Study in Canada

Public School Application

Placing a child in a Canadian public school involves two decisions made by two different authorities: the school district that admits the student, and IRCC, which decides the study permit. We guide families through both.

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KEY FACTS

What Families Need to Know First

Admission

School Districts Admit International Students

In British Columbia, international students apply to a school district’s or an independent school’s international program, not to one province-wide system. International students normally pay tuition, and registration requirements, intake dates and fees differ from one district to another.

Study Permit

Most Children Coming From Abroad Need a Study Permit

A minor child coming from outside Canada to attend school generally needs to apply for a study permit before travelling. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. Minor children who are already in Canada may attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit if, for example:

  • a parent is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • a parent is authorized to work or study in Canada
  • the child or the parents are refugees or refugee claimants
Custodian

Custodianship for Children Under 17

A child under 17 who comes to Canada without a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian: a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646) is signed and notarized by the custodian in Canada and by the parents or guardians in their home country. From age 17 up to the age of majority (19 in BC), a custodian is optional, but an officer may ask for one.

ALSO GOOD TO KNOW

Rules That Apply to School-Age Students

No Attestation Letter for K–12

Preschool, primary and secondary school students are exempt from the provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) that most post-secondary applicants must include with a study permit application.

PAL/TAL exempt

Proof of Funds

Study permit applicants must show they can pay for tuition, travel and living costs. For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, the living-cost amount for one student outside Quebec is CAD $23,448, in addition to first-year tuition and travel.

CAD $23,448Plus tuition and travel

Graduating in BC

International students who meet all provincial graduation requirements can earn the British Columbia Certificate of Graduation, known as the Dogwood Diploma.

Dogwood Diploma
PLANNING

Questions to Settle Before You Apply

  • Who will the child live with? A parent, a custodian or a homestay family. The answer shapes both the school application and the study permit application.
  • Will a parent accompany the child? A parent who comes as a visitor is normally allowed to stay for up to six months and can apply for a visitor record to stay longer. Visitor status by itself does not authorize work in Canada.
  • Which grade and which district? Districts differ in programs, English-language support and intake timing, and spaces in some programs are limited.
  • What comes after Grade 12? Secondary school study does not lead to a post-graduation work permit; that depends on later post-secondary study. Course choices in Grades 10 to 12 affect university admission.
OUR SERVICE

How We Support Your Family

School Planning

Grade placement, district options and timeline

School Application

Application forms and supporting documents

Study Permit

Study permit and custodianship documents

Parent Status

Visitor visa or visitor record for an accompanying parent

FAQ
If your child is already in Canada with you and you are authorized to work or study here, your child may attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit. A child applying from outside Canada should apply for a study permit before travelling.
No. IRCC requires a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and who will take care of and support the child. The custodian does not have to be a family member.
Not on the basis of high school alone. A post-graduation work permit requires an eligible post-secondary program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible institution.
No. Admission is decided by the school district or school. We help you choose realistic options and submit a complete, well-prepared application.

Requirements change frequently. The information on this page summarizes IRCC and Government of British Columbia guidance as reviewed in October 2026 and is for general information only. Admission decisions are made by the school district or school. For current rules, see the official Government of Canada page, or book a consultation for advice on your situation.

NEXT STEP

Plan Your Child’s Schooling With Confidence

A school plan and a study permit plan have to fit together. We help you build both.

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