Canada · study · guide
Canada study permit for minor children: requirements
This guide is for parents who want their minor children to study in Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 11 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/minor-children.html
Who can apply
Your minor child must have the care and support they need during their stay in Canada. You must prove this care is in place.[1]
Your child must maintain valid status while they are in Canada. If they do not have a study permit, they must have valid visitor status.[2][3]
Documents you need
You must provide a letter of acceptance from the Canadian school when you apply for the study permit.[4]
You must submit a Custodianship Declaration form with the application to appoint a custodian. The custodian must sign the first page, and it must be notarized in Canada. The parents or legal guardians must sign the second page, and it must be notarized in their home country.[5][6][7]
If your child is allowed to study without a study permit, you must make sure they have a visitor record.[8]
Timing and extensions
You must apply for a study permit before entering Canada if your child plans to study for 6 months or more.[9]
If you need to extend the study permit from inside Canada, you must provide a letter of acceptance. You must apply for the new permit at least 90 days before the current one expires.[10][11]
Checklist
- Get a letter of acceptance from the Canadian school.[4]
- Have the custodian sign the first page of the Custodianship Declaration in Canada and get it notarized.[6]
- Sign the second page of the Custodianship Declaration as parents or guardians and get it notarized in your home country.[7]
- Submit the Custodianship Declaration form with the study permit application.[5]
- Apply for the study permit before entering Canada if the stay is 6 months or more.[9]
- Apply to extend the study permit at least 90 days before it expires.[11]
Questions people ask
Does my child need a study permit for a short course?
If your child wants to study for 6 months or more, you must apply for a study permit before entering Canada.[9]
What documents do I need from the school in Canada?
You must provide a letter of acceptance from the Canadian educational institution when you apply.[4]
How do I appoint a custodian for my child?
You must submit a Custodianship Declaration form. The custodian signs the first page in Canada, and the parents sign the second page in their home country. Both pages must be notarized.[5][6][7]
When should I apply to extend my child's study permit?
You must apply for a new study permit at least 90 days before the current permit expires.[11]
What do I need to extend a study permit from inside Canada?
You must provide a letter of acceptance to extend your minor child's study permit inside Canada.[10]
What if my child can study without a study permit?
If your child is allowed to study without a permit, you must ensure they have a visitor record and maintain valid visitor status.[8][3]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.