ENMinor Study Permit Canada 2026: Custodianship & New Guide
A Canada minor study permit in 2026 requires school acceptance, custodianship arrangements, financial support, and compliance with IRCC rules for children studying in Canada.
A Canada minor study permit allows international children under the age of majority to study at approved Canadian schools, including public schools, private schools, and boarding schools.
In 2026, IRCC officers assess custodianship arrangements, parental support, school acceptance, financial capacity, and the overall safety and credibility of the child’s study plan before approving the application.
This guide has been prepared based on the latest 2026 Canadian immigration rules and IRCC policies regarding minor study permits, custodianship requirements, school eligibility, and international student regulations in Canada.
Table of Contents
Who needs a study permit as a minor in Canada?
Most foreign children who plan to attend school in Canada require a study permit. This includes international students attending primary school, secondary school, private schools, boarding schools, or long-term academic programs.
Minor children are generally considered international students if they are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Who may study without a study permit?
- Children of temporary foreign workers in certain cases
- Children of international students already authorized in Canada
- Programs shorter than six months
- Specific exemption categories under IRCC rules
Understanding Canadian school levels and education system
Canada’s school system is divided into several educational levels based on the student’s age and province. Minor international students may study in public schools, private schools, or boarding schools depending on their academic needs and family plans.
- Pre-school / Kindergarten: Early childhood education before Grade 1
- Primary School: Elementary education (usually Grades 1–6)
- Middle School: Intermediate grades in some provinces
- Secondary School / High School: Usually Grades 9–12 (Grades 9–11 in Quebec)
School structure, grade divisions, and age requirements can vary slightly between provinces and territories.
International students should also review whether the school is authorized to accept international students and whether custodianship arrangements are required based on the child’s age and living situation in Canada.
Best provinces and cities in Canada for minor international students
Popular destinations for minor international students include Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta because of their school systems, safety, and international student support services.
- Toronto: Large public and private school options with diverse communities
- Vancouver: Strong education system and international student support
- Montreal: Lower living costs with English and French education options
- Calgary: Lower housing costs and strong public schools
Families should assess tuition costs, custodianship arrangements, accommodation, safety, healthcare, and long-term academic opportunities before choosing a city or province.
Public school vs private school vs boarding school in Canada
Minor international students in Canada may study in public schools, private schools, or boarding schools depending on their academic goals, supervision needs, and budget.
- Public schools: Lower tuition costs and local Canadian environment
- Private schools: Smaller class sizes and specialized academic programs
- Boarding schools: Full accommodation, supervision, and structured student support
Boarding schools are often preferred for younger students studying without parents because accommodation and supervision are integrated into the program.
Where do minor international students live in Canada?
Minor students in Canada may live with parents, relatives, custodians, homestay families, or in boarding school residences depending on their age and study arrangements.
- Homestay: Living with a Canadian host family
- Boarding residence: Supervised school accommodation
- Relative or custodian: Living with an approved adult in Canada
IRCC officers assess whether the accommodation arrangement is safe, realistic, and appropriate for the child’s age and educational situation.
What is the best age for a child to study in Canada?
There is no single best age, but many families choose Canada during middle school or secondary school years to improve language skills, academic preparation, and future university opportunities.
- Elementary school: Easier language adaptation and cultural integration
- Middle school: Strong academic transition period
- High school: Better preparation for Canadian universities and future immigration pathways
The best timing depends on the child’s maturity, language ability, educational goals, and family circumstances.
Who is considered a minor child in Canada?
Each Canadian province and territory determines the legal age when a person becomes an adult. This is called the age of majority. Anyone below that age is considered a minor child under Canadian law.
| Province or territory | Age of majority |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan | 18 |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon | 19 |
Custodianship requirements for minor students in Canada
Parents or legal guardians must show that the child will receive proper care, supervision, and financial support during their stay in Canada.
Minor children under the age of 17 usually must either:
- Come to Canada with a parent or legal guardian
- Have a custodian living in Canada
A custodian is a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and agrees to support and supervise the child while studying in Canada.
For students aged 17 or older, custodianship may still be requested depending on the child’s living arrangements, school type, and overall application circumstances.
How to appoint a custodian in Canada
To appoint a custodian for a child studying in Canada, parents or legal guardians must submit the Custodianship Declaration form (IMM 5646) with the study permit application.
The form contains two separate pages that must each be completed and notarized:
- The first page must be signed by the custodian and notarized in Canada
- The second page must be signed by the parents or legal guardians and notarized in the home country
Who can act as a custodian?
