Applications for minor students require more than a school acceptance. The plan must show who will care for the child, where the child will live, how costs will be paid, and how the arrangements serve the child's best interests. Requirements also change depending on whether the child is applying from outside Canada, is already in Canada, is accompanied by a parent, and has reached the age of majority in the province or territory.
1. Determine whether a study permit is required
A minor applying from outside Canada to study for more than six months generally needs a study permit before travelling. Some minors already in Canada may study without one in specific circumstances, including certain children whose parent is authorized to work or study. Even when a permit is not strictly required, IRCC often recommends obtaining one because it can support continuity after the child reaches majority, access to some services, and secondary-school co-op authorization.
2. Understand the age of majority
The age of majority is 18 or 19 depending on the province or territory. A child who reaches majority must satisfy the adult study-permit rules to continue studying. Families should plan well before the birthday and permit expiry date rather than assuming the minor-student arrangement continues unchanged.
3. Decide whether custodianship is required
A minor under 17 must normally come with a parent or legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada. A custodian must be a responsible adult Canadian citizen or permanent resident who will care for and support the child. For students aged 17 or older, custodianship is normally optional, but an officer may request it based on maturity, living arrangements and circumstances.
4. Complete the custodianship declaration correctly
The custodianship declaration has two similar pages. The custodian signs and notarizes the first page in Canada; the parents or legal guardians sign and notarize the second page in their home country. Names, addresses and dates should match passports, school records and supporting letters. A vague or incomplete care plan can raise concerns even if the form itself is signed.
5. Build a detailed care and accommodation plan
Explain where the child will live, who supervises daily life, emergency contacts, transportation to school, medical insurance, access to funds, holiday arrangements, communication with parents and decision-making authority. Include evidence such as the custodian's status document, identity, address, relationship to the family and a signed support letter.
6. Prepare school and financial documents
A letter of acceptance is generally required, subject to specific exceptions for children accompanying parents whose study or work permit applications are being processed from outside Canada. Provide tuition information, proof of payment if available, realistic living and travel costs, bank records and a clear explanation of the source of funds. For Quebec, check CAQ requirements.
7. Prepare travel documentation
A study permit is not a travel document. The child may also need a temporary resident visa or eTA, depending on nationality and mode of travel. Unaccompanied or one-parent travel should be supported by consent letters, custody documents where relevant, contact details and airline-specific arrangements.
Border officers may ask questions about care, school and return plans.
8. Maintain and extend status
Primary-school permits are commonly issued for one year and can be renewed. Secondary-school permits may be issued for the intended study period up to the applicable maximum. IRCC advises applying to extend at least 90 days before expiry. A minor studying without a permit must still hold valid visitor status.
Application-strengthening tips
Use consistent names and addresses across every document;
explain any parental separation or custody arrangement;
provide certified translations;
avoid unexplained large deposits;
show who pays tuition and living costs;
include medical-insurance arrangements;
and prepare a child-focused purpose-of-study explanation appropriate to age. A template letter should never replace the family's actual facts.
TIP: Create a dated document checklist and keep evidence of every key decision. Requirements are easier to prove when records are collected as events happen.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does every minor need a custodian?
A: No. A child under 17 must normally be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or have a custodian. For age 17 and older, an officer may still request one.
Q: Can a relative be the custodian?
A: Yes, if the person is a responsible adult Canadian citizen or permanent resident and can genuinely provide care and support.
Q: Is notarization required?
A: The official custodianship declaration instructions require notarization of the custodian’s page in Canada and the parent/guardian page in the home country.
Q: Does a six-month course require a study permit?
A: A minor generally does not need one for a program of six months or less, but the family should consider status, future studies and travel requirements.
Q: Does the child need a letter of acceptance?
A: Usually yes, but IRCC lists limited exceptions, including some accompanying-minor applications submitted from outside Canada with a parent’s work or study permit application.
Q: Can a minor continue school after a permit expires?
A: Status rules are fact-specific. Apply early. IRCC states that certain minors in preschool, primary or secondary school may continue studying while restoration is pursued, but losing status creates risk and should not be treated as a planning strategy.
Important: This educational article reflects official IRCC guidance reviewed in November 2026. Immigration rules and program lists can change. Assess the facts and verify the current official instructions before applying.
