International Students
If you are an international student (not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident) and wish to study for longer than one semester, you must apply for one-year admission in order to obtain two essential documents:
- Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Apply through the Gouvernement du Quebec website.
- Study Permit from the federal government. More information can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
If you wish to study for only one semester, you need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV); for more information, see McGill's International Student Services website and refer to the IRCC website for the application process.
You may also require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization); for more information, see McGill's International Student Services website.
McGill does not issue any immigration documents. Students are advised to begin this process as soon as possible and to be patient. For further details, contact the School's Student Services Office, the Canadian Embassy, or the Consulate in your country of residence.
Health Insurance Requirements
By Senate regulations, all international students and their dependants are required to participate in the University's Blue Cross medical insurance plan. The plan meets the Immigration Québec health insurance requirements.
Students who are citizens and residents of one of the following countries and are registered as full-time students are eligible for coverage under the provincial health care plan (Québec Medicare) and are therefore not required to purchase Blue Cross medical insurance: France, Belgium, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Luxembourg, and Portugal. In such cases, students must apply for the Québec Medicare plan and provide proof to the School's Student Services Office.
Student Wellness Hub
Access to McGill's Student Wellness Hub is available upon payment of an additional Student Services fee.