.svg){kind=logo}
Canada is a popular destination for skilled professionals and their families due to its high quality of life, education, and career opportunities.?If you hold a Canadian work visa (work permit) and plan to move with your family, you may be wondering — can your children study in Canada while you work?
The good news is yes — children of foreign workers in Canada are generally allowed to study at public or private schools without needing a separate study permit in most cases.?This guide explains the eligibility, process, and important rules parents need to know.
1. Can Children of Work Visa Holders Study in Canada?
Yes.?If you hold a valid Canadian work permit, your dependent children are typically allowed to study in Canada at the primary or secondary school level (grades 1–12) without a separate study permit.
This benefit applies as long as:
• Your work permit is valid, and
• You (the parent) are authorized to work in Canada full-time.
Children are considered dependents if they are:
• Under 22 years of age, and
• Not married or in a common-law relationship.
2. For Which Levels of Study Is This Allowed?
The exemption from a study permit applies mainly to minor children enrolled in:
• Public or private primary schools (elementary)
• Public or private secondary schools (high school)
However, if your child wishes to study at a college, university, or other post-secondary institution, they must apply for a study permit before starting their program.
3. What Documents Are Needed for School Enrollment?
To enroll your children in a Canadian school, you will typically need to present:
• Your valid Canadian work permit
• Your child’s passport
• Proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate showing parent-child connection)
• Proof of residence in Canada (rental agreement, utility bill, etc.)
• Vaccination or medical records as required by provincial education authorities
Each province or school board may have specific enrollment requirements, so it’s best to contact the local school district office in advance.
4. Can Children Study Without Paying Tuition Fees?
Whether your children must pay school fees depends on the province and your immigration status.
• In most provinces (such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta), minor children of valid work permit holders are eligible for free public schooling, similar to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• In some cases, private schools may charge tuition.
It’s always recommended to verify tuition eligibility with the local school board or provincial education ministry.
5. What Happens if Your Work Permit Expires?
Your children’s right to study in Canada is directly tied to your valid work authorization.
If your work permit expires:
• Your children must stop studying, or
• You must apply to extend your work permit before the expiration date.
Once your new permit is approved, your children can continue studying without interruption.
6. Can Your Spouse Work While You Hold a Work Visa?
Yes.?If you hold a valid work permit in a skilled occupation (under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification), your spouse or partner may also be eligible for an open work permit.
This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while your children attend school — making family settlement easier and financially stable.
7. Do Children Need a Study Permit for University or College?
Yes.?Once your child completes high school and wants to pursue post-secondary education (university, college, or technical training), they will need to apply for a study permit.
To apply, your child must:
• Receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI),
• Show proof of financial support, and
• Provide valid identification and passport copies.
Post-secondary students with a valid study permit may also be eligible to work part-time under Canadian law.
8. What Are the Benefits of Studying in Canada as a Dependent Child?
Children of foreign workers enjoy several advantages when studying in Canada:
• Access to high-quality education in English or French.
• Eligibility for public schooling without a separate visa.
• Opportunity to transition smoothly to higher education within Canada.
• Familiarity with Canadian culture and systems, supporting long-term integration.
For families planning to stay long-term, early schooling in Canada provides a strong foundation for future residency or citizenship opportunities.
9. Provincial Education Systems and Enrollment
Each province manages its own education system, so minor differences may apply.?For example:
• Ontario: Public schooling is free for children of valid work permit holders.
• British Columbia: Children can enroll without a study permit if the parent works legally in Canada.
• Quebec: Tuition exemption may depend on the parent’s occupation and type of permit.
Always verify local enrollment requirements before relocating to a specific province.
Key Takeaway
If you hold a valid Canadian work permit, your dependent children can study in Canada — usually without needing a study permit for primary and secondary education.?For university or college, they must apply for a study permit separately.?This flexibility makes Canada one of the most family-friendly destinations for skilled foreign workers.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Education eligibility for dependents in Canada may vary by province, school district, and immigration status.?Always confirm requirements with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) or your local education authority before applying.
November 8, 2025
