Do children need a separate study permit?
The question of whether children need a separate study permit to study in Calgary is one of the most common concerns of immigrant parents who are planning to move to Canada or are already in the process of immigrating. Understanding the Canadian education system and the documentation requirements for children to study is critical to ensuring a smooth transition for families to their new life in Alberta. Canadian immigration and education laws have specific rules about which children require a study permit and which can study without additional documentation, and these rules can vary significantly depending on the parents' status and family circumstances.
The education system in Canada is designed to ensure access to quality education for all children who are legally present in the country, regardless of their citizenship status. However, procedural requirements for school registration and the need to obtain permits may vary depending on the status of the child and their parents. In Calgary, as in other cities in Alberta, both provincial rules on access to education and federal immigration requirements apply, which together determine whether a child needs a separate study permit to attend school.
Definition of a minor child and age of majority
Before considering the need for a study permit, it is important to understand who is considered a minor child under Canadian law. Each province and territory in Canada sets its own age of majority, which is the age at which a person is legally considered an adult. In Alberta, as in Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, the age of majority is 18. This means that any person under the age of 18 is considered a minor and is subject to special rules regarding education and immigration.
Understanding the age of majority is critical because it affects whether a child can make independent decisions about their education, whether they need a guardian in Canada if their parents are not accompanying them, and what documents are required to enroll in school. Children who reach the age of majority while studying may be required to change their status and apply for their own study permit if they plan to continue their education.
General principles of access to education for children in Alberta
According to Section 8 of the Alberta School Act, children who are 6 years of age on September 1 of the school year but are under 19 years of age and are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, children of Canadian citizens (biological or adopted), or children of persons who are legally admitted to permanent or temporary residence in Canada (biological or adopted). If a child is not eligible for education under these criteria, they are not eligible for funding from Alberta Education and may be considered an international student.
For children who are eligible for education, the next question is whether the child's parent or legal guardian is a resident of Alberta. The residence of the parents often determines whether a child will receive provincial funding for education or be considered an international student who may be subject to tuition fees. School boards have some discretion in making decisions about the enrollment of international students and setting tuition fees.
Children of parents with work permits
Children of parents who have valid work permits in Canada can usually attend Canadian schools without needing to obtain their own study permit, provided they are accompanying their parents and are residing with them in Canada. This rule is based on the principle that children of temporary foreign workers are entitled to education as part of the support provided to families working in Canada. However, there are certain documentation requirements that must be met when registering for school.
To register a child with working parents with the Calgary Board of Education or the Calgary Catholic School District, the following documents are usually required: a copy of the child's passport, a copy of the parent's valid work permit, a copy of the parent's passport, and other standard documents for school registration, such as immunization records and proof of residence. It is important to note that schools may verify the legitimacy of the relationship by contacting Citizenship and Immigration Canada's student services line.
In some cases, especially if the child plans to study in Canada for an extended period or if family circumstances change, it may be advisable to obtain a study permit for the child, even if it is not mandatory. This can provide additional flexibility and clarity regarding the child's status, especially if the parents plan to change their work permits or apply for permanent residence.
Children of parents with study permits
Children of parents who are studying in Canada on valid study permits may also attend Canadian schools without needing to obtain their own study permit, provided they are accompanying their parents. This rule is particularly relevant for families where one or both parents are studying at Canadian universities or colleges. Children can begin school based on their parents' status as students and their parents' valid study permits.
However, it is important to note that if a child reaches the age of 18 while attending school, they must apply for their own study permit to continue their education. This rule applies regardless of whether their parents continue to study in Canada. The transition from dependent to independent student must be planned in advance to avoid interruption of studies.
The same documentation requirements apply to children of student parents when registering for school: a copy of the child's passport, a copy of the parent's valid study permit, a copy of the parent's passport, and standard school registration documents. The Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District have experience working with these families and can provide advice on specific requirements.
Children of permanent residents and Canadian citizens
Children who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or children of parents who have this status, are fully entitled to free education in Canadian public schools and do not require any study permits. These children are registered in school as Canadian residents and receive all the benefits of the provincial education system, including access to special programs, extracurricular activities, and additional learning support.
Standard documents are required to register these children: birth certificate or passport, permanent resident card or proof of permanent residence (for permanent residents), proof of address, immunization records, and previous academic records if the child has previously attended school elsewhere. The Calgary Board of Education has a special Welcome Centre to assist new families with the registration process.
International students and individual study permits
Children who do not fall into any of the above categories are generally considered international students and require a separate study permit to attend Canadian schools. This includes children who come to Canada on their own to study, children of visiting parents who plan to stay in Canada for an extended period, and children in other specific circumstances.
The process of obtaining a study permit for a minor involves several key steps and requirements. First, the child must obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. For primary and secondary education, this usually means obtaining a letter from the appropriate school board or private school that is authorized to accept international students.
An important requirement for children under the age of 17 is that they have a guardian in Canada if their parents are not accompanying them. The guardian must be a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and is willing to take responsibility for the care and support of the child during their stay in Canada. For children aged 17 and older, a guardian is not required, but an officer may request one on a case-by-case basis.
Registration procedure with the Calgary Board of Education
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest public school system in Calgary, serving over 125,000 students in more than 245 schools. The CBE has a dedicated Welcome Centre located at 1221 - 8 Street SW, which assists new families, including those who are not Canadian citizens, with the registration process and assessment of their children's needs.