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Adult living in Canada
- Trusted relative or family friend
- Professional custodianship service provider
IRCC may request proof of identity, notarized custodianship forms, and supporting documents from both the custodian and the parents.
Find out if your child needs a study permit
Select the child’s situation to see whether a Canada study permit is usually required and which documents are commonly needed.
Canada minor study permit requirements 2026
Minor students must meet the general Canada study permit requirements and additional child-specific requirements, including proper care, supervision, and financial support during their stay in Canada.
A complete application should clearly show where the child will study, who will support them, where they will live, and how their education in Canada will be funded.
Key documents for a minor study permit
- Valid passport
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian school
- Proof of financial support
- Custodianship documents, if required
- Parental authorization and identity documents
- Accommodation or school residence details
- Evidence of temporary intent and family ties outside Canada
IRCC officers assess whether the child’s education plan, living arrangements, custodianship, and financial support are realistic, safe, and properly documented.
For details about acceptance letters, review our guide to Canada Letter of Acceptance requirements.
What financial proof is required for a minor study permit?
Parents or sponsors must show enough financial support for the child’s education and living costs in Canada.
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Custodian or accommodation costs
- Health insurance and school-related expenses
- Return travel expenses
Common financial documents include bank statements, employment income records, business ownership documents, tuition payment receipts, and asset evidence.
What living arrangements should be explained?
The application should clearly explain where the child will live and who will be responsible for daily care and supervision.
- Living with a parent or legal guardian
- Living with a custodian in Canada
- Living in school residence or boarding school
- Private accommodation arranged by the family
For broader planning, see our guide to student life, housing, and living costs in Canada.
How is a minor study permit different from an adult study permit?
Minor study permit applications focus more heavily on care, safety, parental consent, and custodianship arrangements.
Adult study permit applications usually focus more on academic progression, career goals, language ability, and post-graduation plans.
For general rules, review our main Canada study permit guide.
Students planning to study in Quebec should also review the official Study in Quebec portal for provincial requirements, school information, and Quebec-specific study rules.
How to apply for a minor study permit in Canada
Applying for a minor study permit in Canada is similar to a standard study permit application, but additional documents related to parents, custodianship, and living arrangements are often required.
IRCC officers assess whether the child’s education plan, care arrangements, financial support, and temporary stay in Canada are realistic and properly documented.
Minor study permit application process
- Choose a Canadian school and obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
- Prepare custodianship documents, if required
- Gather financial and family supporting documents
- Complete the online IRCC application forms
- Pay government application fees
- Complete biometrics if requested
Applications should clearly explain who will support the child academically, financially, and personally during their stay in Canada.
When does a minor child need a study permit?
Minor children who plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months generally need a study permit before entering Canada.
- Programs longer than 6 months normally require a study permit
- Programs of 6 months or less may not require one
- Children accompanying parents with work or study permits may qualify for special exemptions in some cases
Even when a permit is not legally required, some families still apply for one in advance to simplify school registration and immigration status management.
Does a minor child always need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)?
In most cases, a minor study permit application requires a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian school.
However, some children accompanying parents with approved work or study permits may apply without a separate LOA depending on their situation and province.
For detailed guidance, see our Canada Letter of Acceptance (LOA) guide.
Can a minor child study in Canada without a study permit?
Some minor children already in Canada may study without a study permit in specific situations.
- The parent is authorized to work or study in Canada
- The child is studying in a program of 6 months or less
- The child is a refugee claimant or dependent of one
- The child has valid visitor status and qualifies under an exemption
Even where exemptions apply, valid temporary resident status must still be maintained during the child’s stay in Canada.
Important application tips for minor study permits
- Keep family and identity documents fully consistent
- Clearly explain living and custodianship arrangements
- Include complete school and accommodation details
- Provide strong and traceable financial evidence
- Avoid incomplete custodianship or parental authorization forms
Strong applications clearly show that the child will receive proper care, supervision, financial support, and educational stability while in Canada.
How long are minor study permits usually issued for?
Study permits for primary school students are often issued for one year and may need renewal.
Secondary school study permits may be issued for the full intended study period, often up to four years depending on the province and school level.
Can a child study in Canada without parents?
Yes. Minor children can study in Canada without their parents if proper custodianship and living arrangements are established.
In these situations, IRCC officers carefully assess whether the child will have appropriate care, supervision, financial support, and a safe living environment during their stay in Canada.
