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Do children under 17 need their own study permit when accompanying a parent to Canada?

Canada • Study Permit • study 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Step-by-Step

A parent applying for their own study permit and travelling with three children (ages 13, 10, and 7, two of whom are US citizens) asked whether the children also needed their own study permits and school letters.

What the group confirmed:
  1. Children under the age of 17 can generally enter Canada alongside a parent without needing their own study permit.


Practical takeaway:
  • If your children are under 17 and accompanying you, you typically don't need to apply for separate study permits for them just to enter.

  • Since two of the children are US citizens, also check specific entry requirements tied to their citizenship (e.g. any different documentation for US citizen minors), as this can vary from the general rule.

  • Confirm current age thresholds and school-enrollment documentation requirements directly with IRCC before travelling, since rules around minors can be updated.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: Children under 17 accompanying a parent generally don't need their own study permit to enter Canada.
  • Do: Double-check entry requirements specific to your children's US citizenship, since this can differ from the general minor's rule.

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