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children attending public school for free

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razamataz

Newbie
Mar 10, 2018
7
0
Dear friends!
I am an international student (UK citizen) planning to study in Canada commencing Septmeber 2018 on a Post graduate certificate programme for 2 years.
I was told by an immigration lawyer that my kids will NOT be able to study for free in Ontario public school if I study on a POST GRADUATE programme. But if I study on POST SECONDARY programme, then they can study for free in public school.

Please let me know if someone has come across this or knows if this is true? it doesnt make much sense to me, but anything could happen.
cheers.
 
P

PMM

VIP Member
Jun 30, 2005
25,494
1,950
Hi

razamataz said:
Dear friends!
I am an international student (UK citizen) planning to study in Canada commencing Septmeber 2018 on a Post graduate certificate programme for 2 years.
I was told by an immigration lawyer that my kids will NOT be able to study for free in Ontario public school if I study on a POST GRADUATE programme. But if I study on POST SECONDARY programme, then they can study for free in public school.

Please let me know if someone has come across this or knows if this is true? it doesnt make much sense to me, but anything could happen.
cheers.
Click to expand...

1. Your Immigration lawyer should do a little studying him/her self.
2. From the Ontario Immigration Web site:http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/study/OI_HOW_STUDY_INTL_GO.html

School-Age Children
International students studying full-time with a valid study permit at a publicly assisted Ontario university or college can send their school-age children to Ontario schools for free, according to the Ontario Education Act.

Please note that you will also have to submit a study permit application from your country of permanent residence for your children. Pre-school and kindergarten children do not need a study permit.

You can choose to send your children to private schools. There are also before and after school day cares available to you. The fees for these private institutions vary. Contact the schools directly.
 
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R

razamataz

Newbie
Mar 10, 2018
7
0
Hi there, thanks for your prompt reply.
That's what i think as well, but you know this is such a risky thing. The lawyer has sent me this extract and is relying her statement onto this one below:

under Section 49(7)(e)(iv) of the Education Act, tuition fees are not applicable to:

(e) A person if his or her parent or someone else with lawful custody of him or her is in Canada:
(iv) in accordance with authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to study in Canada and is a full-time student at a university, college or institution in Ontario, including an institution that is an affiliate or federated institution of a university or college, that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario.

(A full-time post-secondary student described in this provision is a person who is designated as a “full-time pupil” by the institution and is enrolled in a program that leads to graduation with a post-secondary degree or diploma. A student enrolled in an English as a second language program (ESL) that is required as a pre-requisite to a degree or diploma program will qualify for tuition exemption for their child(ren) if they have a conditional letter of acceptance from the post-secondary institution. ESL must be taken at a publicly funded institution that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario and not at a private institution.)
 
C

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,617
13,532
Are you studying at a private college? It is never a guarantee that spouses and children will be able to accompany an international student. You will have to apply for their visas.
 
R

razamataz

Newbie
Mar 10, 2018
7
0
the laywer says that in order to send my kids to school i need to be stuying for a POST SECONDRARY DIPLOMA and not for POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE as per the passage a full time studet is defined as a person studying toward post secondary diploma rather than post grad studies. i personally think that this is ridiculas.
 
C

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,617
13,532
razamataz said:
the laywer says that in order to send my kids to school i need to be stuying for a POST SECONDRARY DIPLOMA and not for POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE as per the passage a full time studet is defined as a person studying toward post secondary diploma rather than post grad studies. i personally think that this is ridiculas.
Click to expand...
I agree with you. It really should say any post secondary studies.
 
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