For a minor's study permit, families usually need a letter of acceptance from the school, proof of funds for tuition and living costs, the child's passport, the IMM 5646 custodianship declaration if the child comes without a parent, and proof of the relationship to the parents. Biometrics are needed from age 14, and a medical exam may be requested.
Key facts
- Letter of acceptance: from a Canadian school
- Custodianship: IMM 5646, both pages notarized
- Biometrics: required for applicants aged 14 to 79
- PAL: not required for primary and secondary school students
The core documents
- A valid passport for the child
- A letter of acceptance from the school
- Proof of funds: tuition, homestay or housing, and living costs for the first year
- The IMM 5646 custodianship declaration, if the child comes without a parent
- Proof of the parents' relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate
- A letter explaining the study plan, written for the family's situation
If parents are separated or only one parent consents
When both parents have custody, both should sign page 2 of the IMM 5646 and any consent letters. If only one parent has custody, include the custody order or another document that proves it.
Biometrics and medicals
Applicants aged 14 to 79 give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre. Children under 14 are exempt. Depending on the country of residence and the length of stay, IRCC may also ask for an immigration medical exam by a panel physician.
The study permit cap and PAL
Students in kindergarten to grade 12 do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL), and they are not counted in the cap on study permits.
When to apply
Apply as soon as you have the letter of acceptance and the custodianship declaration. Processing times change often and vary by country, so check the current time on the IRCC website and leave a margin before the school start date.
Common reasons for refusal
- Missing or incorrectly notarized IMM 5646
- Funds that are not clearly available or not explained
- A study plan that doesn't explain why this school and program
- Documents that contradict each other
If your child's permit was refused, our sister service reapply.ca can review the refusal and rebuild the file.
Sources: IRCC, Study permits: Guidelines on minor children. This article is general information and not legal advice. For your situation, talk to our team.
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