Canada work permits and families: how children attend school

This article is for families who plan to work in Canada, or already live there on a work permit, and want to know whether their children need a study permit to attend school. It summarises guidance published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of 29 October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so always check the official site for the latest information.

When a parent is authorised to work or study

IRCC says that minor children in Canada with a parent who is authorised to work or study can attend preschool, primary school or secondary school without a study permit. This is the first thing a work-permit family should check.

That does not mean it applies to every family in the same way. The outcome can depend on the status of the parent. Whether your family is covered is something to confirm directly with the official authority.

What a study permit can still add

Even when a study permit is not required, IRCC notes that having one can help in some areas.

• It can make it easier to get a secondary-school co-op work permit.
• It can make it easier to access some provincial services.
• It can make it easier to move between school levels.

Keep this in mind when you think about your child's route through school. The practical benefits can differ by province, so check the guidance for the province where you will live.

When your child reaches the age of majority

Once a child reaches the age of majority, they must apply for a study permit to keep studying. The age differs by province: 18 in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and others, and 19 in British Columbia and others. If you may move provinces in the later high school years, find out the age of majority where you will live.

Basics if you do apply for a study permit

The IRCC study permit page (as of 24 April 2026) says a study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and that most foreign nationals need one. The listed fee is CAN $150, and processing times vary by country. The page covers who can apply, requirements, documents, how to apply, steps after applying, arrival and conditions while studying. Fees and processing times can change, so check the current notice before you apply.

Children under 17 applying on their own: custodian rules

Custodian rules apply when a child applies for a study permit separately from the parents. IRCC says minors under 17 must come with a parent or legal guardian, or have a custodian in Canada. For those 17 and over it is optional, but an officer may ask for one.

• The custodian must be a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• A Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646) is required.
• Page 1 is notarised in Canada by the custodian, and page 2 is notarised in the home country by the parents.
• The notarised declaration is sent together with the study permit application.

Because the paperwork is split across two countries, allow plenty of time.

Checklist

• Have you read the official IRCC page on who can study without a permit?
• Have you confirmed the parent's current status and its expiry date?
• Have you checked your child's age and the age of majority in your province (18 or 19)?
• Have you considered whether the advantages of a study permit (co-op work permit, provincial services, moving between levels) matter for your family?
• If your child will come separately from the parents, have you planned time for the custodian declaration?
• Have you checked the current fee and processing times on the study permit page?
• Have you noted the as-of date of the official guidance you used?

Ask the school

• Which documents does the school need for admission and enrolment, given our child's situation?
• Is the school a designated learning institution (DLI), and does that matter if a study permit is needed?
• What changes inside the school for a child with a study permit and a child without one?
• Does the secondary school offer a co-op programme, and what are the conditions to take part?
• Is there a school procedure for students who want to continue after reaching the age of majority?

Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.