Canada offers one of the best school education systems in the world, attracting thousands of international students every year. With its high academic standards, supportive learning environment, and multicultural society, A “Schooling Visa” refers to the Canadian Study Permit issued to minor children (under 18) who wish to study in kindergarten through Grade 12. Whether in public, private, or boarding schools, students benefit from innovative teaching methods, English or French instruction, and diverse extracurricular activities.
Canadian school diplomas are globally recognized, and graduating from a Canadian high school gives students a direct pathway to world-renowned universities and colleges across Canada and abroad.
What is a Schooling Visa?
“Schooling Visa” is an informal term widely used to describe the Canadian Study Permit issued to minor students (typically under 18 years old) enrolling in elementary or secondary schools in Canada. To enter Canada, students must also obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an eTA, depending on their country of origin.
Types of Schools in Canada
1. Public Schools
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Funded and regulated by provincial governments
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Affordable tuition for international students
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Offer English, French, and bilingual instruction
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ESL support and academic advising included
2. Private Schools
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Independently operated with higher tuition
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Offer International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), STEM, arts, or sports-focused tracks
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Often include boarding options and small class sizes
3. Catholic/Faith-Based Schools
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Publicly or privately funded (depending on province)
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Combine academic excellence with religious education
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Open to international students regardless of faith
Education Levels in Canadian Schools
| School Level | Grades | Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School | Kindergarten – Grade 6 | 4 to 11 years old |
| Middle/Junior High | Grade 7 – Grade 8 | 12 to 13 years old |
| High School | Grade 9 – Grade 12 | 14 to 18 years old |
Note: Grade structures may slightly vary by province.
Popular Provinces for Schooling
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Ontario – Largest school system, top public/private schools
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British Columbia – Strong international programs, diverse cities
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Alberta – High academic performance, affordable living
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Quebec – French and bilingual education options
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Nova Scotia – Welcoming community and low living costs
Intakes
Most Canadian schools follow this calendar:
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September Intake – Main intake
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February Intake – Mid-year (limited availability)
Note: Application deadlines vary by school and province. Early application is highly recommended.
Top Public School Boards in Canada
| School Board | Province | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto District School Board (TDSB) | Ontario | Canada’s largest board, ESL programs, extensive course offerings |
| Vancouver School Board (VSB) | British Columbia | B.C. curriculum, IB schools, multicultural student population |
| Calgary Board of Education (CBE) | Alberta | STEM focus, career exploration programs, modern learning methods |
| Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) | Nova Scotia | Safe, low-cost province, strong ESL and university prep programs |
| York Region District School Board (YRDSB) | Ontario | High-ranking schools near Toronto, diverse student community |
| Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) | Ontario | Bilingual capital city, English-first instruction, skilled teachers |
| Burnaby School District | British Columbia | University prep focus, Advanced Placement (AP), scenic location |
| Peel District School Board | Ontario | Close to Toronto, ESL support, vibrant community |
Notable Private Schools in Canada
| School Name | Province | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Canada College (UCC) | Ontario | All-boys, elite IB school, historic |
| St. George’s School | B.C. | All-boys, strong sports and academics |
| Branksome Hall | Ontario | All-girls, IB World School |
| Ashbury College | Ontario | Co-ed, university preparatory |
| Ridley College | Ontario | Boarding school with strong alumni network |
| Bishop’s College School | Quebec | Co-ed, bilingual, historic |
Admission Requirements for Schooling Visa
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must cover the duration of the stay |
| Academic Transcripts | Last 2–3 years of school records, translated into English |
| Letter of Acceptance (LOA) | From a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) |
| Custodianship Declaration (for minors) | Required for students under 18 not living with a parent |
| Immunization & Health Records | As required by provincial laws |
| Application Fees | CAD $100 – $300 depending on the school board |
| Proof of Funds | Tuition + CAD $10,000/year for living expenses |
Tuition Fees Comparison
| School Type | Annual Tuition (CAD) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $10,500 – $17,000 | $7,700 – $12,700 |
| Private Day Schools | $18,000 – $30,000 | $13,200 – $22,000 |
| Private Boarding Schools | $35,000 – $70,000 | $25,500 – $51,000 |
Other Costs:
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Homestay: CAD $10,000 – $15,000/year
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Health Insurance: CAD $500 – $1,000/year
Visa Information: Study Permit (Schooling Visa)
📌 Types of Canadian Student Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Study Permit (Schooling Visa) | For full-time students in programs over 6 months |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Required for students from visa-required countries |
| eTA (Electronic Travel Auth.) | Required for visa-exempt countries (linked to Study Permit) |
✅ Students must first secure a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI before applying for a Schooling Visa.
