Can children on visitor visa attend school?

[marvindee]

Hi,
My brother, his wife, and their two children (aged 6 and 12) are currently in Ottawa on valid visitor visas. When they tried to register the children at a local school, they were told enrollment isn’t possible unless the parents have a status other than a visitor visa (e.g., work permit, student permit, or refugee status).
From what I’ve read, the Ontario Education Act guarantees education for all children aged 6–18, regardless of immigration status. Reputable sources, like Steps to Justice and Justice for Children and Youth, also suggest that schools cannot deny enrollment based on the parents’ immigration status.
Could anyone confirm if this is correct? If so, how can we ensure the children are allowed to attend school? Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thanks for sharing your question with us. We appreciate your interest in this information.

You may find information regarding this situation in the Settlement.Org article: How do I enrol my child in school?

Can enrollment be denied?



It is important to know that all children aged 6-18 can and must attend school, regardless of their immigration status or the immigration status of their parents. This is outlined in the Education Act, the law that governs public schools in Ontario: “A person who is otherwise entitled to be admitted to a school and who is less than eighteen years of age shall not be refused admission because the person or the person’s parent or guardian is unlawfully in Canada.”

It is also important to note that minor children of refugee protection claimants and protected persons do not require a study permit to attend kindergarten, elementary or secondary school.

This means that children aged 6-18 are required to go to school, and schools cannot deny enrollment based on the immigration status of the children or their parents. If you’d like to report this to the ministry of education, you can find their contact information on their website or call 416-325-2929.

You may also want to dial 211 and speak to an Information and Referral Specialist to see if they can provide some information regarding settlement services and options in your area to speak with a settlement counsellor about getting support with enrolling your nieces and nephews in school.

211 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team

[sunshower]

@marvindee

they were told enrollment isn’t possible unless the parents have a status other than a visitor visa (e.g., work permit, student permit, or refugee status)

Maybe they meant a study permit? It is unnecessary if they will study in a course or program of 6 months or less, otherwise, in described situation, it is a must-have.

All the information is on the official government site:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/minor-children.html