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Documentation / Eligibility Questions

Frequently asked questions about the documentation required and eligibility for a publicly funded education:

If I work in Vancouver but live outside the city, can my child go to school in Vancouver?

  • You can apply to a Vancouver school to have your child accepted on an out-of-district cross-boundary application form available at all schools. The school principal will determine if there is space and a program for your child. The deadline for applications is the last school day of February. Click here for more information.

Why do students have to provide school report cards or transcripts?

  • School report cards or transcripts are very important documents used by school administrators to better understand the student's educational background and to help them make appropriate decisions regarding programs, courses, and activities.

Can I register my child if I don't have all the documents?

  • Please try to submit your registration once you have all of your required documents. 
  • Your child cannot be placed at a school until your registration is complete. 

What does "proof of address" mean?

  • If you are renting an apartment, you can bring your Residential Tenancy Agreement and a recent bill. If you own your house or apartment, recent ownership documents and a recent bill will be sufficient.  Schools experiencing enrollment pressure will request additional identification as proof of residency.

I don't have a permanent address yet. Can my child go to school?

  •  If you are currently looking for a place to live, your child can register for a Vancouver school if you bring a "proof of address" document. See previous question for more details.

Do I need to translate all the documents into English?

  • All documents must be translated into English before registering. Translations must be certified by a professional translator.

My parents do not live in B.C. Do I have to pay tuition fees if I want to attend school in Vancouver?

  • According to the Education Act and Ministry's guidelines regarding eligibility for students to receive a publicly funded education, only children living with a parent/legal guardian in B.C. can attend school without paying fees. If you do not have one parent living with you full-time, even if you are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, please register at the International Education office at the Vancouver School Board. You will be required to pay tuition fees.

I have a Study Permit to study in Canada. Can my child study in Vancouver without paying tuition fees?

For your child to go to school without paying tuition:

  • the child's parent/guardian's study permit must be for at least 1 year, AND
  • the child's parent/guardian must be enrolled in a degree or diploma program at a publicly funded institution or in a degree program at a private post-secondary institution in B.C.
  • Your child does not need his or her own Study Permit.

I have a Study Permit for at least one year and I am enrolled in an English Language Learning (ELL) program in B.C. Can my child study in Vancouver without paying tuition fees?

For your child to go to school without paying tuition, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • the parent/guardian is enrolled in an ELL program of up to a year in duration at an institution that has an Education Quality Assurance Designation (EQA). The ELL adult student will be deemed a resident for up to one year only; beyond one year, children of an ELL student will be considered international students and school districts may charge international student fees
  • the parent/guardian has been accepted to a degree or diploma program at a public post secondary institution, or a degree program at a private post-secondary institution in B.C.; and
  • the acceptance to the degree or diploma program is contingent upon the completion of an ELL program.
  • Your child does not need his or her own Study Permit.

If I have a Work Permit to work in Canada, can my child go to school without paying tuition fees?  Do I need to apply for a Study Permit for my child?

For your child to go to school without paying tuition:

  • the child's parent/legal guardian must have a valid work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that is valid for a term of one year or more, AND
  • is or will be employed for at least 20 hours per week, AND
  • the child's parent/legal guardian must be residing in British Columbia
  • Your child does not need his or her own Study Permit.

If I have adopted a child, have no birth certificate and the adoption papers contain sensitive information, what document(s) can I provide?

  • There are several ways to address this concern.  We can copy only the portion of the adoption paper identifying the child's name and the legal guardian's name.  We can also copy other relevant documents  that show the relationship of the child and his/her legal guardian.

Where can I find more specific information about eligibility for a publicly funded education?

  • The Ministry's guideline regarding eligibility for students to receive a free publicly funded education may be found here.

Are school-age students who have refugee status eligible for a publicly funded education?

  • Yes. A student who resides in BC and who has made a claim for refugee status is eligible for a publicly funded education. For more information, please visit this site.

How can residents with uncertain or no immigration status access schooling for their children without fear that their immigrant status may be referred to federal immigration authorities?

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