Can they enter Elementary School?- Study Permit?

[ForumUser]

Dear sir/madam,

My wife is expecting to study in Toronto to complete her bachelors degree program. She will be accompanied by our kids as dependent who are in grade 7 and grade 5.

We would like to know does canadian English public school accepts admission of dependents of a student visa holder. Is the education is free or should we pay for kids education.

Please let us know what is the rule, as we tired to find thos information on the internet and was unable to get a clear rule regarding.

[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.

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 or who are dependents of a non-resident parent with a Study Permit who is enrolled in a postsecondary institution, are not eligible to attend school without payment of fees and will likely be required to pay fees to the TDSB.

We suggest that you review this Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Admission Eligibility Requirement document. In this document you will find a very helpful chart that outlines who is eligible to attend without paying fees.

You may also want to contact the School Board directly in the area where you will be moving to to find out what the requirements are and what to expect in your situation.

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