A minor child needs a study permit
This includes minor children who come to Canada with parents who got their study or work permit approved before coming to Canada.
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The minor’s study permit isn’t a visa
If we approve the minor student’s study permit application, we’ll also automatically give them either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on their passport or travel document. This is what allows them to enter Canada.
If the minor child is coming with a parent
Minor children need a valid passport or travel document to come to Canada.
A border services officer will make the final decision at a Canadian port of entry about whether the minor student can come to Canada and be issued a study permit.
Learn more about what you need to study in Canada.
If a minor child is coming to Canada alone
They must have
- a valid study permit
- a valid passport or travel document
- a signed custodianship declaration
- a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) that they’ll be attending
- proof that they have enough money to pay for both of the following:
- their living expenses
- their return transportation
Citizens of the United States
You don’t need a visitor visa or an eTA to enter Canada. However, you must carry proper identification.
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
As of April 26, 2022, for all methods of travel, you need
- official proof of status in the U.S. (such as a valid green card or equivalent official proof of status in the U.S.) and
- a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent document)
If a minor child is studying in Quebec
They must also apply for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
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