Quebec has updated its CAQ for Studies process for dependent children. Under the new guidance, dependent children who need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec, or CAQ, for studies may apply only after the principal applicant’s work permit has been approved.
What Changed
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, or MIFI, has changed how CAQ for Studies applications are handled for dependent children.
MIFI will no longer open or process a dependent child’s CAQ for Studies application at the same time as the principal applicant’s work permit application.
Instead, the principal applicant’s work permit must be approved first. Only after that approval can the dependent child submit a CAQ for Studies application.
Who Is Affected
The change affects families relocating to Quebec with school-aged children, especially where accompanying dependents need study permits to attend school in Quebec.
It is particularly relevant in consular work permit cases where the family is applying from outside Canada and wants coordinated entry into Quebec.
The update may affect cases where:
- Accompanying dependents are of mandatory school age
- Families want to enter Canada together
- School registration timelines are time-sensitive
- Work permit processing times are unpredictable
Impact on Relocation Planning
Because concurrent filing is no longer permitted, families and employers may need to adjust relocation timelines.
The change can create additional complications for:
- Dependent children’s CAQ applications
- Study permit timing
- School registration and enrollment
- Family travel planning
- Maintaining valid immigration status during the transition
Families may face the risk of staggered entry into Canada if the principal applicant’s work permit is approved before dependent children can complete CAQ and study permit steps.
Employer and Applicant Considerations
Employers and applicants should assess the impact of the new process before planning a Quebec relocation involving school-aged children.
Important planning issues include:
- Whether dependent children need a CAQ for Studies
- How long the principal applicant’s work permit may take
- Whether school enrollment deadlines can still be met
- Whether the family can travel together or may need separate timelines
- Whether alternative filing or relocation strategies are needed
- How to maintain valid immigration status during the transition
Key Caveats
The update introduces procedural complexity and may affect both global mobility planning and consular filing strategies.
The announcement is informational and does not replace legal or case-specific advice.
Immigration announcements can change suddenly, so affected families and employers should confirm current requirements before filing or finalizing travel plans.
Source article: newlandchase.com
