IRCC has issued an important clarification for international students studying or planning to study in Quebec.
Earlier, the department stated that students could reuse their Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) when changing schools at the same level of study — if it was issued before December 6, 2025. However, that guidance has now been corrected.
The correct rule:
Only CAQs issued before December 6, 2024 can be reused when transferring to another institution at the same study level.
This update matters for students planning to switch colleges or universities within Quebec. Using an invalid CAQ could lead to delays or even non-compliance with immigration requirements.
What students should do:
- Verify the issue date on your CAQ.
- Consult your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) or an immigration advisor before making any school changes.
- Apply for a new CAQ through MIFI if your current one doesn’t meet the criteria.
This clarification ensures that students follow Quebec’s provincial and federal regulations correctly, preventing study permit complications.
More in the official link: