Study Visa Requirements for Minors in Canada

Minors can get a Canada study visa if they have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member who can be their custodian. If you’re coming to Canada to study or work and your child is coming with you, they can also apply for a study visa.

Minor Eligibility and Custodianship for Schooling Visas in Canada

A minor child for a schooling visa in Canada is typically someone who hasn’t reached the age of majority. The age of majority in Canada varies depending on the province or territory. In some areas, it’s 18 years old, while in others, it’s 19.

Foreign minors seeking to study in Canada can do so by either coming with their parent or legal guardian or if they have a custodian in Canada. This custodian needs to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who will take responsibility for and support the minor child during their stay.

How to be a Custodian for Study Permit for Minors?

To designate a custodian, a declaration form is required and must be submitted along with the study permit application.

According to the guidelines provided by IRCC:

The first page of the form should be signed by the custodian in Canada and certified (notarized) by a lawyer or notary.

The second page needs to be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the minor child in their home country and notarized there.

As per information on the IRCC website:

Minors already in Canada have certain study allowances without needing a study permit if they meet specific criteria:

• Kindergarten children can study in Canada regardless of their parent’s status.
• Minors wishing to attend pre-school, primary, or secondary school and have a parent allowed to work or study in Canada can do so.
• Certain categories, such as refugees, refugee claimants, or children of such individuals, have permission to study.
• Minors who came to Canada as visitors for a short-term course (less than six months) or will undertake a program of the same duration can study without a study permit.
• Additionally, minors in Canada unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardians are also eligible to study under specific circumstances.

Selecting Schools for Study Visas in Canada

When applying for a study visa, it’s essential to secure admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are considered designated institutions. Therefore, minors aiming to study from kindergarten up to the 12th standard can select any school that provides admission, as they are all recognized DLIs.

Study Permit Guidelines for Minors with Parents’ Permits in Canada

For minors who are accompanying their parents with valid study or work permits, here are some important points to keep in mind:

1. These children must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada.
2. However, they are not required to provide a letter of acceptance from a school at the time of their application.

If you’re a minor child in Canada and accompanying a family member who already had a work or study permit approved before entering the country, when applying for a study visa, you will require a letter of acceptance from a school.