As soon as you receive a letter from the ITHQ confirming your acceptance, you must immediately start the formalities to request a study permit in Quebec and Canada.

Depending on your country of origin, this process can take up to 6 months. Find out about the current processing times and fees.

Steps:

• Make sure that you have a valid passport, as you will be asked for one.
• First, you must submit a request for a  Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies with the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration du Québec (MIFI).
• Once you have received your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), apply for a study permit and a co-op work permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Living expenses

• To get permission to study in Quebec, applicants must demonstrate that they have the required financial resources to cover their tuition, transportation costs (round-trip travel from their country of origin), their settling in expenses for the first year, and their living expenses for their entire stay.
• Consult the table of estimated living expenses of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec.
• In addition to education costs, you must budget for the purchase of uniforms, travel for internships, health and hospital insurance, etc. For more details about education costs, refer to the “Costs” section of your chosen program.

Here are the official documents that you must present when you arrive in Canada:

• A valid passport
• Your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies
• Your study permit, your co-op work permit or an introduction letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (if necessary)
• A temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA), if applicable
• Your official acceptance letter from the ITHQ

You must also make sure that you meet the health requirements for travel to Canada at the time of your trip.

Financial aid

International students are not eligible for the Government of Quebec’s financial aid program. However, you can contact the appropriate officials in your country of citizenship or residence for information about scholarships or bursaries.

Insurance

International students must have health and hospitalization insurance for the duration of their studies. If your country does not have a social security agreement with Quebec, you will have to pay for the mandatory private insurance chosen by the ITHQ, as shown on your ColNET student account. This insurance protects you in Quebec and, under certain conditions, in the country or countries where you do your internship(s). 

Housing

To find an apartment, roommate or spot in a student residence, refer to this list of useful resources about housing in Montreal (French only). 

Living in Montreal

The international student services department will invite you to information webinars about your host city. You can also take part in orientation activities when you arrive. 

In the meantime, here are some useful links to help you get to know your host city and province: 

• Period of study in Quebec
• I choose Montréal – Greater Montréal's international students portal

The ITHQ offers a free personalized service to all international students admitted to one of its programs, including support to facilitate your immigration process.

A few days after you get your admission result, a member of our team will contact you to tell you about our services.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions!

Email: international@ithq.qc.ca
Phone: 514 282-5110
Toll free in Canada and the United States: 1-800-361-5111, extension 5110