• Canada welcomes international students of all ages, and many minors (students under 18 or 19 years old) study at Canadian elementary, secondary, or post-secondary institutions. However, minor students have to fulfill certain additional requirements compared to adult international students.

In general, a study permit is required for all international students who wish to study in Canada for longer than six months, including minor students. However, minors have additional considerations to keep in mind.

Eligibility for a Study Permit:

• The minor must be accepted by a School in Canada.
• Proof of financial support to show that the student can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs.

Parental or Guardian Requirements:

• Minor students (those under 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory) must have a custodian or guardian in Canada. The custodian can be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who will take responsibility for the student while they are in Canada.
• Custodianship Letter: The custodianship must be formally acknowledged by the Canadian authorities. A signed custodianship letter from the custodian is required for the study permit application.

Step 1: Acceptance by a School

• To apply for a study permit, the minor student needs to be accepted by a School. A DLI is a school or institution recognized by the Canadian government to host international students.

Step 2: Ensure Parental Consent

• The minor's parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for the student to study in Canada. This consent letter should include their understanding of the child’s responsibilities and the custodian arrangement.

Step 3: Custodianship Arrangement

• If the minor is under the age of 18 (or 19, depending on the province), the parents need to arrange for a custodian to oversee the minor while they study in Canada. This custodian is responsible for ensuring the minor’s well-being and safety.
• A custodian agreement letter must be signed by the parents and the custodian. The custodian needs to be a responsible adult residing in Canada, preferably a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Once the minor has been accepted by a School and has arranged for custodianship, the application for a study permit can be submitted. The following documents will be required:

• Proof of acceptance from the School.
• Custodianship letter signed by the custodian and parents.
• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Letter of consent from the parents, allowing the minor to study in Canada.
• Proof of relationship (such as birth certificates) to confirm the minor's relationship with the parents or legal guardians.
• Proof of identity (passport, photographs, etc.).

Step 5: Processing Time and Decision

• After submitting the application, processing times for study permits can vary. It typically takes several weeks to a few months. The Canadian government will process the application and make a decision.
• If the study permit is approved, the minor student will be issued a study permit that allows them to study in Canada.

• Health Insurance: Minor students must be covered by health insurance while studying in Canada. Provinces and territories may offer provincial health insurance, but it’s often advisable to arrange for private health insurance until provincial coverage begins.
• Accommodation: Minor students will need to make arrangements for their accommodation. Many minor students live with a custodian, while others may reside in student housing or with a host family.
• Travel: The minor student may also need to provide documentation regarding their travel arrangements to Canada. The parent or legal guardian can either accompany the minor or arrange for travel alone.
• Post-Study Work: Minor students may transition to post-secondary education after completing their studies in Canada. If they wish to work after their studies, they may be eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP), depending on the program and the institution they graduated from.

 For international minor students, tuition fees at the elementary (grades 1-8) and secondary (grades 9-12) levels are typically higher than for domestic students, as the Canadian government usually funds the education of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students are required to pay the full cost of their education.

• Public Schools:

  • Tuition Fees: Typically range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 per year depending on the province or territory and the specific school board.
  • Additional Costs: Some schools may have additional fees for extracurricular activities, uniforms, and materials, which can range from CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per year.
  • Note: Some provinces or cities have specific public school programs that accept international students, while others may not. You must check if the school district offers programs for international students.

• Private Schools:

  • Tuition Fees: Private schools generally have higher fees, ranging from CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, depending on the school’s reputation, location, and resources.
  • Additional Costs: Private schools often have additional fees for boarding, extracurricular activities, and other services, which can add CAD 2,000 to CAD 10,000 to the annual cost.

• Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

  • Gather documents: Obtain all required documents, including the custodianship letter, parental consent, acceptance letter from the DLI, proof of financial support, and identification documents.
  • Apply online or by paper: You can apply online through the IRCC website (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) or submit a paper application to the nearest Canadian visa office.
  • Pay the application fee: The application fee for a study permit is approximately CAD 150.
  • Wait for the decision: Once you submit your application, it will be processed. Be prepared for any additional documentation requests or an interview.
  • Receive the study permit: If the application is approved, the minor will receive the study permit. The custodian must be informed of any conditions attached to the permit.

• The custodian is responsible for ensuring the minor student follows Canadian laws and regulations and that the student’s welfare is maintained while in Canada.
• The custodian may be asked to report to the authorities about the student’s well-being, especially if the student has any issues, such as health or safety concerns.

• Minors must have a custodianship arrangement in place before applying for a study permit.
• Parental consent and a letter from the custodian are mandatory.
• Minor students must prove they have adequate financial support for their studies.
• The study permit is typically valid for the duration of the student’s program.