What IRCC officers usually assess
- Who will supervise and support the child in Canada
- Where the child will live during studies
- Whether the custodianship arrangement is realistic and credible
- The financial stability of the parents or sponsors
- The child’s school, accommodation, and overall care plan
For children under 17, custodianship is usually required unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Many private schools and boarding schools assist international families with accommodation and custodianship planning as part of the admission process.
What is a custodian in Canada?
A custodian is a responsible adult in Canada who helps care for and support a minor child studying in Canada without their parents.
- The custodian must usually be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Custodianship documents must be properly notarized
- IRCC may request additional proof about the living arrangement
The custodianship arrangement should clearly explain how the child’s daily care, accommodation, and emergency support will be handled.
Can children live in boarding schools?
Yes. Many international students under 18 study at Canadian boarding schools where accommodation, supervision, meals, and student support are provided directly by the school.
In some cases, the boarding school arrangement may simplify custodianship planning, but IRCC can still request additional documents depending on the child’s age and circumstances.
Canada minor study permit cost and school expenses
The total cost of a minor study permit in Canada includes government application fees, school tuition, accommodation, custodianship, health insurance, and daily living expenses.
Actual costs vary depending on the province, school type, accommodation arrangement, and whether the child studies at a public school, private school, or boarding school.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit Application Fee | $150 | Government application fee |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Required for many applicants |
| Medical Exam | $150 – $300 | Depends on country and clinic |
| Document Translation | $200 – $600 | Certified translations may be required |
| Public School Tuition | $12,000 – $18,000 / year | Varies by province and school board |
| Private School Tuition | $20,000 – $50,000 / year | Academic and international schools |
| Boarding School | $35,000 – $70,000 / year | Usually includes housing and meals |
| Custodianship Services | $1,000 – $3,500 / year | Depends on provider and support level |
| Health Insurance | $600 – $1,200 / year | Mandatory in many provinces |
| Accommodation & Living Expenses | $10,000 – $25,000 / year | Depends on city and housing type |
| Books, Uniforms & School Supplies | $500 – $2,000 / year | Higher in private and boarding schools |
For many families, the realistic total annual cost for a minor student in Canada ranges from approximately $25,000 to $80,000+ CAD per year, depending on the school type, city, custodianship arrangement, and lifestyle.
A strong financial plan should clearly demonstrate how tuition, accommodation, supervision, insurance, and daily expenses will be covered throughout the child’s stay in Canada.
Minor study permit processing time in Canada
Minor study permit processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence, biometrics, medical requirements, application completeness, and seasonal processing volume.
Most minor study permit applications are processed within several weeks to several months. During peak school admission periods, processing may take longer.
IRCC usually begins active processing after biometrics are completed, where required.
What can delay a minor study permit application?
- Incomplete custodianship documents
- Weak or unclear financial evidence
- Missing parental authorization documents
- Medical or security screening delays
- Peak school admission and visa seasons
- Inconsistent family or identity documents
Applications involving minors are often reviewed carefully because officers assess the child’s care arrangements, safety, supervision, and financial support.
How to reduce delays in a child study permit application
- Submit complete custodianship forms
- Provide clear school and accommodation details
- Use strong and traceable financial documents
- Ensure all parental documents are consistent
- Apply early before school intake deadlines
Well-prepared applications with clear family, school, and financial information are generally easier for officers to assess.
Applicants can verify updated timelines through the official IRCC processing times tool.
Can parents accompany a child studying in Canada?
In some situations, parents may accompany a minor child to Canada as visitors or under another temporary resident status.
However, parents do not automatically receive work permits or long-term immigration status simply because their child is studying in Canada.
Can parents work in Canada while their child studies?
Usually no. A child’s study permit alone does not create automatic work authorization for parents.
Depending on the situation, parents may require:
- A separate work permit
- A visitor visa
- An eTA (for visa-exempt countries)
- Another independent immigration pathway
Parents planning temporary visits may also review information regarding Canada visitor visas and the difference between a Canadian visa and eTA.
Applying for a study permit inside Canada as a visitor
Certain visitors already inside Canada may apply for a study permit without leaving the country, depending on IRCC eligibility rules and their current immigration status.
Minor children already in Canada may sometimes qualify for inside-Canada study permit applications.
- Temporary resident status inside Canada must remain valid
- School acceptance may still be required
- Financial support must be properly documented
- Custodianship requirements may still apply for minors
Inside-Canada eligibility depends heavily on the applicant’s current immigration status, family situation, and educational circumstances.
