For Parents and Guardians
Essential information to help you support your child’s international study journey.
Do Minor Students Need a Study Permit?
If you're applying for a study permit for your child (even at the elementary or secondary school level), you'll need an official letter of acceptance from the Canadian school. This can be a printed or electronic version.
● Children do not need a study permit if the program is 6 months or less, but may apply for one voluntarily.
● If the program is longer than 6 months, a study permit is mandatory and must be approved before arrival in Canada.
● Lone parents applying on behalf of a minor may need to submit additional documents. Find out what documents you may need.
● A study permit is required even if the student is attending school remotely or through a Canadian homestay program.
Who Qualifies as a Minor?
In Canada, a “minor child” is someone who has not yet reached the age of majority, which is the age when a person is legally considered an adult. The age of majority varies by province and territory. A minor child must meet this requirement if they are:
● Coming to Canada for primary or secondary school
● Applying for a study permit
Age of Majority by Province or Territory:
| Province or Territory | Minor |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan | Under 18 |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon | Under 19 |
Caring for a Minor Student in Canada
Parents or legal guardians must show proof that the child will have appropriate care and support during their stay. If the student is under 17 years of age, they must:
● Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or
● Have a custodian in Canada
A custodian is a responsible adult (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) who agrees to support and care for the student while they are in Canada. This arrangement is essential unless the minor is accompanied by a parent.
Appointing a Custodian
To assign a custodian, you must complete and submit the official Custodianship Declaration Form along with the study permit application. The form has two pages, each to be signed and notarized separately:
● Page 1: Signed by the custodian and notarised in Canada by a lawyer or notary.
● Page 2: Signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and notarised in the student’s home country.
This ensures that both parties formally acknowledge the care arrangement before the child arrives in Canada.
Parental Consent Form
Parental Consent Form: Must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian for all applicants under 18 (Download Parental Consent form).