Hundreds of students across Alberta could lose access to publicly funded education when the new school year begins as their families remain caught in Canada’s immigration processing backlog.
Data released by several Alberta school boards indicates that many children of temporary residents are at risk of becoming ineligible for free schooling if their immigration documents are not renewed before provincial funding deadlines in late September.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) said 680 current students have yet to provide updated immigration documentation needed to confirm their enrolment for the upcoming academic year. In addition, 1,681 students have permits set to expire before the province’s student count date, placing their continued access to publicly funded education in doubt.
Other school divisions are facing similar challenges. Edmonton Public Schools reported around 500 students with expired or soon-to-expire permits, while the Edmonton Catholic School Division identified 1,493 students with expired documents and another 169 whose permits will expire before funding is finalized.
School authorities say they are working closely with affected families to obtain updated immigration records, but education advocates warn that many children may still be left without classroom access due to delays beyond their control.
Lorraine Kinsman, director of programs at the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, described the situation as deeply concerning, arguing that children should not bear the consequences of immigration policies or administrative delays. She said access to education is essential for helping newcomer families integrate into Canadian society and build stable futures.
The issue has gained additional attention as Albertans prepare to vote on referendum questions regarding whether public funds should continue supporting services for temporary residents, including kindergarten through Grade 12 education.
Provincial and federal officials have pointed to each other’s responsibilities. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said education funding falls under provincial jurisdiction, while Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides urged the federal government to process permit renewals more quickly, emphasizing that families are responsible for maintaining valid immigration documents.
Among those affected is seven-year-old Silvestre Bórquez, who completed Grade 1 in Calgary after moving from Chile with his parents four years ago. His family remains in Canada while applications for humanitarian status and temporary residency are under review.
Silvestre’s father, Fernando Bórquez, said his son considers Canada home and has spent most of his childhood there. Despite submitting proof that their immigration applications are being processed, the family has received no guarantee that Silvestre will be allowed to start Grade 2 this fall.
Unable to work while awaiting immigration decisions, the family says it cannot afford international student tuition, which can exceed C$13,000 annually in some school divisions. If no solution is found, Fernando plans to homeschool his son while continuing to seek legal status in Canada.
Settlement organizations believe the growing number of affected students reflects recent federal immigration policy changes, including tighter rules on temporary foreign workers and international students, which have contributed to longer processing times and greater uncertainty for many families.
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