Authorization to study

Studying without a CAQ or study permit

• Persons holding Canadian diplomatic status are not required to obtain a CAQ or study permit for as long as their Canadian diplomatic visa is valid.
• Foreign nationals wishing to study for a maximum of six months and who complete their course or program within the period authorized for their stay in Canada are not required to have a CAQ or study permit.

This is generally the case with foreign students who come to Canada for a short-term stay, e.g. as part of an exchange program. However, such students can still apply for a CAQ or study permit if they wish.

Obtaining these documents has certain advantages, including:

• Working on campus. Only students with a study permit are authorized to work on the campus of the institution where they are a full-time student.
• Continuing studies after the six-month period. If you think you might want to stay beyond six months, you must obtain a CAQ and study permit. Failure to do so may compromise your extension.

Minors who are already in Canada do not need a study permit (with the exception of minors whose parents are temporary residents in the “visitors to Canada” category).

Note that the study permit exemption only applies to minors already in Canada. Minors from outside of Canada must apply for a study permit if they wish to study in Canada.

Attention! If you have a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), in most cases you still need a CAQ. For more information contact us.

Important notes: Find out from the Canadian Immigration authorities in your country whether you need a TRV to enter Canada. Certain nationals need a visa to enter Canada. The list of countries and territories whose citizens require visas is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

Be sure to travel with your letter of admission from École Polytechnique de Montréal. Canadian customs officials may ask to see it to ensure that your stay in Canada does not extend beyond six months.

Lastly and very importantly, ENSURE that the customs official stamps your passport before you leave the airport. This stamp will allow us to enrol you for a duration of less than six months. Examine the stamp in your passport and ensure that the date is legible before you leave the airport.

Students who do not appear in person before the second class will not be authorized to enrol at École Polytechnique.  

If you wish to prolong your stay with further studies or an internship, you must apply for a CAQ and study permit before you leave. In any case, please contact us if you wish to undergo an internship or exchange.

Useful links

For more information, visit Immigration Québec and Citizenship and Immigration Canada online.