Understanding Temporary Resident Visa for Parents of Minor International Students
Today, let’s talk about Temporary Resident Visa for Parents of Minor International Students. Canada, with its top-tier education system, multicultural learning environment, and high quality of life, has become an ideal destination for parents worldwide to send their children to study. According to multiple global rankings, Canada’s education system consistently ranks among the best, with both public and private schools enjoying high international reputations. Additionally, Canada offers a safe and inclusive environment where students from diverse cultural backgrounds can study and integrate seamlessly into the local community.
Compared to other popular study destinations, Canada offers relatively friendly and flexible visa policies, which have made it a top choice for international students and their families. As global economies grow and household incomes rise, more and more families are choosing to accompany their children to Canada to ensure their safety and well-being during their education. These accompanying parents not only seek to provide day-to-day care for their children but also wish to have legal status during their extended stay to better support their child’s learning and living needs.
In most cases, parents are required to apply for an entry permit, and if they plan to stay in Canada long-term, they must apply for a temporary resident permit. The so-called parent accompanying visa, in fact, falls under Canada’s temporary resident visa (TRV) category, which is crucial for parents’ legal residence in Canada.
Comparison of Entry Permits and Residence Permits
When discussing Canada’s visa policies, it is important to understand the distinction between an entry permit and a temporary resident permit. According to Canadian immigration law and border protection regulations, an entry permit (Entry Visa) is a document that allows individuals to enter Canada, but it does not guarantee the right to reside long-term. On the other hand, a temporary resident permit grants permission to stay in Canada and engage in specific activities (such as studying, working, or visiting).
- Entry Permit: The entry permit is a travel document that allows its holder to enter Canada. Depending on the purpose of the visit, entry permits can be divided into several types:
- Entry Visa: Required for citizens of most countries, applicants must obtain this visa before entering Canada.
- Transit Visa: A short-term visa needed for travelers passing through Canada without entering the country.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Applicable to passport holders from visa-exempt countries, allowing them to enter Canada for short-term stays without a traditional visa.
- Temporary Resident Permit: The temporary resident permit grants the holder legal permission to stay in Canada and can be categorized into several types:
- Study Permit: The most common type for international students, allowing them to study legally in Canada.
- Work Permit: Authorizes foreign nationals to work legally in Canada.
- Visitor Record: This is commonly used by parents accompanying their children and allows them to stay in Canada long-term without relying on multiple entry visas.
Under Canadian immigration policies, applicants who submit a temporary resident permit application and receive approval will also be issued an entry permit, typically known as the Passport Request (PPR) process.
Additionally, Canada has visa waiver agreements with certain countries. Citizens from these countries may apply for a temporary resident permit directly at border checkpoints. However, most parents must apply for the necessary visa documents in advance, either online or in person.
Application Process for the Parent Accompanying Visa
If a parent intends to accompany their child to Canada for studies and plans to stay beyond the duration allowed by an entry visa, they must apply for a visitor record. Below is a detailed breakdown of the application process and the recommended documents:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the child’s school: This is the official document issued by the Canadian educational institution, confirming that the child has been accepted into the school. It is a crucial document for the parent’s accompanying visa application.
- Study Permit for the child: Parents must provide the child’s study permit as part of the visa application to confirm the child’s legal status as a student in Canada.
- Proof of Financial Support: Parents need to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support both themselves and their child during their stay in Canada. Documents such as bank statements, income proof, or investment certificates may be required. The latest financial requirements were detailed in the official announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 3, 2024.
- Health Certificate and Police Certificate: Depending on the case, immigration officers may request the parent to provide a health certificate proving they do not pose a public health risk to Canada. Additionally, a police certificate may be required to confirm the parent has no criminal record that would affect public safety.
- Proof of Parent-Child Relationship: If the accompanying parent is not the biological parent of the child, they must provide legal documents, such as guardianship certificates, to prove their legal guardianship of the child.
- Parental Consent Letter: In cases where parents are separated or divorced, the accompanying parent must provide a consent letter from the other parent, ensuring that both parents agree to the child studying in Canada and being accompanied by one of them.
Upon arrival at a point of entry (PoE) in Canada, it is recommended that parents carry the originals or notarized copies of these documents. If the child does not travel with the parent, copies of the child’s admission letter, study permit, and proof of enrollment should be provided. If the parent carries more than CAD 10,000 in financial assets, they must declare this to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and provide proof of the source of the funds to avoid confiscation.
Importance of Holding a Visitor Record
Many parents might consider using a multiple-entry visa for short stays instead of applying for a visitor record. However, this approach carries risks. Here is why holding a visitor record is crucial:
- Avoiding Visa Misuse Risks: Frequent short stays using a tourist visa or other short-term entry permits may be considered visa misuse. If border officers determine that the parent’s behavior deviates from the original visa purpose, it could lead to visa denial in the future. Additionally, if discovered during a border inspection, the parent may be denied entry and receive a negative record.
- Visitor Record as Proof of Legal Residency: Holding a visitor record provides clear proof of the parent’s legal status in Canada. This document not only helps when applying for a local driver’s license but can also assist in enrolling in certain provincial health insurance plans (premiums must be paid independently).
- Financial and Banking Convenience: A visitor record makes it easier for parents to open bank accounts in Canada and receive financial support from family members abroad. Many banks require proof of residency, and a visitor record serves as one such document.
- Telecommunications and Other Benefits: Holding a visitor record helps parents access cheaper mobile phone plans, which can save significant costs during their long-term stay.
- Facilitating Status Transitions: If parents wish to transition their status to that of a student or foreign worker, holding a visitor record simplifies the application process. Parents with a visitor record can submit a status transition application directly to the immigration office within Canada, without needing to return to their home country, making the process more convenient.
Conclusion
Canada’s parent accompanying visa policies provide a flexible and secure pathway for parents to reside in Canada while their children study. However, the application process involves a substantial amount of documentation and legal compliance. Parents must prepare thoroughly and adhere to Canadian immigration laws to ensure the success of their visa application.
As more and more families choose to accompany their children to Canada, understanding and following the correct visa application procedures will help ensure a smooth and stable life for both the children and the parents in Canada. Ultimately, the accompanying visa not only secures the parent’s legal status in Canada but also provides crucial support for the child’s education and well-being.
