with 526,015 students, followed by British Columbia with 202,565, and Quebec with 117,925. The surge is attributed to a permissive DLI model in specific provinces, prompting Immigration Minister Marc Miller to call for collaborative measures to manage the escalating numbers.
Despite initial projections of 900,000 international students by the end of 2023, the actual number reached an unexpected 1,015,744 by September.
Concerns about the rapid growth have sparked discussions on implementing a cap on study permits, with a 35 percent reduction nationwide, aiming to issue around 360,000 permits in 2024. The move addresses both the integrity of the international student system and challenges in housing.
To enhance the system’s integrity, the IRCC introduced an attestation letter requirement for all study permit applications from January 22. This measure aims to curb institutions exploiting the system for financial gain and protect international students from fraudulent practices.
The IRCC has also revised the eligibility criteria for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), excluding students in programs under curriculum licensing arrangements. This change, effective September, seeks to standardize qualification evaluations and offers a three-year work permit for graduates from master’s programs or other short graduate-level programs.
Looking forward, the IRCC plans to unveil specifics on open work permits for spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, emphasizing the importance of aligning policies with evolving educational landscapes.
