Enrolling your child in Canada: study permit and school registration procedures in Ontario

Families need to distinguish between federal immigration regulations regarding the right to study and the enrollment procedures of provinces and school boards. The school registration section in this article applies to Ontario.

1. Does a child need a study permit?

According to IRCC, minor children from outside Canada who wish to study in Canada must generally apply for a study permit before arrival, even if they are accompanying parents who are applying for a work permit or study permit. In cases where they accompany parents applying for these permits, the child's study permit application does not require a letter of acceptance.

Children already in Canada with a parent authorized to work or study in Canada may be eligible to attend preschool, elementary, or secondary school without a study permit. If studying without a study permit, the child must maintain valid visitor status in accordance with IRCC guidelines.

2. Study permits and tuition fees

The exemption from requiring a study permit is not equivalent to an exemption from tuition fees. The Ontario Ministry of Education issues enrollment guidelines, which include determining which students are eligible for tuition exemptions. School boards verify the status and documentation applicable to each file according to these guidelines.

3. School registration in Ontario

Ontario's parent guide requires contacting the school board to determine when to register. The list of documents, forms, and submission methods must follow the requirements of the school board or the receiving school; this article does not establish a universal list or processing time for all of Canada.

4. Vaccination records

In Ontario, parents or guardians are responsible for reporting immunization history to their local public health unit. Regulations regarding mandatory vaccinations and valid exemptions are published in the province's guidelines. It should not be assumed that simply submitting vaccination records to the school completes all reporting obligations.