study visa for minor in canada - Lomelono Travel Solutions

One of the most sought after documents by individuals moving to Canada, is the study permit. Children from other countries wishing to study in Canada have a process that is streamlined with fewer requirements.

Study visa for children and minors allowed in Canada. Find information on study permit rules and procedures for minors in Canada here.

Canada has traditionally ranked as the most attractive study destination for international students, receiving over one-third of all international students across all programs in the country.

Canada is a great country to visit, but it can be tricky to navigate the rules and regulations of the visa application process. Here’s what you need to know about getting a study visa for minor in Canada.

First, you’ll need to be able to prove that you are financially responsible and will be able to support yourself while in Canada. You’ll also need a letter of acceptance from a school or program, as well as proof of your ability to pay tuition fees. Schools often offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid, so be sure to ask about this option if you’re accepted into a program!

Next, you’ll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This allows you into Canada without having to apply for a visitor’s visa. Students who are 16 years old or younger do not need an eTA; they only need proof of citizenship. Students who are 17 years old must have an eTA before entering Canada; this can be applied for online at https://www.cicweb.ca/english/visitors/eta/, and costs $7 CAD per person per year (or $7 USD).

Now that you’ve got all the paperwork squared away, it’s time for your trip! When you arrive at the airport,

Canada offers study visas for minors under 18 who want to study in Canada. The minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who is responsible for the minor’s care and safety.

A parent or legal guardian can apply for a study permit for their child if they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or if the parent or legal guardian has been authorized to live in Canada on an immigration status that allows them to sponsor their child to join them.

To apply for a study permit for your child, you must:

-Apply for your child’s own study permit (if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)

-Find out what documents are needed to apply for a study permit (visit IRCC)

Table of Contents

Applying for a study permit for a minor

Generally, if you’re applying for a study permit for a minor (even at the primary or secondary school level), you need to provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Canada that the child is going to. You may provide either the original letter of acceptance or an electronic version.

Minor children don’t need a study permit for programs that are 6 months or less, but may still apply for one before entering Canada.

Minor children who want to study for 6 months or more must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada.

Outside of Canada

Minor children who want to study in Canada must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada. This includes minor children who come with parents who already have a valid study or work permit.

Minors coming to Canada with parents who have a valid study or work permit don’t need to provide a letter of acceptance from a school when applying for a study permit.

Minor children (under 18 years of age) don’t need to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to come to Canada to study. If they’re not fully vaccinated, they may be allowed to come to Canada if either of the following applies:

they attend a post-secondary institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan or
they’re planning to study in a province or territory that accepts international students at the elementary or secondary school level

A border services officer makes the final decision at a Canadian port of entry about whether the minor student can come to Canada.

Already in Canada

Minors already in Canada should apply for a study permit. In some provinces or territories, they may need one to receive social services.

Minor children who are already in Canada may study without a study permit if they

want to go to pre-school, kindergarten, or primary or secondary school and have a parent who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
are refugees or refugee claimants whose parents are refugees or refugee claimants
came to Canada as a visitor for a course or program of studies of 6 months or less
will study in a course or program of 6 months or less
are in Canada by themselves or on a visitor status
have a parent (biological or adoptive) who is authorized to work or study in Canada, including temporary residents who are
- work permit holders
- study permit holders
- not physically in Canada
- business visitors and others authorized to work without a work permit

Minors who don’t have a study permit must have valid visitor status during their stay in Canada.

Applying for a study permit in Canada

Minor children need a letter of acceptance if they’re

in Canada with a family member and
that family member had a work or study permit approved before they entered Canada

Study permits for primary school students are issued for a period of 1 year and can be renewed.

Study permits for students enrolled in secondary school (grades 9 to 12 in all provinces and territories except Quebec, and grades 9 to 11 in Quebec) can be issued for the full length of the intended period of study at a secondary school in Canada (maximum of 4 years).

Mandatory custodianship requirement (under 17 years of age)

If an applicant is less than 17 years of age at the time of application, a custodian in Canada will continue to be required. The applicant must submit a notarized declaration signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in the country of origin, as well as one signed by the custodian in Canada, stating that arrangements have been made for the custodian to act in place of a parent. Officers must be satisfied that adequate arrangements are in place for the care and support of the minor student. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the appointed custodian must acknowledge that the custodian will reside within a reasonable distance to the minor applicant’s intended residence and school. The custodianship declaration should include the information and signature of both parents, where applicable.

Discretionary custodianship requirement (17 to 18 or 19 years of age)

Applications from minors between 17 years of age and the applicable provincial or territorial age of majority at the time of application should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In assessing whether the custodianship requirement should be applied, officers may exercise discretion in requesting additional documentation or an interview. Officers should be satisfied with respect to whether an applicant can provide care and support to themselves while in Canada.

Officers should consider factors such as the following:

Level of study – the applicant’s intended level of academic study (those attending secondary school should normally require a custodian)
Level of independence – the applicant’s current or past living arrangements and whether previous studies were completed away from their principal residence
Financial capacity – the applicant’s financial self-sufficiency outside of parent(s) or guardian(s) (e.g., scholarship, government sponsorship)
Travel experience – the applicant’s previous travel history, participation in international exchange programs, etc.
Accessibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) – the location of the applicant’s parent(s) or guardian(s) and their accessibility for institutions and medical centres to contact them in case of emergency situations
Informal arrangements – whether arrangements (less formal than custodianship) have been made to provide support and care for the minor student
Risk environment – the applicant’s safety and well-being in relation to risk indicators for irregular child migration and the potential for exploitation or trafficking

Conclusion

Canadian visas are designed for all those who want to meet Canada and its people, explore its cities and travel throughout the country. Travel makes you happy, it increases your knowledge and self-confidence, broadens your horizons. We believe that the best way to travel is to possess a Canadian visa.