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Minor Children Studying in Canada

In Canada, each province and territory decides the age of majority. Anyone under the age of majority is considered to be a ‘minor child’.

Custodian Permission:

If a minor child is coming to study in Canada, they will need a custodian in Canada. All minor applicants must supply a notarized declaration — one signed by the parents or legal guardians in the country of origin, as well as one signed by the custodian in Canada — stating that arrangements have been made for the custodian to act in place of a parent.

The Visa Officer must be satisfied that adequate arrangements are in place for the care and support of minor children who are unable to support themselves.

The following are examples of standard custodianship form letters [Acrobat PDF, 115 K] for:

• parents and guardian(s), and;
• custodians

Minors Travelling Alone:

Minor children who are travelling alone must bring with them information (name, address, phone number) about the person or school that will be responsible for them. If the child is the subject of a custody order, proof of custody and the other parent’s consent must also be provided.

Minors travelling without their parents require a letter of permission from the non-accompanying parent(s) and a letter from their custodian in Canada.

Study Permit Duration for Minors:

The duration of a minor child’s Study Permit or visitor record is normally one year. If a minor child is accompanying their parents who are issued long-term Study or Work Permits, the duration should be the same as of the parents’.

Study Without a Study Permit:

A minor child already in Canada is authorized to study without a Study Permit (except for a child who is accompanying their parents who are temporary residents within the visitor class). Note that it is only once a child is in Canada that the Study Permit exemption applies: minor children outside of Canada must apply for a Study Permit if they are coming to Canada to study.

In Quebec, all unaccompanied minors require a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) for study purposes except for an unaccompanied minor who is seeking asylum or who has been granted refugee status or who is a person in need of protection or the child of an asylum seeker, a refugee or a person in need of protection. Please see Quebec’s immigration Web site for more information.