Education Access for Refugee Children

Overview

Education in Canada is a provincial and territorial responsibility, but federal law authorizes most minor children in Canada to study. Under IRPA s.30(2), every minor child in Canada, other than a child of a temporary resident who is not authorized to work or study, is authorized to study at the pre-school, primary or secondary level. Children of refugee claimants and protected persons fall within this authorization. Access to schooling matters for children's integration, development, and future opportunities in Canada.

Understanding how to enroll children in school, what support services are available, and how to navigate language barriers and other challenges is important for refugee families building their life in Canada.

The Right to Public Schooling

Federal law (IRPA s.30(2)) authorizes minor children in Canada, including children of refugee claimants, to attend pre-school, primary and secondary school without a study permit. IRCC's page for claimants states that minor children do not need a study permit and that the Refugee Protection Claimant Document can be used for school registration. Provincial law governs admission and fees. In Ontario, for example, s.49.1 of the Education Act provides that a person under 18 who is otherwise entitled to be admitted to a school shall not be refused admission because the person or their parent or guardian is unlawfully in Canada. Other provinces have their own rules, set out in their education legislation.

School attendance is compulsory under provincial law up to an age set by each province or territory. In Ontario, s.21 of the Education Act requires attendance from age six until age 18; the compulsory age range in other provinces is set by their own legislation. These requirements apply to resident children regardless of immigration status.

Public schools are funded by provincial and territorial governments. Fee rules for children who are not citizens or permanent residents are set by each province; in Ontario, s.49.1 of the Education Act is the provision that protects admission for children under 18 who are in Canada without status.

Enrolling in School

To enroll your child in school, you will need to:

Identify Your School District: Locate the public school board or district that covers your residence. Public school boards can determine which school is designated for your child's age and grade level.
Gather Documents: School boards set their own registration requirements, which commonly include proof of address, the child's identity and age, and immunization records. For a refugee claimant's child, IRCC states that the Refugee Protection Claimant Document can be used for school registration.
Complete Enrollment Forms: Fill out enrollment forms providing basic information about your child, medical history, and emergency contacts.
Immunization: Some provinces have immunization-record laws for school pupils. In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupils Act requires parents to have pupils complete the prescribed immunization program for designated diseases, subject to medical exemptions and statements of conscience or religious belief. Provinces without such a statute may still ask for records at registration. Publicly funded vaccines are provided through provincial or territorial public health programs.
Begin School: Once enrolled, the child can begin attending class. School boards commonly assess a newly arrived student's academic level and language proficiency to decide on placement and support.

Missing documents are a common situation for newly arrived families, and school boards have processes for registering students whose records are incomplete. Where a province protects admission by statute, as Ontario does in s.49.1 of the Education Act, a lack of immigration status is not a ground for refusing a child under 18.

Language Support and ESL Programs

Language support for students who are still learning English (or French, in French-language and Quebec schools) is organized by each province and school board. Programs are commonly called English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learner (ELL) programs, and are designed to help students build language skills while taking part in regular classes. The form and amount of support varies by board.

Language support may include:

ESL Classes: Dedicated classes focusing on English language development, often provided at the student's school.
In-Class Support: ESL teachers or assistants support students in regular classes, helping them understand instruction and participate more fully.
Specialized Programs: Some schools offer intensive ESL programs for newly arrived students who need significant language support.
Interpretation: Many school boards arrange interpretation for parent-teacher meetings and school communication; availability depends on the board and the language.

Language development takes time, and academic language skills generally develop more slowly than conversational skills. School boards can explain how they assess progress and when a student moves out of language support.

Challenges Refugee Children Face

Refugee children may face specific challenges as they adjust to the Canadian school system and society:

Language Barriers: Children who do not speak English may struggle to keep up with instruction and make friends until they develop English proficiency.
Trauma and Mental Health: Children who have experienced war, persecution, or difficult travel may have trauma-related difficulties affecting learning and behaviour. Many school boards have counsellors or referral arrangements with community mental health services; what is available depends on the board.
Gaps in Education: If your child was unable to attend school in their country of origin, there may be significant gaps in their learning. Schools can provide remedial support to help catch up.
Cultural Adjustment: The Canadian school system, social environment, and peer culture may be very different from what your child experienced. Adjustment takes time.
Discrimination or Bullying: Unfortunately, some students may experience bullying or discrimination based on their background or refugee status. Any bullying should be reported to school administration.

School boards' obligations to provide supports are set by provincial education law and board policy. Communication with teachers and school counsellors about a child's needs helps the school identify what support it can offer.

Post-Secondary Education Access

Refugee claimants and protected persons may apply to post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities) in Canada. Admission depends on each institution's requirements. An adult refugee claimant needs a study permit for post-secondary study; IRCC's page for claimants states that a claimant applies for a study permit separately, with a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.

Tuition rules vary by province and institution. Whether a refugee claimant or protected person pays domestic or international fees is determined by provincial tuition policy and the institution's own rules, so the institution's registrar is the authority on which rate applies. Some institutions and provinces have bursaries or programs for refugee students.

For post-secondary applications, your child will need:

High school transcript and diploma
English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
Personal statement and references
Proof of immigration status in Canada, which the institution uses to determine the applicable fee category

Post-secondary institutions can provide information about admission requirements and financial support available for refugee students.

Credential Recognition

If your child completed education in another country and now wants to pursue education in Canada, foreign credentials and transcripts must be evaluated. This process is called credential recognition or assessment.

For high school students, the process is relatively straightforward:

Transcript Evaluation: School boards will evaluate your child's previous education and place them at an appropriate grade level in the Canadian system.
Language Proficiency Assessment: Your child's English proficiency will be assessed to determine appropriate language support and class placement.
Remedial Support: If there are significant gaps or your child is behind, schools provide tutoring and remedial courses to help catch up.

For post-secondary credentials (degrees, diplomas), assessment is done by credential assessment services and, for regulated professions, by the provincial regulatory body for that profession. Fees are set by the assessing body.

Support Services and Resources

Multiple resources are available to support refugee students and families navigating the Canadian education system:

School Settlement Programs: Many school boards employ settlement coordinators or have partnerships with settlement organizations to support refugee students and families.
Settlement Agencies: Community organizations specializing in refugee settlement often provide educational support, advocacy, and resources.
Tutoring and Mentorship: Community organizations often offer tutoring, mentorship, and academic support programs specifically for refugee and immigrant students.
Mental Health Services: School counselors and community mental health organizations provide support for students experiencing trauma or adjustment difficulties.
Financial Assistance: Eligibility for provincial and federal student financial assistance depends on immigration status and is set by each program; some institutions and organizations offer bursaries and scholarships for refugee students.
Parent Engagement Programs: Schools often have programs helping parents engage with their child's education and understand the Canadian school system.

Local settlement agencies and school boards can provide information about specific resources available in your community.