Can a lone parent apply for a study permit for a minor child?
Lone parents applying for a minor child’s study permit may need to provide extra documents with the child’s study permit application.
If you have sole custody of your child
If you are no longer in a relationship with the other parent and have sole custody of your child, we need a document that shows proof of parentage and that proves your decision-making authority.
You must provide
- the parent or adoptive parent’s signed government-issued identification
- the child’s birth certificate with the name of the parent(s)
- if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the name of the adoptive parent(s) and
- any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship
You must also provide all documents that refer to the child’s custody, mobility and access. You must provide 1 of the following:
- the court order
- another legal document issued by the relevant authorities showing this parent has sole custody
If you have joint custody of your child
If you and your child’s other parent share decision-making authority, both parents must participate in the study permit application.
You must provide
- a signed consent letter from the non-accompanying parent (certified by a notary)
- a signed piece of government-issued identification from the non-accompanying parent
- a document that establishes proof of parentage
- This must include
- both parents’ or adoptive parents’ signed, government-issued identification
- the child’s birth certificate with the names of both parents
- if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the names of both adoptive parents and
- any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship
- This must include
If you don’t know where the other parent is
If you don’t know where the other parent is and you don’t have sole custody of your child, you must provide
- a legal document declaring the parent has sole authority of the child
- the parent or adoptive parent’s signed, government-issued identification
- the child’s birth certificate with the names of the parent(s)
- if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the name of the adoptive parent(s) and
- any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship
If the other parent is deceased
If the other parent is deceased, you must provide
- the death certificate of the other parent
- the parent or adoptive parent’s signed government-issued identification
- the child’s birth certificate with the names of both parents
- if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the name of both adoptive parents and
- any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship
Answers others found useful
- Do I need a permit to study in Canada?
- I am an international student in Canada. Can I work while studying?
- As a foreign student, can I return home or travel outside Canada while studying?
- When should I apply for my study permit?
- How do I apply for a study permit?
- I’ve applied to extend my study permit. Can I travel outside Canada and be able to return?
- I want to change my school or study program. How can I change my study permit?
- What do I do if the school I’m studying at loses its designated learning institution status?
- Date modified: