Last verified: July 6, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca — Education in Canada: how to enrol
General information, not legal advice. School registration rules are set by each province and, often, by individual school boards — confirm specifics with your local board.
Education is provincial, not federal
Canada has no national school system — each province and territory runs its own, through local school boards that administer enrolment, curriculum details, and school assignment. This means the exact registration process, required documents, and support programs vary depending on where you settle — always check with your local school board, not a generic national process.
Every child has a right to attend, regardless of immigration status
Publicly funded (public) schools in Canada are free, and children generally have the right to attend school from about age 6 to 18 regardless of their (or their parents') immigration status — this is a well-established newcomer-support principle, though you should still confirm your specific province's exact age range and any documentation practices with your local board.
What school boards typically ask for at registration
- Proof of your child's identity/age — a birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of your Canadian address — a lease, utility bill, or similar.
- Immunization records — several provinces require these (or ask you to complete them soon after enrolment); check with your local public health unit if you don't have records that translate directly.
- Some information about your child's prior education (grade level, any school records you have) — this isn't always mandatory, but it helps the school place your child correctly.
You don't need to have everything perfectly translated or notarized before you start the conversation — contact the school board first; they can tell you exactly what they need and often have settlement staff who help with exactly this.
Language support and assessment
Many school boards run reception centres or intake assessments for newcomer students — evaluating English (or French, in Quebec/French-immersion contexts) and math skills to place your child appropriately and identify whether they'd benefit from English/French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) support. Ask your school board specifically what's available; larger boards in major cities typically have more developed newcomer-student programs than smaller ones.
Quebec is a distinct case
In Quebec, the language of public instruction is generally French — most children of newcomers are required to attend French-language public schools (with specific, narrower exceptions). If you're settling in Quebec, confirm the current eligibility rules for English-language schooling directly with your school service centre (centre de services scolaire) before assuming your child can attend an English-language public school.
Where this fits
This is a settlement basic worth handling in your first few weeks if you're arriving with school-age children — pair it with the general First 90 Days checklist and, if you're settling with a spouse and kids on a study or work permit, see Bringing Your Spouse & Children on a Study or Work Permit.