Children Studying in Canada
Parents who are foreign workers or foreign students and wish to apply for a study permit for their children do not need to obtain a letter of acceptance from a primary or secondary school in order to apply for study permits for their accompanying minor children.
However, if the parents are temporary residents of Canada in the visitor class (those parents who do not hold work permits or study permits), their minor children studying in Canada must have a study permit to attend primary or secondary school.
Study permits for primary school students are issued for a period of one year and can be renewed.
Starting from January 31, 2005, study permits for foreign students enrolled in secondary school (grades 9 to 12 in the Canadian territories and provinces outside Quebec, and secondaire III, IV and V in Quebec) can be issued for the full length (up to 4 years) of the intended period of study at a secondary school in Canada.
A study permit is not required for minor children at the pre-school, kindergarten,, elementary, or high school level if the parents have valid work permits or study permits.
However, there are some advantages to obtaining a study permit even when a study permit is not required.
For example, if the parents lose their work permits, the children will be required to have study permits. Minor children of temporary residents who have work permits or study permits valid for a minimum one year period may attend public primary or secondary schools for free without paying the foreign student tuition rates.
The processing procedures at the Ports of Entry and Overseas Processing Posts are different. Ports of Entry allow minor children who intend to study in Canada to enter for this purpose as accompanying minor children of eligible temporary residents who hold valid work permits or study permits. However, overseas Processing Posts require that an application for a study permit be made, unless the minor child is exempt under the regulations.
If you would like more information on studying in Canada and for post-graduate opportunities in Canada or if you would like to set up a meeting with Mr. Champoux, CALL 604-687-3848 or e-mail rachampoux@racl.ca.
WARNING: The information provided in this website is in the nature of general information and can not be applied successfully to every individual circumstance. Canada’s immigration laws can be complex and confusing. The author advises that anyone reading this website and wishing to apply for any form of immigration status in Canada, retain the services of a qualified immigration lawyer.