Coming to Canada as or with a minor

If you are under the age of majority or travelling with a minor to Canada, you must adhere to strict guidelines. The border officers are on the lookout for missing children, runaways and those being taken against their will. Minors travelling without proper documentation will be turned away at the border. Continue reading below to learn about the proper documents required.

What is a minor?

Each province/territory in Canada has its own age of majority. Anyone under that age is considered a minor.

The age of major is 18 in:

• Alberta
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan

The age of majority is 19 in:

• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Yukon

Required Documents:

The documents required to travel to Canada depends on who the child is traveling with or if they are traveling alone.

If the minor child is travelling alone, the child needs to show the following at the border:

• Own passport
• Copy of parent/legal guardians passport
• Copy of birth certificate
• Letter of authorization signed by both parents which includes address and phone numbers and contact information for the adult that the child will be in the cadre of while in Canada

If the minor child is traveling with only one parent:

• Child’s passport
• Copy of birth certificate
• Letter of authorization signed by non-travelling parent
• Copies of legal custody agreement if separated/divorced but share custody
• Copy of death certificate if one parent is deceased

If the minor child is traveling with a legal guardian or adoptive parent

• Provide a copy of the guardianship papers or adoption papers

If the child is travelling with someone other than their parent or legal guardian:

• Childs passport
• Written permission from the parents which includes contact information
• Copy of parent/s passport

Akrami and Associates

Immigration officers are vigilant when it comes to minors crossing the border. The process of preparing all the documentation that goes with a minor crossing borders can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming.  It is recommended to seek professional and experienced help to apply. Akrami and Associates have helped many clients wishing to travel with minors, or minors enter Canada.  Feel free to contact us today for more information. 416-477-2545. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With Akrami and Associates, there is always a way!