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Good news in the midst of the chaos we are experiencing. Today it was announced that the Government of Quebec will extend all CAQs that would expire this year until December 31st, automatically!

text of  Rafael Alencar  

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CAQ for those who don't know it means Quebec Acceptance Certificate in English and  Certificate of Acceptance of Québec  in French.

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It is a necessary document to study or work in the Québec province.

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In other words: whoever had the document to win, won an automatic renewal, without having to do anything!

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Unlike the rest of Canada, where you only need a federal visa and permission (both to study and work), if your destination is Quebec, you will need the CAQ first, then apply for a federal visa.

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Anyone who has a CAQ expiring today (April 30) and needs to extend their study permit will be able to take the federal stage without having to apply for a new Quebec document.

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The announcement was made by Quebec's Minister of Immigration: Simon Jolin-Barrette (pictured above). Already famous among Brazilians (and immigrants) who live here, due to last fall's confusion with the PEQ (Quebequense Experience Program).

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According to the Minister, this decision was taken to make life easier for foreign students. Mainly due to the fact that many students who would graduate this year will have to extend their studies.

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Because not all CEGEPs (colleges) and universities offered online classes during the break. Therefore, there are students who have no other alternative to finish the course but extend their visas.

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If by chance a student wants or needs to extend beyond December 31, 2020, or start a new program of study in the fall session (usually late August and early September), then they will need to apply for a new CAQ .

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For those who don't know, Quebec has (for now) one of the most interesting study > work > immigration programs in all of Canada. And that's why thousands of international students end up choosing Montreal as their destination.

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The PEQ (Programme de l'expérience québécoise) as it is known, has two modalities: PEQ Study and PEQ Work. In the first one, you “only” need to obtain a diploma at one of the educational establishments here in Quebec.

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In the second, you need to work for 1 year, in any profession, and can apply for immigration and receive your permanent residency. And work can be in any profession. For example, if you wash dishes for 1 year, you get the dream RP.

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The word “for now” is in the sense that the Government tried to change the rules last year. See below in the “Conclusion” section.

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Returning to the subject: the BCI, which is a group that brings together university establishments in Québec, welcomed the decision taken by the government of Prime Minister Legault.

They said: “The Government of Quebec contributes in this way to minimize the administrative and economic impacts that the current context imposes, and to support our international students.”

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“University institutions thank the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI). And they count on your help to help and facilitate the stay and experience of our international students.”

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The president of the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI), Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, also spoke positively of the move taken by the government. And he said that facilitating the extension of the study permit is a wise decision.

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In the Province of Quebec, around 50,000 foreign students are enrolled in an institution of higher education.

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SOURCE

text of  Rafael Alencar  Canadian Government and Ministry of Immigration Canada (IRCC) accredited immigration consultant, registration number R705937.

https://www.imigrar.com.br/caq-prolongados/

December 31, 2020

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