Can I enroll them in School? Cost? Study Permit?

[rafaelcxc]

Hello,
I am planing to move to Canada, already having a Employment Offer.

I have a wife and 2 stepdaughters.
My wife would be as a visitor in Canada, I know the girls must apply for a study VISA.
I’m concerned if I have to pay for the girls study in Canada, or they can study in public schools for free.
They are in high school and middle school.

In addition, I believe I would need a letter from the school before the girls apply for the VISA, am I right?

As I am not the girls’ father, I could apply to become the legal guardian of them? If it help us…

If someone could help me, I would be grateful.
Thank you!

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some information related to study permits and who requires one on the CIC Website in the Find out if your child needs a study permit section.

Here is an excerpt,

Minor children who are already in Canada accompanying a parent who is permitted to study or work may study in Canada without a study permit at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels.

A minor child of a parent who is not authorized to work or study in Canada (for example, their parent is authorized as a visitor) is not eligible to study in Canada without a study permit. These minor children must apply for a study permit from their country of last permanent residence.

Study permits for primary school students are issued for a period of one year and can be renewed, while study permits for students enrolled in secondary school (grades 9 to 12 in all provinces and territories except Quebec, and grades 9 to 11 in Quebec) can be issued for the full length of the intended period of study at a secondary school in Canada (maximum of four years).

Minor children at the pre-school and kindergarten levels are not required to hold a valid study permit.

We are not sure where in Canada you are moving to. The Education Act also prescribes when a non-resident student must be charged tuition fees.

Based on the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) requirements, individuals and dependents who come to Canada on a Visitor Record and Dependents of a non-resident parent with a Study Permit who is enrolled in a post secondary institution are not eligible to attend school without payment of fees.

We suggest that you confirm this information by looking at this sample Toronto District School Board (TDSB) requirements chart and that you contact the School Board in the area where you will be moving to.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org

[rafaelcxc]

It was very helpful.
Thank you!