The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has updated its guidelines regarding Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) applications for dependent children seeking to study in Quebec. Under the updated guidance, dependent children requiring a CAQ for Studies will now be eligible to submit an application only after the principal applicant’s work permit has already been approved. MIFI will no longer open or process CAQ for Studies applications concurrently with the principal applicant’s work permit application.
This represents a significant procedural change for families relocating to Quebec with school-aged children, particularly in the context of consular work permit applications where accompanying dependents may also require study permits in order to attend school in Quebec.
The updated requirement introduces additional complexity into global mobility and consular filing strategies, particularly where:
- accompanying dependents are of mandatory school age;
- families are seeking synchronized entry to Canada;
- school registration timelines are time-sensitive; or
- work permit processing times remain unpredictable.
Because the new process does not permit concurrent filing of work permit and CAQ for Studies applications, employers and applicants should proactively assess the potential impact on relocation timelines and dependent travel planning.
Additional strategic considerations may include:
- potential delays in obtaining study permits for accompanying children;
- risks associated with staggered family entry into Canada;
- impacts on school registration and enrollment deadlines; and
- maintaining valid immigration status during the transition process.
Given the operational and legal complexities associated with this change, additional guidance should be sought regarding the risks and implications of potential filing strategies and alternative approaches.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
