Studying in Canada as a Minor: Everything Parents Need to Know (2025 Update)
Canada’s education system is world-renowned—and children of internationally mobile families often begin their studies here long before adulthood. But studying in Canada as a minor (a person below the age of majority) comes with unique requirements, including specific forms, guardianship obligations, and study permit rules.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through what international parents need to know before their child begins school in Canada in 2025.
Understanding “Minor Child” Status in Canada
Each province and territory sets its own age of majority, which determines when a person is legally considered an adult.
| Province / Territory | Age of Majority |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan | 18 years |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon | 19 years |
Any child under the listed age is legally classified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a minor child.
Guardianship and Care Requirements
1. Parental Responsibility
Parents or legal guardians must prove their child will have adequate care and supervision during their stay.
- Minors under 17 must either:
- Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; or
- Have a custodian in Canada.
2. Appointing a Custodian
A custodian is a responsible Canadian citizen or permanent resident who agrees to provide care and support for the minor while in Canada.
To establish custodianship:
- Complete the Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646).
- The first page must be signed and notarized in Canada by the custodian.
- The second page must be signed and notarized in the home country by the parents or guardians.
Custodianship is optional for children aged 17 and older, but visa officers may request it on a case‑by‑case basis.
When Does a Minor Need a Study Permit?
The need for a study permit depends on the child’s citizenship, parent’s status, and education level.
| Situation | Documents Required | Study Permit Required |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizen | Passport or birth certificate | No |
| Permanent resident | PR card or Confirmation of PR | No |
| Child with parent who is a Canadian citizen or PR | Child’s passport + birth certificate | No |
| Child with parent who is a visitor only (no work/study permit) | Passport | Yes |
| Child with parent on an approved study or work permit | Passport | Yes |
| Child traveling alone (no accompanying parent) | Passport | Yes |
| Child whose parent holds a valid study/work permit in Canada | Passport or visitor record | Recommended but not mandatory |
| Child refugee or claimant | Letter of Determination + passport | No |
Why Get a Study Permit if It’s Optional?
While not always mandatory, IRCC recommends minors obtain a study permit whenever possible because it provides long‑term flexibility.
With a valid study permit, your child can:
- Continue studying after reaching the age of majority, without interruptions.
- Apply for a secondary school co‑op work permit.
- Access certain public social services offered by provinces.
Length of Study Permit for Minor Students
- Primary school (Grades 1–8): Permits are issued for 1 year at a time.
- Secondary school (Grades 9–12 outside Quebec; 9–11 in Quebec): Permits may last for up to 4 years, matching the duration of the study program.
- Early or short programs (under 6 months): No permit is required, but may still be requested in advance for smoother transitions.
Applying for a Study Permit
1. From Outside Canada
Minor children who plan to study in Canada must submit their study permit application before entering Canada, even if accompanying parents are also applying for study or work permits.
Required Documents:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of parental or custodial relationship
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of funds covering tuition, living costs, and return travel
- IMM 5646 (Custodianship Declaration, if applicable)
In cases where minors accompany parents with valid work or study permits, the letter of acceptance may not be mandatory.
2. Inside Canada
If the minor is already in Canada, they can apply for a study permit online. In some provinces, a permit is required to access social services (e.g., healthcare or child care benefits).
Children in Canada can study without a permit if they:
- Are in pre‑school, kindergarten, or secondary school and have a parent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Are refugees or claimants, or their parents are claimants.
- Are taking programs of six months or less while holding visitor status.
- Are accompanying a parent authorized to work or study in Canada.
Extending or Renewing a Study Permit
To extend a study permit, parents must provide an updated Letter of Acceptance from the child’s educational institution.
- Applications should be submitted at least 90 days before expiry.
- If the study permit expires before renewal, the student has 90 days to restore status while continuing studies.
If a Minor’s Status Expires
- Minors without a study permit must hold valid visitor status via a temporary resident visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
- If this status lapses, the child can apply to restore status within 90 days, but risks disruption in schooling.
Special Rules for Quebec
If your child is destined for Quebec, additional approval from the provincial ministry is required. The student must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying for their study permit.
Best Practices for Parents Bringing Minors to Canada
- Apply early: Submit the child’s application together with yours if possible.
- Keep documentation consistent: Ensure that parent permits and the child’s study permit align in validity period and location (province).
- Secure custodianship early: Choose a custodian fluent in both English/French and familiar with school administrative procedures.
- Stay compliant: Renew permits and maintain accurate school enrollment records to avoid status issues.
- Maintain visitor or study status at all times—Canada strictly enforces immigration validity for minors.
Quick Checklist for Parents
✅ Child’s valid passport
✅ Letter of Acceptance (if required)
✅ Custodianship Declaration (if parent not accompanying)
✅ Proof of financial capacity
✅ Travel and identity documents
✅ Passport-size photos meeting IRCC specifications
Final Word: Early Preparation Equals Smooth Enrollment
Whether attending public school or private institution, Canada provides a safe and supportive educational environment for minors. But preparation and timely documentation are crucial.
Parents should always coordinate with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the child’s designated learning institution to ensure full compliance with immigration and education laws.
For the official resource:
Studying in Canada as a Minor — IRCC
Studying in Canada as a Minor
Your 2025 Guide for Parents & Guardians
Good News for 2025: No PAL Required!
A major advantage for 2025: Minor children applying to study in **primary or secondary school (Kindergarten to Grade 12)** are **EXEMPT** from the new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement.
This simplifies the application process significantly compared to post-secondary students.
Note: A PAL *will* be required if the student later transfers from high school to a Canadian university or college.
Who is a “Minor Child”?
The “age of majority” (when a person becomes an adult) is set by each province and territory. This impacts custodianship rules.
Data Source: IRCC. The age of majority is 18 in 6 provinces and 19 in 7 provinces/territories.
Does Your Child Need a Study Permit?
Follow this flowchart to see if a study permit is required *before* entering Canada.
YES
Study Permit NOT Required
(But recommended if they may study longer later)NO
YES
Study Permit REQUIRED
(Must apply *before* entering Canada)NO
YES
Study Permit REQUIRED
(Must apply *before* entering Canada)NO
Permit Required, but can apply upon arrival
(Parent has valid Work or Study Permit)The Custodianship Rule
If a minor child (typically under 17) comes to Canada *without* a parent, they **must** have a custodian. This is a responsible adult (Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident) in Canada.
You must submit the 2-part **Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646)**:
-
1
Page 1: Signed in Canada
The appointed custodian must sign this page and have it notarized by a lawyer or notary public **in Canada**.
-
2
Page 2: Signed in Home Country
The parents or legal guardians must sign this page and have it notarized **in their home country**.
Your Application Checklist
Gather these key documents for the study permit application.
- 📜 Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
- 📛 Proof of Identity (Child’s Passport)
- 💰 Proof of Financial Support
- !Note: Minimum funds increase Sept 1, 2025!
- ✍️ Letter of Explanation (from parent)
- 👪 Custodianship Declaration (if applicable)
- ⚓ Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) (if studying in Quebec)
- 💊 Medical Exam (for stays > 6 months)
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