All students who are new to the CBE in grades 1 through 12, are not Canadian citizens, and speak a language other than English at home must take an English language assessment. This assessment helps schools provide appropriate support for learning English as an additional language. For Canadian citizens and kindergarten children, the assessment is conducted by school staff.
The Welcome Centre provides translation services in more than 240 languages at no cost to families, making the registration process more accessible to Calgary's diverse communities. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and closed Friday through Sunday. Families can contact the Welcome Centre at 403-817-7789 or by email at [email protected].
Registration with the Calgary Catholic School District
The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) is an alternative education system serving Catholic schools in Calgary. CCSD accepts international students in four of the district's secondary schools, but for children in kindergarten through Grade 9, international students do not have a choice of school and are automatically assigned to a CCSD school based on availability.
Admission criteria for the CCSD International Student Program (ISEP) are based on the student's overall academic achievement and English language proficiency. The program is designed for regular instruction and is not suitable for students who require additional academic support. Students must be under 18 years of age as of September 1 of the school year to be accepted into the program.
CCSD welcomes non-Catholic students; however, if there are space limitations, priority will be given to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Catholic students. Religious education is an integral part of CCSD schools, so families must understand and agree with this aspect of the education.
Private Schools and International Programs
Calgary also has several private schools that accept international students and offer specialized programs for children from different countries. Schools such as Banbury Crossroads School, Calgary French & International School, and Calgary Christian School have their own programs for international students with different requirements and admission procedures.
Banbury Crossroads School, for example, offers a full-year English immersion program for international students in grades 1 through 12. The school has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios in Alberta (8:1 on average) and provides ongoing ESL support from certified teachers. Students must have some English language proficiency prior to enrollment and will be matched with host families.
Calgary French & International School specializes in French language and international education, offering a unique environment for children who want to develop multilingual skills. These private options may be particularly appealing to families seeking specific educational approaches or language programs.
Financial aspects and tuition fees
Tuition fees may apply for children who are not eligible for free education under provincial regulations. The Calgary Board of Education sets fees for international students, which may vary depending on the level of education and specific programs. These fees cover the cost of tuition and access to school resources but do not include additional costs for textbooks, extracurricular activities, or special programs.
The Calgary Catholic School District also has a fee structure for international students, which may differ from the CBE. Private schools set their own tuition fees, which are typically significantly higher than public school fees but may include additional services and smaller class sizes.
It is important to note that children of permanent residents, Canadian citizens, or children of parents with valid work or study permits do not typically pay tuition fees at public schools, as their education is funded by the provincial government.
Documents and registration procedures
Regardless of the child's status, the process of registering for school in Calgary requires a specific set of documents and procedures. All children need basic documents: proof of age and legal name (birth certificate or passport), proof of parents' address, immunization records to confirm that vaccinations are up to date, and previous academic records if the child has previously attended school.
Foreign citizens' children must also provide documents confirming their status in Canada: permanent resident card or proof of permanent residence (for permanent residents), valid work permit for parents (for children of temporary foreign workers), valid study permit for parents (for children of students), or the child's own study permit (for international students).
The Calgary Board of Education uses the SchoolEngage online system for the initial registration process, where families can create accounts and upload the necessary documents. After submitting the online application, Welcome Centre staff will contact the family to arrange a meeting to complete the registration and conduct the necessary assessments.
Special circumstances and exceptions
There are certain special circumstances that may affect the need for a study permit for children. Children of refugees and asylum seekers are usually eligible for free education in Alberta if their parents have applied for refugee status. These children can attend school without a study permit while their parents' application is being processed.
Children coming to Canada for short-term programs of less than six months do not usually need a study permit, but may still apply for one before entering Canada for clarity of status. Children who wish to study in Canada for six months or longer must apply for a study permit before entering the country.
In cases where the family situation changes while in Canada, such as if a parent loses or changes their status, the children's status may need to be reassessed and a study permit application may need to be submitted. It is important to consult with educational institutions and immigration consultants in such situations.
Support and resources for families
Calgary offers numerous resources to support families in navigating the education system and immigration requirements. The Calgary Bridge Foundation assists families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in developing settlement plans and connecting to necessary resources and services in the community.
The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and other settlement organizations also provide information and support to families regarding educational options and requirements. These organizations often have experience working with different types of immigration statuses and can provide personalized advice on the best options for specific family circumstances.
Many schools in Calgary have settlement workers who can help students adjust and get the support they need. These professionals understand the unique challenges faced by immigrant families and can provide practical assistance in navigating both the education system and broader community needs.
The answer to the question of whether a separate study permit is required for children in Calgary depends on several key factors: the parents' status in Canada, the age of the child, the length of the planned study program, and the specific circumstances of the family. In most cases, children of parents with valid work or study permits can attend Canadian schools without needing their own study permit, provided they are accompanying their parents and meet the basic requirements for enrollment.
However, there are important exceptions and special circumstances that may require a separate study permit. Children who come to Canada on their own, children of visiting parents, or children in other specific situations may need their own study permits to legally attend school.
Careful planning and consultation with the appropriate educational institutions and, if necessary, with immigration professionals is key to ensuring that all requirements are met and that the child's education is not interrupted. The Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District, and other educational institutions in the city have experience working with international families and can provide valuable advice on specific requirements and procedures.
Understanding these rules and procedures helps families make informed decisions about their children's education and ensures a successful integration into the Canadian education system. Regardless of whether a separate study permit is required, Calgary offers high-quality educational opportunities for children from around the world in a supportive and diverse environment.