Studying in Canada as a Minor

Chimango is a 12-year-old Malawian boy who is accompanying his parents to Canada. His father is in Canada on a Work Permit, and his mother is an international student. They currently live in Hamilton, Ontario, close to McMaster University. Chimango’s parents wonder if he may attend school and study in Canada. As a minor, he needs to receive a proper education.

Canada supports the best interests of children, but when it comes to children’s education, not every child is entitled to study in Canada. This article refers to minors wanting to study at the pre-school, primary, or secondary levels.

Who is a minor child?

A child who has not reached the age of majority is a minor child. Interestingly, the age of majority varies in different parts of Canada. Look at the following table for more information.

While the age of majority is 19 in some provinces and territories, it is safer to consider 18 across the board.

Which group of minor children may study in Canada without a study permit?

The following minor children may study at preschool, primary, or secondary (high school) without a study permit.

• Children who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada
• Children whose at least one of their parents is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• Refugee claimants and protected persons accompanying or not accompanying their parents
• Accompanying children of refugee claimants
• If the course of study is less than six months (not a regular school program) and will finish before the end of their initial authorization to remain in Canada
• Children whose at least one of their parents holds a valid study permit or work permit in Canada

Suppose the child is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In that case, they need a visitor record after their initial authorized stay ends to maintain legal status in Canada.

The minor children whose parents are temporarily in Canada without permission to work or study need a study permit to study in Canada.

How to apply for a study permit for a minor child?

If your child needs a study permit, you must apply for it outside Canada. Although paragraph 215(1)(f)(i) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations allows a minor child to apply for a study permit within Canada, I have seen that sometimes immigration officers refuse these applications and advise the child to apply from outside Canada. Consult with a professional to make sure applying from inside Canada is an option.

Is an admission from a school necessary for a minor child?

Generally speaking, minor children need an admission letter from a school to apply for a study permit. However, they do not need a Letter of Acceptance if they are applying for a study permit concurrent to their parent’s study or work permit application. Remember that all pre-schools, secondary schools, and primary schools in Canada are Designated Learning Institutions. Regardless, it is your responsibility as a parent to ensure you enroll your child in a respectable and reliable school.

How do I extend the study permit for a minor child?

You need to apply for a new study permit before the expiry of the old study permit. The process for the latest study permit is quite similar to the old one. In other words, you need to get admission for the child and apply for a study permit. However, you may apply from within Canada. Suppose the child finishes secondary school and wants to study at a college or university. In that case, you need to apply for a new study permit regardless of the validity of the existing study permit.

Do I need to pay the tuition fees?

If the child is exempt from a study permit, they are usually exempt from tuition fees. Nonetheless, double-check with the local school board as their policy could differ.

Those children who need a study permit from Canada must pay the tuition fee. Also, bursaries or scholarships are rarely available to minor children. You may give it a try, but it is less likely you get a scholarship or bursary.

Does a minor child need a custodian?

If the parents or legal guardians of minor children do not accompany them to Canada, they need a custodian in Canada. Custodians are adult Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are trustworthy. They will be responsible for the well-being of the child. Of course, children also need a roof over their heads and food to eat. If the parents or legal guardians do not accompany the children, they usually find a homestay. Homestay means the child stays with a reliable Canadian family while they are in Canada.

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