Children of work permit holders can go to school in Canada, but they need the right documents.
Does my child need a study permit?
According to IRCC's table:
| Situation | Study permit needed? |
|---|---|
| Foreign child coming to Canada with a parent who has a work or study permit | Yes |
| Child already in Canada whose parent has a work or study permit | Not required, but IRCC recommends one |
| Child coming with parents who are only visitors | Yes |
| Child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident | No |
How to apply
- Children who want to study for 6 months or more must apply for a study permit before entering Canada.
- When a child comes with a parent applying for a work permit, IRCC says no letter of acceptance is needed for the child's study permit.
- Study permit fee: CAD 150 per person.
Why get a study permit even when not required
According to IRCC, a study permit lets the child:
- keep studying after reaching the age of majority;
- get a secondary school co-op work permit;
- access some social services in some provinces.
Age of majority by province
| Province or territory | Age of majority |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan | 18 |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon | 19 |
Enrolment
Contact your local school board, bringing the birth certificate, proof of guardianship, proof of address and immunization records. Ask about fees: some school boards may charge non-resident students depending on immigration status.
Note For college or university, your child needs their own study permit and a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
Can my spouse get a work permit?
Parents visiting