Study plans for minor children
Discuss a child’s proposed studies in Canada and the family, travel and immigration arrangements that need consideration.
Plan the family circumstances alongside the school arrangements.
A child’s proposed education should be reviewed together with their age, family arrangements and immigration circumstances. School admission and immigration requirements should both be checked.
Plan for the child and the accompanying family.
A minor child’s proposed schooling raises practical questions about the school, care arrangements, travel and the accompanying family’s immigration position. We help identify the immigration issues that should be considered together. School admission and the family’s permission to enter or remain in Canada require separate attention.
How VSA can assist
VSA can review the immigration questions behind the proposed study or graduate plan, discuss the available evidence and help prepare an application within the agreed scope. We explain issues that need further checking before you commit to a strategy. School admission, work authorisation and permanent residence are considered as separate decisions.
What to discuss in your consultation
- The child’s age, proposed school and intended stay.
- Parent, guardian and travel arrangements.
- The documents and current instructions relevant to the family.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Prepare a short explanation of the proposed schooling and who will accompany or care for the child.
A preparation checklist
- School admission or intended school arrangements
- The child’s age, travel plan and accompanying adults
- Parent or guardian status and relevant family documents
- Care, accommodation and funding arrangements
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Clarify the goal
We discuss your circumstances, immigration history and any immediate timing issue.
Review the available evidence
We identify the records and questions needed for a useful assessment.
Agree on the work
Any retained services, professional fees and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Prepare and keep the record current
Agreed work follows the relevant process; changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
Before you decide.
Does a child’s admission give a parent permission to work?
Do not assume that a child’s school admission creates a parent’s work authorisation. Each family member’s immigration position must be considered separately.
How do I find the latest official requirements?
Use the government links below. Check the current programme page and its notices before relying on a summary, a past invitation round or another person’s experience.
What does the consultation cost?
Contact the office to confirm the fee, duration and format before booking. Further representation is a separate decision with a written scope and fee agreement.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRCC: study in Canada, including minor children ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteIRCC notices: current programme changes ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub