Please note that the immigration laws and regulations in Quebec and Canada, as well as on the websites of the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) take precedence over the information in this website. Also note that this information does not constitute legal advice or counsel and is not legally binding to the Université de Montréal or any of its employees. |
International students: required documents for your immigration status
As an international student, you have obligations related to your immigration status. You must provide residence permits to maintain your registration for the duration of your program.
Each session, the Université de Montréal must ensure that international student files comply with the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur’s verification rules, as well as those of immigration authorities. The Registrar's Office is responsible for conducting this verification.
In accordance with regulations, an incomplete file (failure to submit or providing expired immigration documents) precludes an international student from being enrolled. Consequently, access to online courses (via the StudiUM application) is revoked and the university is required to withdraw the student's registration for the current term. Please also note that this withdrawal will result in the loss of medical coverage for the remaining period, while the coverage for the past months remains valid and recorded on the student’s account.
How do I complete my student file?
Identify your situation in the table below to find out which documents are required.
You must upload all documents in the Centre étudiant. Log in and click on the "Tasks" tile to access your list of documents to be uploaded. If no tasks appear in the task list, contact the Registrar's Office.
For more information on how this works, visit the Submit supporting documents page.
For advice on how to obtain the required documents, or to confirm the list of documents required for your situation, visit the UdeM international page.
If your situation is not listed in the table below, please contact the Registrar's Office.
Status / Program | Required authorization | Proof accepted |
Students enrolled in a regular study program lasting over 6 months | Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) |
IMPORTANT NOTE: The CAQ must indicate the same level of study and remain valid for the entire term. Visit the Québec government website to learn more about applicable exemptions. |
Study Permit |
| |
Students enrolled in two regular programs in different cycles | Double-level Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) |
IMPORTANT NOTE : The hybrid CAQ (also referred to as the double-level CAQ), must indicate your current level of studies and remain valid for the entire term. Visit the Québec government website to learn more about applicable exemptions. |
Study Permit |
Visit the IRCC website to learn more about applicable exemptions. | |
Students enrolled in a microprogram with a minimum enrollment of one session | Valid status in Canada |
|
Students enrolled in an exchange program of one session or less | Valid status in Canada |
|
Student enrolled in an exchange program lasting more than one session | Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) |
IMPORTANT NOTE: The CAQ must indicate the same level of study and cover at least the entire current term. Visit the Québec government website to learn more about applicable exemptions. |
Study Permit |
Visit the IRCC website to learn more about applicable exemptions. | |
Students enrolled in Independent studies IMPORTANT NOTE : Please be advised that by providing one of these documents, you can only register for courses for one term. To register for courses in subsequent terms, you will need to request and obtain a CAQ and study permit. | Valid status in Canada |
|
Students enrolled in a program delivered entirely online
| Not applicable | Not applicable |
Renewing immigration documents
To study in Québec, you must be in good standing with both levels of government: Québec (CAQ) and Canada (Study Permit), for the duration of the session
Remember that your certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) and your Study Permit are issued for:
- a specific period, with an end date
- a study cycle
- and sometimes for a specific educational institution
Make sure your documents are always valid, and remember to start the renewal process several months before they expire.
Renewing the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
If you've applied to renew your certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), don't forget to update your student file.
Before your certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) expires, you must upload your proof of renewal for the same study cycle to your Centre étudiant, covering at least the duration of the current session. The following is acceptable proof:
The renewed Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
or
Proof of delivery of CAQ. Please note that this option is temporary. As soon as you receive your renewed certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), you must upload it to your Centre étudiant.
Extending a Study Permit
If you've applied to extend your Study Permit, don't forget to update your student file.
Before a study permit expires, you must upload your proof of renewal for the same study cycle to your Centre étudiant covering at least the entire current session. The following is acceptable proof:
The extended Study Permit
or
IRCC's acknowledgement of submission of an application for an extended status. Please note that this option is temporary. Upon receipt of the extended study permit, you must upload it to your Centre étudiant.
Impact of your situation on your tuition fees
To qualify for an exemption scholarship, an international student must hold a valid Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) and a Study Permit. However, to obtain all the immigration documents required by government authorities, they must be present on Canadian territory.
For example, a French or Belgian francophone student who has not yet obtained a Study Permit, and who is taking online courses outside Canada, will not be entitled to an exemption scholarship. They will then have to pay the international student tuition fee without an exemption scholarship until they arrive in Canada.
Students working on a cotutelle doctoral thesis
If you're staying outside the UdeM as part of your cotutelle for the current session, you must send your Out-of-country Declaration to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) by completing the CHE_Cotutelle_Séjours_Externes, available from your Centre étudiant. A letter from the partner university attesting to your stay on their campus must be attached to the form. You will then be exempt from UdeM tuition fees while maintaining your active registration.
The deadlines for each session are:
- Fall: September 21
- Winter: January 21
- Summer: May 21
For further information, please contact the GPS team.
Medical residents
If you're interested in postdoctoral medical training, either as a resident or as a fellowship, please contact the Vice-Dean of Postdoctoral Medical Studies. The Vice-Dean's office will prepare the immigration document to start the steps toward obtaining a temporary foreign worker permit with LMIA exemption.
For further information, please contact the team at the Vice-Dean of Postdoctoral Medical Studies.
For advice on how to obtain the required documents, or to confirm the list of documents required for your situation, visit the UdeM international page.
For questions about how to complete your student file, please contact the Registrar's Office.