Director Marketing
Studying in Canada as a minor
Find out what they need to do to study in Canada if a minor child is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Who is a minor child?
Each province and territory decides the age when a person becomes an adult. This is known as the age of majority. A person under the age of majority is a “minor child”.
Minor child/young child before entering Canada?
Before a minor enters Canada, it is essential that minors under the age of 17 plan to enter Canada and demonstrate that adequate care and support will be provided to the minor child during their stay and study in Canada. To ensure that all appropriate measures are in place for them. This includes either a parent or legal guardian living with them, or finding a designated guardian in Canada.
Province or territory Age of majority
Each province and territory decides the age when a person becomes an adult. This is known as the age of majority. A person under the age of majority is a “minor child”.
Province or territory Age of majority
|
Province or Territory |
Age of Majority |
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan |
18 |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon |
19 |
Children under the age of 18 are considered minors in Canada. They must follow the same rules for entering Canada as any other study and visitor visa. You need a provincial certificate to apply for a study permit.
As of January 22, 2024, most students must include a Provincial Verification Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application. In most cases, if you apply without PAL, your application will be returned with the fee.
Most students are required to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory they plan to study.
Who does not require a provincial certificate?
You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you Applying to attend a preschool, elementary school or secondary school (up to grade 12)
This is custom heading element
Quebec Acceptance Certificate
If you want to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you will need an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Government of Quebec. Your school can tell you how to apply for the CAQ.
The Government of Canada is working with the Government of Quebec to determine how the CAQ could serve as a provincial attestation letter.
If you plan to study in Quebec for less than 6 months, you can apply for a study permit without a CAQ.
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.
Note: The glossary provides explanations of various terms we use online. These are not legal definitions.
Sources: Government of Canada -IRCC
