14 yo kid life at risk

[Aboumichael]

I'm trying to answer some questions for a Syrian family who have a 14 yo child who's life is at risk and they want him to continue his education in a safe country. The question is: if they managed to get him a student visa to Canada, can he after arriving apply for asylum (refugee). And after applying would he be able to continue his life a studies normally?
Thanks

 

[scylla]

Technically - yes.

Getting a study permit will be difficult. For starters, they'll need to demonstrate they have a bank balance of at least $25K to cover tuition and living expenses (attending a public high school as an international student will cost $15K per year). They'll need to also find a custodian in Canada who is willing to be a guardian for the child while he studies since he's a minor (the guardian must be a Canadian citizen or PR). Additionally, to be approved for the study permit, CIC will want to see that the child has strong ties to his home country and has no plans on remaining in Canada long term.

 

[Aboumichael]

Thanks for the quick reply, the family has some saving and I think they can support the child for a year or maybe 2, and they are willing to spend these savings in order to save their child.
I believe the main problem would be to show the strong ties to his home country as they live outside their destroyed country now.
One of the parent, most probably the father is going to go with him. Do you think that is possible?

 

[scylla]

One of the parent, most probably the father is going to go with him. Do you think that is possible?

No - not possible. There is no visa that allows a parent to accompany a child on a study permit. That's why a custodian in Canada is needed who is a PR or citizen. The child will have to come alone.

 

[canuck78]

Unfortunately since the family is not living in their home country it will be very hard to prove that he plans on returning. Honestly due to the situation in Syria most visas are unlikely to be approved because the assumption will be that everyone will claim asylum once in Canada.

 

[Buletruck]

The addition of a parent coming with the child will likely make it extremely difficult to obtain a visa. This reduces ties to the home country. Not living in Syria will also be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Where are they living now?