How to Apply to Accueillez un stagiaire (AUS): Steps, Documents, and Deadlines

Accueillez un stagiaire (AUS) provides Quebec employers with a wage subsidy to hire eligible student interns through work-integrated learning (WIL). Funded by the Government of Canada under the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and delivered by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) via Pratiques RH, AUS covers up to 50% of wages to $5,000, or 70% to $7,000 for first-year students and priority groups. This guide explains exactly how to apply, which documents you need, and when to submit.

As of December 1, 2025, Summer and Fall 2025 are closed. The Winter 2026 intake opens on January 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (ET). Because funding is limited and competitive, prepare your AUS application package in advance and submit as soon as the intake opens.

Overview of Accueillez un stagiaire (AUS)

Accueillez un stagiaire is a Quebec internship wage subsidy designed to:

• Help organizations address workforce needs and test talent through WIL

• Support inclusion of students from diverse or under-represented groups

• Strengthen ties between employers and educational institutions

Key facts:

• Administered by FCCQ via Pratiques RH; funded federally through SWPP

• Supports vocational, college, and university internships taking place in Quebec

• Wage subsidy options:

• Up to 50% of gross wages, capped at $5,000 per intern

• Up to 70% of gross wages, capped at $7,000 per intern, for first-year students and priority groups

• No fee to apply; service available in French and English

• Application follows a three-step sequence tied to documentation and wage payment evidence

Current status and dates (time-sensitive):

• Summer 2025: closed

• Fall 2025: closed

• Winter 2026: opens January 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you start your application, confirm that both the employer and intern meet AUS eligibility. AUS is part of SWPP, so SWPP-aligned rules apply.

Employer eligibility snapshot:

• Business location: Based in Quebec, with the internship carried out in Quebec

• Organization type: Private-sector employer or non-profit organization

• Wage compliance: Pay at least the applicable Quebec minimum wage for the full internship period

• Workplace coverage: Provide CNESST or equivalent workplace insurance coverage

• Ineligible employer types generally include:

• Federal, provincial, or municipal governments and public sector entities

• Certain large financial-sector employers (commonly those with 500+ employees)

• Partisan political organizations

• Conflict of interest: No direct conflict between the intern and hiring manager (e.g., immediate family supervision)

• Funding overlap: Do not double-count the same intern wages with another federal wage subsidy

Intern eligibility snapshot:

• Enrollment: Registered at an accredited Canadian post-secondary or vocational institution during the internship

• Status: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person/refugee under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

• International students: Not eligible when on a work permit only

• Internship location: Internship performed in Quebec, with a defined learning plan (WIL)

• Priority rate (70% to $7,000) often applies to first-year students or interns from under-represented groups

If you are unsure about a specific situation—such as remote work within Quebec, multiple business locations, or hiring several interns—prepare your questions in advance and consult the program’s official guidance during intake.

Required Documents

Having complete documentation is essential. Incomplete applications—especially those missing the signed internship agreement and student consent—are cancelled upon receipt.

Core documents for Step 1 (application submission):

• Student agreement or consent form

• Attestation from the educational institution confirming enrollment and internship status

• Signed internship contract that defines duties, schedule, and dates

• Proof the internship occurs in Quebec (address or location within Quebec)

• Employer details (Quebec business address and contact)

• Optional but commonly requested evidence:

• Confirmation of CNESST/workplace coverage

• Confirmation of hourly wage meeting or exceeding the Quebec minimum wage

• Intern’s status confirmation (citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/protected person)

Documents for Step 2 (first payment request):

• Signed subsidy agreement issued by AUS after approval

• Copy of the intern’s first pay stub

• Completed banking information form and a void cheque for direct deposit

Documents for Step 3 (second/final payment request):

• Internship supervisor survey (completed by the employer’s designated supervisor)

• Intern survey (completed by the intern)

• Copy of the intern’s last pay stub

Single-payment option:

• In some specific cases, AUS may process a one-time payment at the end of the internship. Your advisor will confirm if this applies and outline the required documents and timing.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow this numbered sequence to avoid delays and to match the AUS processing flow. Prepare each package in advance so you can submit quickly when the window opens.

Step 1: Prepare and submit your AUS application

1) Verify eligibility

• Confirm employer and intern eligibility against AUS rules and SWPP criteria.

• Ensure the internship takes place in Quebec and wages meet or exceed the Quebec minimum wage.

2) Coordinate with the educational institution

• Request the institution’s attestation verifying the intern’s enrollment and that the internship qualifies as WIL.

• Align internship dates, learning objectives, and reporting expectations with the program’s requirements.

3) Finalize the internship contract

• Include role, tasks, supervisor, start and end dates, weekly hours, and wage rate.

• Ensure tasks provide meaningful, skill-related work aligned with the intern’s field of study.

4) Obtain intern consent and agreement

• Secure the required student agreement/consent form. Missing consent leads to automatic cancellation.

5) Gather employer compliance information

• Have your Quebec business address, NEQ/CRA identifiers if applicable, and CNESST coverage details ready.

• Confirm payroll setup to issue timely pay stubs.

6) Create or access your AUS/Pratiques RH account

• Ensure your organization’s profile is accurate and complete before the intake opens.

7) Submit your application promptly

• Upload all required documents in the application portal.

• Double-check that the internship contract and student consent are attached and fully signed.

• Submit as early as possible on opening day; funding is limited and first-come, first-served within intake capacity.

