Steps to obtain the CAQ for foreign students 

Obtaining the Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is a must for anyone wishing to study or work in Quebec, because of the separate agreement that exists between Quebec and the rest of Canada in terms of immigration. 

Without the CAQ, you cannot undertake long-term studies in Quebec. It is a mandatory preliminary step before applying to the Canadian government for a study permit. It validates your acceptance by the Quebec government to study in the province.

What are the steps involved in obtaining a CAQ for a foreign student?

The process of obtaining the Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for foreign students is fairly straightforward, but requires some preparation. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain a letter of acceptance from a Quebec educational institution: The first step is to obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated educational institution. 
2. Preparing documents: This usually includes a copy of the acceptance letter from the Quebec educational institution, proof of your identity (such as a passport), and proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
3. Fill out the online application for temporary selection for studies: The CAQ application is made online on the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) website. You must complete the application form and upload the required documents.
4. Creating an account on Arrima: International students must first create their own account on Arrima to initiate their CAQ application.
5. Submitting supporting documents on Arrima: Upload required documents to Arrima.
6. Paying fees: After submitting the form, you must pay the CAQ application fee. This payment is also made online.
7. Waiting for approval: Once the application has been submitted and the fees paid, you must wait for MIFI to evaluate your application. Waiting times vary, but generally take between 20 and 30 business days.
8. Receipt of CAQ: If your application is approved, you will receive your CAQ by mail. You can then use this document to apply for your study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Note that in the event of a refusal, MIFI will provide you with the reasons for the refusal. It is possible to appeal the decision or submit a new application with additional or corrected documents.

Remember that each case is unique, so it's always best to consult the official MIFI website for instructions specific to your situation.

‍Sometips for obtaining a letter of acceptance to a Quebec educational institution

Obtaining a letter of acceptance from a Quebec educational institution is a key step in the process of applying for a Certificat d'Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for studies. Here are a few tips to help you obtain this letter of acceptance:

1. Research institutions and programs: Identify institutions and programs that match your interests and qualifications. Each institution may have its own admission criteria, so make sure you understand these requirements. Please consult the List of Designated Educational Institutions to determine if your institution is eligible.‍
2. Prepare your academic file: Gather your transcripts, diplomas and other necessary academic documents. Provide certified translations if they are in a language other than French or English.‍
3. Demonstrate your language skills: If French is not your first language, you may need to take a language test such as TEF or TCF to demonstrate your proficiency in French. Some English-language programs may also require a test such as IELTS or TOEFL.‍
4. Respect deadlines: Be aware of application deadlines and make sure you submit all documents on time.‍
5. Pay the application fee: Most facilities charge a non-refundable application fee, so be sure to pay it if necessary.‍
6. Find out about scholarships: If you need financial assistance, find out about available scholarships and apply if you are eligible.

By following these steps and taking the time to prepare a solid, well-documented application, you'll increase your chances of obtaining a letter of acceptance from the Quebec educational institution of your choice.

**Please note that the information presented in this article is subject to change and is provided for reference purposes only; it should not be construed as legal advice. For accurate and personalized immigration advice, we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified lawyer or immigration consultant.