Studying in Canada as a Minor: A Comprehensive Guide

Studying in Canada as a Minor: A Comprehensive Guide

Canada is renowned for its exceptional education system and welcoming environment for international students. For parents considering sending their minor children to study in Canada, understanding the process and requirements is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about studying in Canada as a minor, including who qualifies as a minor, caring for a minor child in Canada, and the study permit application process.

Who is a Minor Child?

In Canada, the definition of a "minor child" varies by province and territory. The age at which a person is considered an adult is known as the "age of majority." Here’s a breakdown of the age of majority across Canada:

• Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan: 18 years old
• British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon: 19 years old

A person who is under this age is considered a minor child. The distinction is important as it impacts the requirements for studying in Canada.

Caring for a Minor Child in Canada

When a minor child comes to study in Canada, their care and supervision are paramount. Canadian immigration authorities require that parents or legal guardians demonstrate that the minor will be well cared for during their stay. Here’s how this can be arranged:

With Parent or Legal Guardian

The simplest arrangement is for the minor child to travel with a parent or legal guardian. This ensures that the child has constant supervision and support.

Custodian Requirement

If a minor child is coming to Canada without a parent or legal guardian, a custodian must be appointed. A custodian is a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and will take care of and support the minor child during their stay.

How to Appoint a Custodian

To appoint a custodian, you must:

1. Complete the Custodianship Declaration form: This form is available on the Canadian immigration website. It has two pages:
• First Page: Needs to be signed by the custodian and notarized in Canada.
• Second Page: Needs to be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the minor child and notarized in their home country.
2. Submit the Form: Include the Custodianship Declaration form along with the minor child’s study permit application.

Do Minor Children Need a Study Permit?

The need for a study permit for minor children depends on various factors, including the child’s nationality and the parent’s status in Canada. Here’s a summary:

Why Get a Study Permit if Not Required?

Even if a minor child is not required to have a study permit, obtaining one can offer several benefits:

• Extended Stay: A study permit allows the child to remain in school after they reach the age of majority.
• Secondary School Co-op Work Permit: Enables participation in co-op programs.
• Access to Social Services: In some provinces, having a study permit grants access to certain social services.

Applying for a Study Permit for a Minor

Here’s what you need to know about applying for a study permit for a minor:

Documents Needed

• Letter of Acceptance: You must provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Canada. This can be an original or an electronic copy.
• Proof of Care: If the minor is coming with a parent or legal guardian, this is usually straightforward. If not, proof of custodianship is required.

Study Programs of 6 Months or Less

Minor children do not need a study permit for programs that last 6 months or less but can still apply if desired.

Study Programs Longer than 6 Months

If the program exceeds 6 months, a study permit must be obtained before entering Canada.

Special Considerations for Lone Parents

Lone parents may need to provide additional documents when applying for a study permit for a minor. Check the specific requirements on the Canadian immigration website.

Already in Canada

If a minor child is already in Canada, they should apply for a study permit if:

• They are already enrolled in primary or secondary school and wish to continue.
• They need to access certain social services.

Study Permits for Current Students

For minors already studying in Canada, study permits are usually issued for 1 year and can be renewed. For secondary school students, permits can be issued for up to 4 years.

Extending a Study Permit

To extend a study permit, the minor child must:

• Provide a New Letter of Acceptance: This must be from the educational institution they are continuing to attend.
• Apply Before Expiry: Apply for an extension at least 90 days before the current permit expires.

If the Study Permit Expires

If a study permit expires, the minor child must maintain valid status. This usually means having a valid study permit. If the child does not have a permit, they must have a valid visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

If a permit expires, and an extension application is not filed in time, the child has 90 days to apply to restore their status and may continue studying until a decision is made.

Studying in Canada as a minor requires careful planning and understanding of the regulations and requirements. By ensuring that the minor child has proper care, appointing a custodian if needed, and applying for the appropriate permits, you can help facilitate a smooth and successful educational experience in Canada. For the most current information and guidance, always refer to the official Canadian immigration website or consult with an immigration expert.