Toronto District School Board
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Admissions Letter

The International Students and Admissions Office follows the TDSB operating protocol (PR518) and the Ontario Ministry of Education guideline (2018: SB08) in handling admission requests for students that MAY qualify for fee-exempt status. Please note school placement for non-fee paying students is based on the residential address of the parent/legal guardian in Toronto.

For all admission letter requests, the student must be physically in Toronto.

If you have questions, please start your query HERE.

1. Students With Parent On Work Permit

A student under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee-exempt status if a parent has a valid work permit.

Required documents for parent with work permit:

  • Parent’s valid work permit and passport
  • Student’s passport and birth certificate with English translation
  • Proof of residence in the City of Toronto (a rental agreement plus a support document, e.g., utility bill) and
  • Parent with the work permit must be physically in Ontario.

The family should go to the school directly to register. School placement is based on the residential address of the family.

2. Students With Parent On Study Permit

A student under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee-exempt status if all of the following conditions are met by a parent with a study permit:

  • The parent must have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario
  • The parent must be accepted into a full-time program leading to a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate program. Certificate programs must be at least 2 semesters long and meet Ministry requirement for total instructional hours (minimum 600+ hours). If the fee exempt status applies, the student may begin school 1 week before the start date of the parent’s program fees will apply to students who wish to enroll prior to this date.
  • The parent must maintain status as a full-time student and
  • The student must live with the parent who is studying in Ontario.

Requirements for Parent attending English Classes

  • The parent’s official letter of acceptance must state that the English as a Second Language (“ESL”) or EPA program is a prerequisite for or part of a degree, diploma or certificate program.
  • The ESL program must be provided by a designated learning institution that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario.

Required documents for Parent with Study Permit:

  • Parent’s valid study permit and passport
  • Official letter of acceptance from the post-secondary institution that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario
  • Proof that tuition fees have been paid (recent tuition receipts)
  • Official enrollment confirmation letter of the parent
  • Student’s passport and birth certificate with English translation and
  • Proof of residence in the City of Toronto (a rental agreement or utility bill).

If one parent holds valid open work permit from IRCC and is physically living with the student in Toronto, the family can go to local school to register directly.

Please contact TDSB International Students and Admissions Office at Admissions@tdsb.on.ca for information.

3. Students With Refugee Claimant Document

Students under the age of 21 with a valid refugee claimant document from Refugee, Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may be eligible for fee-exempt status.

Required documents for Student with Refugee Claimant Document

  • Student’s refugee claimant document issued by the Canadian government;
  • If available, a student birth certificate with English translation and copy of student’s passport that has been stamped and signed by IRCC; and
  • Proof of residence in the City of Toronto (a rental agreement or utility bill).

Students should go to local school to register directly.

4. Students In Application For Citizenship Or Permanent Residence

  • Students under the age of 21 who are In-Application for Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status may be eligible for fee-exempt status.
  • Please contact TDSB International Students and Admissions Office at Admissions@tdsb.on.ca for information. 

5. Dependents Of A Religious Worker

Students under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee-exempt status if the parent is a religious worker authorized to work in Canada by the Canadian government.

Required documents for the Religious Worker:

  • A valid visitor record from IRCC and copy of passport of the parent who is a religious worker;
  • Student’s passport and birth certificate with English translation;
  • Letter from the religious organization indicating the duties fulfilled by the parent; and
  • Proof of residence in the City of Toronto (a rental agreement or utility bill). 

Please contact TDSB International Students and Admissions Office at Admissions@tdsb.on.ca for information.

6. Dependents Of Foreign Diplomats

Students under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee exempt status if the parent is a foreign diplomat with official visa from IRCC.

Documents Required:

  • Valid official Visa of parent issued by IRCC or diplomat card and passport;
  • Student’s passport and birth certificate with English translation;
  • Letter from the foreign consulate general indicating starting and ending date of assignment and duties; and
  • Proof of residence in the City of Toronto (a rental agreement or utility bill)

Please contact TDSB International Students and Admissions Office at Admissions@tdsb.on.ca for information.

7. Undocumented Students

Undocumented students under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee exempt if there is proof that their immigration status in Canada has expired. Please contact the Admissions Office by email or phone for assistance.

Please note the admission letters are only issued to eligible students who are physically in Ontario and cannot be used for visa/study permit extension purpose.

For inquiries, please call 416-395 8120 or email Admissions@tdsb.on.ca.