Caring for a minor in Canada is possible if you follow the right steps. The parents or legal guardians must prove the minor child will have the care and support they need during their stay in Canada. Minor children under the age of 17 must either come with their parents or legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada. A custodian is a responsible adult, who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, who will take care of and support the minor child. A custodian is optional for minors 17 years of age and older, but an officer can request one on a case-by-case basis.
How to appoint a custodian
To appoint a custodian, send us the Custodianship Declaration form, along with the minor child’s study permit application.
The 2 pages of the form look similar, but the first page needs to be signed by the custodian and notarized (certified by a lawyer or notary) in Canada the second page needs to be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the minor child and notarized in their home country
Applying for a study permit for a minor
Generally caring for a minor, if you’re applying for a study permit for a minor (even at the primary or secondary school level), you need to provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Canada that the child is going. You may provide either the original letter of acceptance or an electronic version.
Minor children don’t need a study permit for programs that are 6 months or less, but may still apply for one before entering Canada.
Minor children who want to study for 6 months or more must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada.
Outside of Canada
Minor children who want to study in Canada must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada. This includes minor children who come with parents who already have a valid study or work permit.
Minors coming to Canada with parents who have a valid study or work permit don’t need to provide a letter of acceptance from a school when applying for a study permit.
Apply for a study permit outside Canada
Minor children (under 18 years of age) don’t need to qualify as fully vaccinated travellers to come to Canada to study. If they’re not fully vaccinated, they may be allowed to come to Canada if either of the following applies:
They attend a post-secondary institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan, or they’re planning to study in a province or territory that accepts international students at the elementary or secondary school level. A border services officer makes the final decision at a Canadian port of entry about whether the minor student can come to Canada.
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