<p>For those of you who have received your CAQs, how long did it take?</p>
<p>what is a CAQ?</p>
<p>It is the study permit that Quebec issues to international students.</p>
<p>when did you fill yours out/send it in?</p>
<p>It is best to start the CAQ process as soon as you get the forms from McGill. The Quebec bureaucracy can be hard to navigate, so it is good to give yourself time. Things can and will go missing. My daughter got her application in early, mid-June, and it took about four weeks to get back. </p>
<p>You need to do things step-by-step and exactly as written. First you must obtain a passport--that can take six weeks, if you dont already have one. Then you can get the CAQ. And finally the Canadian study permit at the border when you enter Canada. My d. had a friend who never finished the CAQ in time. He couldn't get a Quebec student number and when the CAQ came, he had to make a special trip back to the border to get the Canadian Study permit.</p>
<p>It is a hassle, but thousands of students have done it before you. The worst part is the CAQ is only good for three years and has to be renewed before the last year at another $100 cost.</p>
<p>Actually, we mailed our s's application today. It says right on the application that it takes a maximum of 4 weeks. (Sorry - I answered my own question.)</p>
<p>There's an easy fill-in-the-blanks PDF form on line. It wasn't up on Friday but was up last night.</p>
<p>Good Luck everyone - at least everyone who's an international!!</p>
<p>Just as a reassurance, my son sent his application May 9 and received the CAQ today. We sent it return receipt requested but regular mail. Once they received it they turned it around in less than a week.</p>
<p>BOW, Thanks for the info. Are you waiting until you cross the border to get the Canadian study permit?</p>
<p>Boysofwinter</p>
<p>What did you have to show in terms of financial ability to pay? Do they want a copy of parents' Form 1040, or a copy of a loan statement?</p>
<p>I sent a statement from my employer stating my salary history for the last five years (gainful employment) and also a copy of an investment account showing assets. I believe the Form 1040 would serve the same purpose of showing employment. I believe there is also a form on their website you could have your bank fill out showing assets.<br>
I believe you have to get the study permit at the border, and we have a long drive so doubt it will be gotten before move-in weekend. But I'm sure the lines will be very long! Wish we knew how to avoid that hassle.</p>
<p>Boysofwinter, You can also get a study permit at any Canadian diplomatic mission. It does avoid the line, and since Quebec has already done all the legwork, it shouldn't take very long (the Federal Government only makes sure that you're not anything like a threat to the country or something). </p>
<p>You can find a list here:
<a href="http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/searchIntermediary-en.asp?L=Eng&CID=115%5B/url%5D">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/searchIntermediary-en.asp?L=Eng&CID=115</a></p>
<p>I will definitely check that out. Thank you very much!</p>
<p>I will definitely check that out. Thanks very much.</p>
<p>However, I remember checking off a box in the CAQ application re: if you were planning to obtain study permit at the border or at an embassy. For some reason, it apparently makes a difference.</p>
<p>It seems it has to be a Visa office, so for those in
New England that would be New York. Seems easier to go to the border.
<a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/missions.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/missions.html</a></p>
<p>i got my CAQ within a month when i did this process last year</p>
<p>according to the pre-departure guide, we are supposed to be able to apply for a CAQ online. however, i went to the quebec immigration website and cant seem to find the link that allows this. has anyone applied online? and if so, please post the link.
thanks!</p>
<p>I think what they meant is that you can get the application forms online, they're available here:</p>
<p>i agree - S was able to fill in a PDF and print it out. Given the supporting documents requirements, I don't think they intended for you to submit entire application electronically.
PS I couldn't find the PDF just now when I looked.</p>
<p>On a related question, does anyone know if it's okay not to submit the Study Permit until you cross the border in late August? We weren't planning to take the drive before then, but McGill sent us a necessary legal documents mailing yesterday which states, "Send in all your documents after you have been accepted and before you arrive on campus." That would be a pain, although I suppose there would be a shorter line this summer.</p>