Are you wondering if education is free in Canada for those on a work permit? Well, the good news is that all newcomers, whether they’re work permit holders or study permit holders, can get free education for their children.
If you’re a permanent resident, there’s no need for additional paperwork for your child to attend a public school at no cost. However, if you’re here on a temporary basis, like with a work or study permit, you might have to show some documents to the local school board. This is to confirm that your child can indeed attend public school for free.
This article will give you all the information you need to know if education is free in Canada with a work permit.
Is Education Free in Canada?
You might wonder if education is free in Canada. Well, up to high school, it’s free. But remember, while services like education, police, and fire departments seem free, they’re funded by taxes. In some provinces, if you want to attend a religious high school, you might have to pay a fee. For instance, in British Columbia, there are schools for various religions. Schools like Moslem, Jewish, Sihk, Roman Catholic, and Church of England exist in Vancouver. If these schools are private, there’s a fee involved. Some communities also offer language classes outside the regular school system, like Chinese classes.
When it comes to universities, the fees can differ. In Quebec, it’s almost free. But if you’re from outside the province, you might pay more. Interestingly, some places in New York State are considered local for certain Canadian universities. International students in Canada might find the fees similar to what state residents pay in the USA. It’s fascinating how 50 years ago, state education in the USA was cheaper than in Canada. But now, a year of engineering in Canada might cost you the equivalent of two months’ salary after graduation.
So, why is elementary and high school education free in Canada? It’s seen as essential and is funded by the government. But if you want additional language or religious teachings, you might have to pay extra.
Can My Child Study in Canada for Free if I Have a Work Permit?
Is education free in Canada for your child with a work permit? Your child can attend school for free even if you’re new in Canada. This applies whether you’re a permanent resident, have a work permit, or a study permit.
If you’re a permanent resident, there’s no need for extra paperwork for your child to get a free public school education. Public schools cover the education costs for children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This covers ages roughly 5 or 6 up to 18.
However, if you’re a temporary resident with a study or work permit, you might need to show some documents to your local school board. This is to confirm your child can attend public school for free. The documents you need can change depending on where in Canada you live. Each region has its own education rules.
Canada offers both public and private school options. Families can choose based on their finances and what they want for their child’s education.
Public schools are funded by everyone’s taxes in each province or territory. They provide free education from kindergarten to high school graduation. The province or territory decides what students learn in public schools. Private schools, though, charge parents a yearly fee. The cost can be different for each school. These schools can choose their own curriculum, unlike public schools that follow the province’s rules.
There are a few factors that will determine if education is free in Canada for your child. First, the child’s age matters. In Canada, school age varies by province or territory, but typically, children between 4 and 21 years old can attend school. Next, these children need a valid study permit. Also, they should be living in Canada with their parents or legal guardians. In some areas, proficiency in English or French might be required. Remember, each province or territory might have its own specific rules, so it’s a good idea to check with the local school board or education authority.
Is Child Education Free in Canada for International Students?
If you’re wondering whether your children can study for free in Canada with your study permit, it’s essential to understand that education in Canada varies by province. Let’s focus on British Columbia (BC). In BC, to get free education, the board of education checks if a child is “ordinarily resident” as per Section 82 of the School Act. But what does “ordinarily resident” mean? The courts have given it a meaning. They look at two things:
- Does the child have a genuine reason for living in the community?
- Has the child lived there continuously, even if there were short breaks?
You’ll need to prove with clear evidence that the child has a regular life in the community and has stayed there continuously, even with short breaks. Just moving to BC so your child can get free education won’t work. The education boards will check why the family moved to the community. They want to ensure people don’t misuse the system to avoid paying higher fees for students from outside the province or from other countries.
Now, you might think immigration status is the key. But it’s not the only factor. Even if someone isn’t a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can still be “ordinarily resident” in BC. For instance, someone waiting for refugee status or someone who has applied for permanent residency from within Canada can be considered “ordinarily resident” if they show strong ties to the community and have reasons other than just getting free education. However, if someone is in Canada for a short time and hasn’t tried to get permanent residency, they usually won’t be considered “ordinarily resident” because they don’t plan to stay in Canada long-term.
Conclusion
I understand that it’s not easy. As parents, we want the best education for our kids. For immigrants, it can be hard to balance life in a new place, overloading finances, and getting the best education for our kids. If you have a work permit, you can enroll your kids in the top-notch Canadian schools without any cost. If one of the parents is in Canada as an international student, it’s even better. That parent can bring their partner with an open work permit and their kids with study permits. While one parent pursues higher education, the other can work, and the kids can study without any fees. Plus, any child born in Canada becomes a Canadian citizen instantly.
Canada welcomes all immigrant families as they contribute significantly through taxes, which benefits many, including government pensions and health care. So, why not be a part of this? Remember, the Canadian schools are great at integrating kids, so don’t be surprised if your child starts behaving just like a Canadian kid, regardless of your original culture.