Do children need a separate visa?
The question of whether children need a separate visa is extremely important for Ukrainian families who are planning to move or are already in Canada, particularly in Calgary, under the temporary protection program. The experience of hundreds of families shows that understanding the formalities regarding children is critically important, as failure to comply with certain requirements may lead to problems both at the border and during their subsequent stay in the country. This has become particularly relevant since the launch of the CUAET program — Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, which established new, but at the same time strict and transparent rules for Ukrainian families.
General requirements for minors
The Canadian immigration system has strict requirements for documentation for children. Unlike many countries where it is permitted to travel with a passport belonging to one of the parents with the children listed in it, in Canada, every person (even infants!) must have their own passport and, accordingly, their own visa or entry and residence permit. This means that a child cannot “be on their mother's or father's visa” — they need their own documents regardless of their age.
CUAET program requirements for children
Since the launch of the CUAET program, this principle has remained unchanged. Each child is considered a separate applicant and must go through the entire application process — even if the whole family is traveling together. Parents or legal guardians must submit a separate application for each child through the IRCC online portal, where they must attach a copy of the birth certificate and, depending on the situation, other additional documents (permission from the other parent, guardianship documents, if one parent is deceased — death certificate, etc.).
Children under the age of 22 who are not married or in a civil partnership are considered “dependent” family members. If a child is over 22 years of age, the “dependent” status is retained only in the case of medical disability.
Basic set of documents for each child
- Separate passport (a parent's passport, even with the child's details included, is not acceptable)
- Birth certificate (and translation, if necessary)
- Letter of consent from the other parent (if the child is traveling with only one parent)
- Guardianship documents or death certificate of one of the parents, if applicable
- IRCC standard photo (some exceptions are allowed for infants and toddlers, but the quality requirements remain the same)
- Additionally — biometrics (depending on the child's age and the requirements for a specific category), documents regarding special needs, adoption decisions, etc.
Special cases
A separate visa is also required for children traveling to Canada unaccompanied by adults — these are unaccompanied minors who require an even more complicated procedure: you must indicate in writing the adult who will be responsible for them in Canada, have separate consent from both parents, etc.
In cases of guardianship or adoption, official documents certified and translated are required.
Processing and submission
Submission is done exclusively online; paper applications are not accepted. Meals, especially for large families, should be arranged in advance: prepare digital versions of all necessary documents, have them translated, and check that the information is correct. When filling out the application form for a child, carefully duplicate the names, dates of birth, and all other details — any inaccuracies may cause delays or even rejection.
Medical issues
Children arriving under the CUAET (as well as adults) may need a medical examination upon arrival or special documentation regarding vaccinations (especially for attending kindergarten or school). Children who have not been vaccinated may not always be able to attend Canadian schools and kindergartens, so it is necessary to check the requirements of the specific school or district in advance.
Education and assistance
Children with a CUAET visa/temporary protection are entitled to free primary and secondary education in Alberta's public schools. Schools must accept children even without a complete set of documents — some documents can be submitted later so that the child does not lose time waiting. Alberta has public, Catholic, and even Ukrainian-language schools that welcome Ukrainian students.
Conclusions and advice
Yes, each child MUST have a separate visa, regardless of age, even if the family is traveling together. As with adults, a separate complete set of documents is required to obtain a visa for a child. Disorganization at this stage can lead to unfortunate delays or even denial of entry, so prepare everything as far in advance as possible: renew passports, obtain certified translations, collect all references, and if in doubt, contact specialists or consultation centers for newcomers in Calgary or across Canada.
Remember: this rule is not bureaucracy for bureaucracy's sake, but a concern for the interests and safety of the child. A separate visa status is proof of identity, protection against abuse or illegal transfer of children, and a guarantee of successful access to all rights to education, medical care, and social support in Canada.
Timely preparation and correct submission of documents will greatly simplify life for Ukrainian families with children in Calgary and help them take advantage of all the benefits of the Canadian protection and integration system.