Age limit for a Canada study permit
Canada does not have a maximum age limit for study permits. Applicants of different ages may qualify if their educational plan is logical, realistic, and properly supported.
How age affects study permit applications
Minor students usually require additional documents such as custodianship forms, parental authorization, and school support documents.
Older applicants may face additional scrutiny if the proposed studies do not align with their previous education, work experience, or long-term career goals.
- Minor applicants require custodianship and family support planning
- Adult applicants should show clear academic and career progression
- Large study gaps should be properly explained
- The study plan should remain realistic and credible
IRCC officers assess the overall logic and consistency of the application rather than age alone.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canada Minor Study Permits
Below are common questions about studying in Canada as a minor child, including custodianship, school requirements, parents, costs, and immigration rules.
Can a child attend public school in Canada?
Yes. Many international students under the age of majority attend Canadian public schools with a valid study permit.
Public school availability, tuition, and admission requirements vary by province and school board.
Does a minor need IELTS for a Canadian study permit?
Usually no. Primary and secondary school students are generally not required to provide IELTS or other formal language test results.
However, officers still assess whether the child can realistically study in the proposed educational environment.
Can a child apply without both parents?
Yes, but additional consent and legal documents may be required if one parent is not accompanying the child.
- Parental authorization letters
- Custody documents where applicable
- Proof of guardianship or custodianship
IRCC officers assess whether the child’s travel and living arrangements are legally and practically supported.
Can a minor work in Canada?
Minor students in primary or secondary school generally do not receive standard off-campus work authorization.
Work eligibility rules mainly apply to post-secondary international students studying at eligible institutions.
Can a minor apply for permanent residence after studies?
Studying in Canada may support future immigration pathways, but permanent residence is not automatic.
Future eligibility often depends on post-secondary education, Canadian work experience, language ability, and immigration program requirements.
Does a minor always need a custodian in Canada?
Minor children under 17 usually require a custodian in Canada if they are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Applicants aged 17 or older may still be asked for custodianship documents depending on the situation and officer assessment.
Can a minor study in Canada as a visitor?
In some situations, minor children already in Canada may study without a study permit if they qualify under specific IRCC exemptions.
However, many families still apply for a study permit to simplify school registration and future immigration processes.
How much money is required for a minor study permit?
Financial requirements depend on the school type, province, accommodation arrangement, and custodianship structure.
Families usually need to show tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation costs, insurance, and travel funds.
Can parents accompany a child studying in Canada?
Yes. Parents may accompany a child as visitors or under another temporary resident status.
However, a child’s study permit does not automatically provide work authorization or long-term status for parents.
How long does a minor study permit remain valid?
Study permits for minor children are usually issued based on the length of the study program, passport validity, and school level.
Primary school permits are often issued for shorter periods and may require renewal during the child’s studies.
What are the most common refusal reasons for minor study permits?
Common refusal reasons include weak financial documents, incomplete custodianship forms, inconsistent family information, and unclear living arrangements.
Applications become stronger when school plans, finances, supervision, and parental support are clearly documented.
Official IRCC and Legal Resources
Minor study permits are governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
Official guidance regarding study permits for minor children is available through the Government of Canada minor study permit guide.
Current processing times may be verified using the official IRCC processing times tool.
Information regarding custodianship requirements and studying at approved institutions is also available through official provincial and IRCC resources.
Minor study permit assessment and school planning in Canada
Families may begin by completing our online immigration assessment form to review possible minor study permit eligibility, custodianship requirements, school selection, and accommodation planning in Canada.
For general inquiries, students may also contact WhatsApp.
Questions regarding public or private schools, custodianship arrangements, visitor visas for parents, study permit requirements, healthcare coverage may also be reviewed during the assessment process.
Parents may also review information regarding Canada visitor visas and the difference between a Canadian visa and eTA when planning travel arrangements for accompanying family members.
Editorial and Professional Notice
This article was prepared for general informational purposes based on publicly available Canadian immigration laws, IRCC operational guidance, and current immigration policies.
At Borhanifar Immigration, we provide professional Canadian immigration services focused on clarity, strategy, and practical immigration solutions tailored to each client’s situation and long-term objectives.
Content on this page is reviewed under the supervision of a licensed Canadian immigration professional (RCIC). Immigration laws, policies, processing trends, and eligibility requirements may change over time, and readers should verify important information directly through official Government of Canada sources.
This article does not constitute individualized legal advice and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of approval, processing time, or immigration outcome.