Minor children are eligible to study in Canada, however, it is important to understand who qualifies as a minor and what requirements must be met for a minor to succesfully study in Canada. 

 

Who is a minor child

The provinces and territories set their own age of majority. The age of majority is when a person is legally considered an adult in Canada. Any person under the age of majority is considered a minor child. 

In the following provinces/territories the age of majority is 18:

• Alberta
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan

In the following provinces/territories, the age of majority is 19:

• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Yukon

 

Minor Study Permits

Most minors can study in Canada without a study permit if they are under the care of a parent or legal guardian. Similarly, minors studying for less than six months in Canada usually do not require a study permit. It is important to note that If the minor is traveling alone, a study permit is necessary. 

 

Requirements for a Minor Study Permit 

1. Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Before applying for a study permit, a minor must first receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. DLI’s are schools, universities, or colleges approved by the Canadian government to host international students. 

 

2. Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter

Most study permit applicants need to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). There are exceptions to this, including preschool, primary school, and secondary school students. A full list of exemptions can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html 

 

3. Proof of Custodianship

If a minor is travelling to Canada without their parents or legal guardian, they must provide proof of custodianship. This legal document will demonstrate that a Canadian citizen or permanent resident will be responsible for the minor while they study in Canada. Custodians can be relatives, friends, or other responsible adults in Canada. Please note that the custodian will have to sign a custodian declaration in which they agree to take responsibility for the minor’s welfare during their stay in Canada. 

 

4. Parental or Guardian Consent

Similarly, if a minor is travelling to Canada without their parents or legal guardians, the minor’s parents must provide consent for the minor to stud in Canada.

 

5. Financial Proof

Evidence that the minor’s education and living expenses in Canada can be covered must be provided. These expenses include tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and other necessities. Most provinces except Quebec require a minimum of $20,635 per family member. Please keep in mind that this does not include the tuition fees. For more details on the amount of funds required please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html 

 

6. Health & Medical Requirements

Minors must meet health and medical requirements. This may require minors to undergo a medical examination, depending on the country of origin and the type of program they are enrolled in. If the minor has a medical condition, the custodianship declaration must outline how this will be managed in Canada.

 

7. Application Forms & Fees

The application requires the study permit application forms (IMM 1294) to be completed. There is also a fee for the permit application ($150CAD).

 

To summarize, there are several steps in applying for a minor study permit in Canada. While the process may seem daunting, assistance can be provided by consulting with a licensed immigration consultant and referencing the official Canadian immigration website below: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/minor-children.html