Study in Canada as a Minor Child — What Parents Need to Know
Comprehensive guidance for parents and guardians: eligibility, custodianship, documents, applying for study permits, and staying compliant while your child studies in Canada.
Book a Consultation
Who is a Minor Child?
Each province and territory sets the age of majority. A person under that age is a minor. Below is a quick summary:
Age 18
Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan
Age 19
British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon
Knowing the age of majority helps determine custodial requirements, consent, and study permit durations.
Caring for a Minor Child in Canada — Parents & Custodianship
Parents or legal guardians must show their minor child will have appropriate care and support during their stay. Children under 17 must either travel with a parent/legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada.
What is a Custodian?
A custodian is a responsible adult (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) appointed to care for the minor. The custodian accepts responsibility for the child’s care and well-being while in Canada.
How to Appoint a Custodian
- Complete and submit the Custodianship Declaration with the child’s study permit application.
- Page 1: Signed & notarized in Canada by the custodian.
- Page 2: Signed & notarized in the child’s home country by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Keep notarized copies and provide them to the school and border officials if requested.
Find Out If Your Child Needs a Study Permit
Whether a study permit is required depends on the child’s nationality, whether they travel with a parent/guardian, and the grade level. Below is a simplified summary; always check IRCC guidance for edge cases.
| If the child is… | Documents needed | Study permit required? |
|---|
| Canadian citizen | Passport, citizenship card or birth certificate | No |
| Permanent resident | Record of Landing / PR card | No |
| Foreign national accompanied by parent who is Canadian/PR | Child passport & birth certificate | No |
| Foreign national coming with a parent who will be a visitor (no work/study permit) | Child passport | Yes |
| Child coming without a parent | Child passport | Yes |
Note: There are further exceptions and edge cases (refugee claimants, children of work/study permit holders already in Canada, etc.). When in doubt, apply for a study permit or consult an RCIC.
Why Get a Study Permit Even If Not Required?
A study permit can provide benefits, including easier transitions between education levels, access to certain provincial services, and eligibility for co-op work permits for secondary students.
- Maintains student status in Canada
- May permit future co-op work authorization
- Clarifies legal status and reduces administrative complexity
Applying for a Study Permit for a Minor — Step-by-step
- Letter of acceptance: Usually required from the Canadian school (primary or secondary).
- Custodianship declaration: Include notarized pages as applicable.
- Proof of identity: Passport copy & recent photos with name/dob on the back.
- Proof of funds: Bank statements, sponsor support letters, or financial guarantees.
- Police & medical: If requested by IRCC depending on country/age.
If the minor is traveling with a parent who has an approved study or work permit, a letter of acceptance may not be required for the child — confirm on the IRCC guidance for your country.
Applying Inside vs Outside Canada
Minor children outside Canada should apply for a study permit before traveling. Children already in Canada may also need to apply depending on their status and the province.
- Outside Canada: Apply for a study permit before entry.
- Inside Canada: Apply online and ensure you maintain valid status; some children may be eligible to study without a permit but getting one is recommended.
Study permits for primary students are generally issued for 1 year and renewable. Secondary student permits may be issued for the full program length (up to 4 years).
Extending a Minor’s Study Permit & Losing Status
Apply at least 90 days before expiry to extend a minor’s permit. If a permit expires, the minor may need to restore status within 90 days; otherwise they must stop studying.
- Extensions require a new letter of acceptance (if applicable).
- Keep passports and documents current — passport expiry can limit permit validity.
- If unsure, consult an RCIC early to avoid interruptions in schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions — Study in Canada as a Minor
1. What is the age of majority in Canada and why does it matter?
Each province/territory sets the age of majority (either 18 or 19). This affects custodial responsibilities, consent requirements and whether a custodian is required for a minor studying in Canada.
2. Does my child always need a study permit to attend primary or secondary school in Canada?
Not always. Requirements depend on the child’s nationality and whether they travel with a parent who is a Canadian citizen, PR or holds a valid work/study permit. If in doubt, applying for a study permit is often the safer option.
3. What is a custodianship declaration and who signs it?
A custodianship declaration confirms a Canadian citizen or permanent resident will be the minor’s custodian. The custodian signs and notarizes page 1 in Canada; parents/guardians sign and notarize page 2 in their home country.
4. Can minors study without a study permit if their parent has a work or study permit?
Some minors may study without a permit if their parent holds a valid work or study permit, but there are exceptions. In many cases obtaining a study permit is recommended to secure status and future options.
5. How do I prove my child has adequate care and support in Canada?
Provide custodianship paperwork, school acceptance letters, details of where the child will live, emergency contact information, and proof of financial support.
6. Are study permits for minors issued for different lengths than adult permits?
Yes. Primary school permits are often issued for one year. Secondary school permits can be issued for the full length of the intended study (often up to 4 years) depending on the province and school.
7. What documents are essential when applying for a minor’s study permit?
Letter of acceptance, custodianship declaration (if applicable), passport copy, recent photos, proof of funds, and any police/medical certificates if requested.
8. Do minors need biometrics or medical exams?
Biometrics and medical exams depend on the child’s nationality and travel history. Check IRCC guidance; if required, schedule and submit them promptly to avoid delays.
9. Can a minor change schools after the study permit is issued?
Yes, but you must follow IRCC instructions. For post-secondary changes a new study permit application may be required; for primary/secondary, inform the relevant authorities and keep documents updated.
10. What if my child’s study permit will expire mid-program?
Apply to extend at least 90 days before expiry. Keep the school informed and maintain valid status to prevent interruption to schooling.
11. Can minors work while in Canada?
Minor children at the primary/secondary level are generally not eligible to work. Some secondary co-op programs may lead to a co-op work permit — check provincial rules and the study permit conditions.
12. What happens if a DLI loses its designated status?
If a school loses DLI status, students can usually finish their current program but may face restrictions extending permits or starting new programs at that DLI. Seek advice from your school and an RCIC if this occurs.
13. Do I need to notarize documents for the visa office?
Yes, certain documents like the custodianship declaration require notarization in the appropriate country/territory as specified. Always follow the instructions on the IRCC checklist.
14. Can I bring my minor child to Canada while I apply for a work or study permit?
Yes, but whether the child can attend school without a study permit depends on the parents’ status and the child’s circumstances. Verify requirements before travel and consider applying for the child’s study permit in advance.
15. How can Chugo Immigration help with my child’s study application?
We help with custodianship declarations, acceptance letter coordination, document checklists, filling and submitting study permit applications, and advising on provincial rules and school requirements.
