Study in Canada as a Minor: Study Permit, Custodian and School Rules
Whether your child needs a study permit depends on their age, their parents’ status and who they travel with. A child under 17 must come with a parent or legal guardian, or have a custodian in Canada. We check the rules for your family before you apply.
since 1991
Does your child need a study permit?
It depends. A child at primary or secondary school often needs a study permit when coming to Canada without a parent who is a citizen or PR, or with a parent who has only visitor status. A child in Canada with a parent who holds a study or work permit does not need one, but IRCC recommends it (IRCC).
Who counts as a minor, and who looks after them?
Each province sets the age of majority at 18 or 19. Children under 17 must come with a parent or legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Read our study permit guide, the PAL guide and the family guide. The Study in Canada hub shows the full path.
Key rules at a glance
- Age of majority: 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in the other provinces and territories.
- Custodian: a custodian is optional at 17 and older, but an officer can ask for one.
- Declaration: the custodian signs and notarizes page 1 in Canada, and the parents sign page 2 and notarize it at home.
- PAL: preschool, primary and secondary students are exempt from the PAL or TAL requirement.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
A study permit is needed if
- Your child comes to Canada with a parent who will be a visitor, or without a parent.
- Your child travels with a parent who holds a study or work permit and arrives with them.
- Your child is in Canada with a visitor parent who has no work or study permit.
No permit is needed if
- Citizen or PR parent: your child is with a parent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- In Canada with a permit-holding parent: a permit is not required, but a study permit is recommended.
- Refugee claimants: children of refugee claimants or refugees do not need one.
See the Study in Canada hub, the family guide and the work permits hub.
Why minors’ applications get refused or delayed
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
No clear care plan
Parents or guardians must prove the child will have the care and support they need in Canada.
Custodian form not notarized
The custodian page must be notarized in Canada and the parents’ page in the home country.
School not designated
The school must be a designated learning institution where required, with a valid letter of acceptance.
Funds fall short
Living funds must cover the child, and the whole family if they come. Show tuition and travel too.
Wrong permit assumption
Some children need a study permit and some do not. Check the table before you travel or enrol.
Not sure what your child needs?
We check the permit rules, the custodian papers and your funds before you apply.
Timing you cannot miss
Age of majority
When a minor reaches the age of majority, 18 or 19 depending on the province, they must apply for their own study permit if they want to keep studying.
The custodian declaration needs signatures and notarizations in two countries. Start early so the form is ready when you apply.
A study permit lets a minor stay in school after they are no longer a minor, apply for a secondary school co-op work permit, and move between education levels without a new permit.
Documents to gather
Your checklist depends on your case. Start with these.
How a minor’s application works, step by step
Six stages from your plan to your child’s arrival.
Check if a permit is needed
Match your child’s age, school level and parent status to the IRCC table.
Plan the care
Choose a parent, guardian or custodian.
Prepare the declaration
Notarize the custodian and parent pages in the right countries.
Get the school letter
Get the letter of acceptance from a DLI where required.
Apply online
Upload the child’s documents and funds proof.
Travel safely
Plan arrival and keep the permit conditions.
Costs for a minor
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Studying as a minor FAQs
Does my child need a study permit?
It depends on age, school level and who they travel with. A child with a Canadian citizen or PR parent does not need one. A child coming alone, or with a visitor parent, usually does. A child with a permit-holding parent in Canada does not need one but should consider it.
Who is a minor in Canada?
A person under the age of majority in the province or territory. It is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
Does my child need a custodian?
Children under 17 need either a parent or legal guardian with them or a custodian in Canada. A custodian is optional at 17 and older, but an officer can ask for one.
Who can be a custodian?
A responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and will care for and support the child during their stay.
How do I appoint a custodian?
Send the Custodianship Declaration form with the study permit application. The custodian signs page 1 and notarizes it in Canada. The parents sign page 2 and notarize it in their home country.
Does my child need a PAL or TAL?
No for preschool, primary and secondary students. The exemption applies at those school levels. Check IRCC for your child’s case.
Why would a minor get a study permit if not required?
A study permit lets a minor stay in school after they are no longer a minor, apply for a secondary school co-op work permit, and move between education levels without a new permit. It may also help with social services in some provinces.
What happens when my child turns 18 or 19?
They reach the age of majority and must apply for their own study permit if they want to keep studying.
Can my child come with me if I am studying here?
Yes. A child who arrives with a parent who holds a study or work permit generally needs a study permit. A child already in Canada with that parent does not need one, but IRCC recommends it. Read our family guide.
How much money do we need to show?
You must show funds for tuition, living costs and travel. Living amounts rise with each family member. Read our funds guide.
What if my child’s application is refused?
You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our study permit refused guide.
Can you help with the custodian papers?
Yes. We check the forms, the notarizations and the care plan before you apply. Book a Strategy Consultation.