Overview
A minor child is anyone under the age of majority in the province or territory where they will study (18 or 19). Studying in Canada as a minor involves school enrolment rules and immigration status rules. Use IRCC’s Studying in Canada as a minor page as the primary checklist.
Common situations
Child coming alone for high school
Usually needs a study permit before entry, a letter of acceptance, and a custodian if under 17. Plan notarized custodianship declarations carefully.
Child accompanying parents who hold study or work permits
From outside Canada, minors who come with parents applying for study or work permits generally still apply for a study permit before entry. IRCC notes a letter of acceptance is not required for the child’s application in that accompanying-parent scenario.
Child already in Canada with a parent who has a work or study permit
IRCC’s table often says a study permit is not required but recommended. The child must keep valid visitor status if they do not hold a study permit.
Short programs of 6 months or less
Minors may study without a study permit for short programs in some situations, but they may still apply before entry. Programs of 6 months or more generally require applying before entry.
Age of majority (IRCC table)
| Province / territory | Age of majority |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, Quebec, Saskatchewan | 18 |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, NWT, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon | 19 |
Custodianship
Parents or legal guardians must show the child will have care and support in Canada.
- Under 17: must come with a parent/guardian or have a custodian in Canada
- 17 to age of majority: custodian optional, but an officer may still request one
To appoint a custodian, use IRCC’s Custodianship Declaration form with the study permit application. One page is signed and notarized by the custodian in Canada; the other by parents/guardians in the home country.
Does the child need a study permit?
IRCC publishes a detailed table. High-level themes:
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents do not need a study permit for school
- Many foreign-national minors coming to study need a study permit
- Some minors already in Canada with a parent authorized to work or study may study without a permit (visitor status still required)
- Refugee claimants and certain no-status situations follow different rules
When a permit is optional, IRCC notes benefits such as remaining in school after majority, access to a secondary co-op work permit in some cases, and access to social services in some provinces.
Documents and PAL/TAL
Generally include a letter of acceptance when applying for a minor’s study permit (with the accompanying-parent exception noted above for outside-Canada applications).
Preschool, primary, and secondary (up to grade 12) programs are listed among PAL/TAL exemptions. If you do not submit a PAL/TAL, include proof of the exemption. Quebec applicants usually need a CAQ instead.
Custodianship and accompanying-parent rules are easy to get wrong. Tamara can review the file before you submit.
Applying and extending
- Outside Canada: apply before entry for programs of 6 months or more.
- Inside Canada: minors who need or want a permit apply from within Canada when eligible; a letter of acceptance is needed in the situations IRCC lists.
- Primary: permits often issued for 1 year, renewable.
- Secondary: may be issued for the intended secondary period (maximum 4 years per IRCC).
- Apply to extend at least 90 days before expiry when possible. Extensions need a letter of acceptance.
If a study permit expires without a timely extension, status rules and restoration timelines apply. IRCC notes some minors may continue primary/secondary studies in limited status situations—confirm the live page before relying on that.
When to get help
Get help for unaccompanied minors, disputed custody or single-parent documentation, Quebec CAQ questions, expired status, or a planned move from secondary to post-secondary (which usually needs a new post-secondary study permit).
Common mistakes
- Skipping custodianship for a child under 17
- Assuming a parent’s work or study permit automatically covers the child’s travel documents
- Entering Canada for a long school program without applying first
- Forgetting that secondary-to-college/university needs a new post-secondary permit
- Letting visitor status lapse when the child studies without a study permit
Related guides
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Confirmed whether the child is a minor in the province/territory of study
- Checked IRCC’s table: study permit required vs recommended vs not required
- Arranged custodianship documents if the child is under 17 and not with a parent/guardian
- Gathered letter of acceptance when IRCC requires one
- Confirmed PAL/TAL exemption for primary/secondary (or CAQ rules for Quebec)
- Planned permit length (primary often 1 year; secondary can be longer, up to IRCC limits)
Frequently asked questions
- Who is a minor child for IRCC purposes?
- A person under the age of majority in the province or territory where they will study—age 18 in some provinces and 19 in others. IRCC publishes the table on the minor-children page.
- Does every minor need a study permit?
- No. IRCC’s table lists situations where a permit is not required (for example certain children already in Canada with a parent who holds a work or study permit). Even then, IRCC often recommends getting a study permit for flexibility and access to some services.
- What is a custodian?
- A responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who will care for and support the minor. Children under 17 must come with a parent/guardian or have a custodian. For ages 17 to majority, custodianship is optional but an officer may still request it.
- Do minors need a PAL/TAL?
- Preschool, primary, and secondary (up to grade 12) applicants are listed among IRCC’s PAL/TAL exemptions. Quebec may still require a CAQ. Provide exemption proof if you do not submit a PAL/TAL.
- How long is a minor’s study permit?
- IRCC says primary-school permits are often issued for 1 year and can be renewed. Secondary permits may cover the intended secondary study period up to a maximum of 4 years. Extensions need a letter of acceptance.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
- Studying in Canada as a minor
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
- Study permit eligibility
- Get the right documents
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.