After submission:

• You will receive a confirmation or reference number.

• An AUS advisor may request clarifications or additional documents; respond promptly to keep your file moving.

Step 2: Request the first payment

Once the internship begins and the intern receives the first pay:

1) Sign the subsidy agreement

• AUS will issue a subsidy agreement after approving your application. Review and sign it without delay.

2) Provide payroll evidence

• Upload the intern’s first pay stub that matches the contract details: wage rate, hours, and pay period.

3) Submit banking details

• Complete the banking information form and attach a void cheque so AUS can arrange direct deposit.

4) Watch for confirmation

• AUS will review for consistency between your application, the subsidy agreement, and the first pay stub.

• If approved, AUS issues the first disbursement according to its payment schedule.

Step 3: Request the second (final) payment

At the end of the internship:

1) Complete surveys

• Ensure the internship supervisor completes the employer survey.

• Ensure the intern completes the student survey.

2) Provide final payroll evidence

• Upload the intern’s last pay stub, confirming the internship’s completion dates and final hours.

3) Submit the final claim

• AUS reviews the final claim alongside surveys. If you were approved for a single-payment arrangement, follow the one-time claim instructions provided by your advisor.

4) Receive the final disbursement

• Direct deposit is used in most cases. Retain all documentation for audit and record-keeping.

Application Timeline

Time-sensitive dates:

• Winter 2026 intake opens on January 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (ET).

• Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 are closed.

Typical sequencing:

• Application review: Varies by intake volume; expect several business days to a few weeks.

• First payment: Issued after the subsidy agreement is signed and the first pay stub is submitted and validated.

• Final payment: Issued after completion of surveys and submission of the last pay stub.

Practical timing guidance:

• Start assembling documents 3–4 weeks before intake opening.

• Coordinate institutional attestations early; academic offices can have longer lead times during peak periods.

• Submit on opening day if possible to maximize your chance within the intake cap.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Prepare a complete file: The internship contract and student consent must be present and fully signed, or the application will be cancelled.

• Align with WIL standards: Define learning objectives, supervision, and relevant tasks that connect to the intern’s field of study.

• Confirm payroll readiness: Set wage at or above Quebec minimum, confirm start date, and ensure pay stubs will show consistent details.

• Document Quebec presence: Keep proof of your Quebec address and internship location accessible.

• Plan the budget: Estimate total wages and calculate the expected subsidy at 50% or 70% to manage cash flow.

• Engage early with the institution: Request attestations and any necessary forms before the intake opens.

• Track all deadlines: Mark the intake opening date and internal milestones for pay stub submission, surveys, and final claim.

• Consider stacking provincially: Many employers pair AUS with the Quebec internship tax credit; ensure you respect federal no-double-funding rules for the same wage dollars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing core documents: Applications without a completed internship agreement and student consent are cancelled on receipt.

• Ineligible intern status: International students on a work permit only are not eligible under AUS/SWPP rules.

• Wage non-compliance: Proposing an hourly rate below Quebec minimum wage or inconsistent pay periods will jeopardize the claim.

• Government or ineligible employers: Public sector employers and certain large financial institutions are typically ineligible.

• Retroactive expectations: Applying too late and expecting retroactive coverage for wages already paid can lead to denial.

• Inconsistent details: Discrepancies between the contract, attestations, and pay stubs delay payments.

• Missing surveys: Failing to complete the supervisor and intern surveys will block the final payment.

• Bank info errors: A mismatched legal entity name or incorrect account details can delay disbursements.

What Happens After You Apply

• Initial review: AUS screens for completeness and eligibility. You may receive queries for clarification.

• Decision and agreement: If approved, AUS issues a subsidy agreement for signature.

• First disbursement: After you submit the first pay stub and banking details, AUS verifies and releases the first payment.

• Ongoing support: An AUS advisor can assist with documentation questions and timelines.

• Final disbursement: At internship end, submit the last pay stub and complete both surveys to trigger the final payment.

• If not approved: You may receive reasons for ineligibility or capacity constraints. Consider applying in the next intake after addressing the issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I apply for Accueillez un stagiaire?

Create or access your account, assemble the required documents, and submit your complete application when the intake opens. The process follows three steps: application, first payment, and second payment.

• Where do I submit the AUS application?

Applications are submitted through the AUS/Pratiques RH portal for employers. Prepare your profile before the intake opens.

• What documents are required for AUS?

At minimum: student agreement/consent, educational institution attestation, and an internship contract. For payments: subsidy agreement, first and last pay stubs, banking form, and both surveys.

• When can I apply for Winter 2026?

The Winter 2026 intake opens on January 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (ET).

• How are payments made for AUS?

Payments are typically made by direct deposit in two instalments, after validation of the first pay stub and then the last pay stub with surveys. Some cases may use a single end-of-internship payment.

• Can I apply for multiple interns in one intake?

Yes, many employers apply for several interns. Prepare a full document set for each intern to avoid delays.

• Are international students eligible?

No. Interns must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons/refugees, and enrolled at a Canadian institution.

Conclusion

Accueillez un stagiaire is a practical way for Quebec employers to access Canadian government funding for internships while building future talent. By preparing your documents early, aligning with WIL standards, and following the three-step AUS process, you can secure up to 50% of wages to $5,000—or up to 70% to $7,000 for first-year students and priority groups. With the Winter 2026 intake opening January 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., finalize your application package now to submit on day one and maximize your chances of approval.