💰 Cost of Canadian Schooling Visa
| Visa Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Study Permit Application | $110 – $120 |
| Biometrics (if applicable) | $85 |
| Medical Exam | $100 – $150 |
⏱️ Visa Processing Time
| Processing Stream | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing (most countries) | 4 – 12 weeks |
| SDS Stream (for eligible countries) | 20 business days |
⏳ Apply early — especially for the September (Fall) intake.
Accommodation Options
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Homestay | Safe family housing with meals & local support |
| Relatives | Allowed with proper custodianship forms |
| School Boarding | For private boarding schools (on-campus) |
Note: Students under 18 must have a legal custodian in Canada.
Rules for Parents of Minor Children on a Schooling Visa
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Custodianship is mandatory if the child is under 18 and not living with a parent in Canada. A custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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Parents must submit a notarized Custodianship Declaration with the child’s Schooling Visa application.
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Parents can accompany their child to Canada on a Visitor Visa (TRV) or eTA, but this does not grant them the right to work or stay long-term.
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If a parent wishes to stay longer, they must apply for a separate Work or Study Permit.
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Only parents already residing in Canada on valid status can act as legal custodians.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Public Schools: Rare, but some boards may offer fee waivers for academic merit.
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Private Schools: May offer partial scholarships, bursaries, or merit-based discounts.
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Provinces like Nova Scotia occasionally provide financial incentives to attract international students.
Pathway to Higher Education
Graduates from English-speaking public high schools in Canada receive:
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A provincially recognized diploma (e.g., Ontario Secondary School Diploma – OSSD)
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Eligibility for top Canadian universities and colleges
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Advanced English fluency
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Strong academic foundation with global recognition
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Option to apply for post-secondary study permits and scholarships
Why Choose Schooling Visa?
Schoolingvisa Overseas Careers stands out as our consultant , and our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully served our customers.
Explore the World with schoolingvisa:
- Visit Visa: Whether for leisure or business, embark on global travel with schoolingvisa.
- Study Visa: Unlock opportunities to study in globally recognized universities.
- Work Visa: Settle in the world’s best cities and pursue your career ambitions.
- Immigration: Your comprehensive solution for all visa and immigration requirements.
- Permanent Residence: Attain the status of Permanent Resident and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Tailored Services for Your Success:
- Profile Evaluation: We analyze your unique profile history, aligning it with visa eligibility criteria, and provide guidance on the appropriate visas to pursue.
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- Professional Guidance: From interview training to language courses and crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we offer comprehensive support.
- Dedicated Case Officer: Enjoy personalized assistance and a singular point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Post-Landing Services: Our support extends beyond visa approval, helping you settle comfortably in your new country with customized post-landing services.
Experience a seamless journey for all your visa needs with Schoolingvisa – from profile evaluation and document preparation to post-visa settlement services. If you have questions about filing the AIPP application, reach out to us immediately. We are here to assist you in every possible way.
Take the first step – start your visa application today!
Related FAQs
Is English required for admission?
Not always. Most schools offer ESL support to help non-native speakers improve their language skills.
What’s the minimum age for a Schooling Visa?
Children as young as 4–5 years can apply for Kindergarten-level admission, provided they have a custodian in Canada.
Can we apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
Yes, if you’re from eligible countries like India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, etc., and meet the SDS criteria.
Is there an official visa called the “Schooling Visa”?
“Schooling Visa” is a commonly used term. The official visa is the Canadian Study Permit for minor students attending elementary or high school.
Can my child attend a public school in Canada with a Schooling Visa?
Yes. International students can study in public schools after obtaining a Study Permit and TRV (or eTA).
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.