Study Permits for dependents
A study permit specifically for dependent children of international students, gives your child their own status in Canada. Dependent children are school-age children (19 years of age or younger)
Why do I need it
If you have children who will be attending pre-school or primary/secondary school, they are not required to have a study permit. However study permits, rather than visitor records, can make the immigration process run more smoothly, especially if your child enters Canada without a parent.
Also you can only apply for a temporary resident visa from within Canada if you have a study or work permit. Therefore having a study permit for your child will allow you to easily extend your childâs temporary resident visa instead of travelling back to your home country and applying for the visa from there.
The International Centre strongly encourages you to apply for a study permit for all of your children accompanying you while you study in Canada.
When do I need it
You should apply at the same time you apply for your study permit before you come to Canada.
You can also apply when you are settled in Canada, but we do not advise this because it will be more costly, take more time, and will prevent your child from qualifying for MSI provincial insurance even though you may be eligible.