Health Care
Age to make your own medical decisions
Any age
True or False:
If you think a suspension/expulsion is unfair, you can ask to appeal it.
TRUE
Age you can get a tattoo
Ontario does not have an official minimum age restriction. Majority of tattoo shops in Ontario will require you to be 18 or have the signature of a guardian’s consent.
Is it possible to lose immigration status?
Yes, unless you were born in Canada, it is possible to lose your status.
You could lose your status if you or your sponsor and/or family member lied about any fact on your immigration application (even if you have already received your Canadian Citizenship). You could also lose your status if you are a Permanent Resident or Foreign National and you have received a criminal conviction.
A lawyer may help you negotiate in court so that you are able to safely stay in Canada.
Age you can drink alcohol
19 and over, however...
At any age, you can drink alcohol at home or in another private place if it is supplied by your parent/caregiver(s) at that location, e.g. drinking wine or beer at home with your parent/caregiver(s)s with dinner.
Age when you can see a counselor or therapist on your own
12
You can see a counselor or therapist without your parent/caregiver(s) knowledge or consent.
Age you can quit school
You can quit school* in the year you turn 18, either:
* You can also leave school at any age if you have graduated already with a secondary school diploma.[Education Act]
Age you can change your legal name
16 with permission. 18 with no permission.
Age you can apply for immigration status in Canada
No age requirement
Age you can use cannabis
Must be 19 or older to possess cannabis
Age you can consent to sexual activity
If you are 12 – 13 years old, you can only consent to sexual activity with a person who is less than 2 years older than you.
If you are 14 – 15 years old, you can only consent to sexual activity with a person who is less than 5 years older than you.
If you are 16 – 17 years old, you can consent to sexual activity with a person who is older than you by any number of years.
Age you can be charged for skipping school
12-15 year olds who regularly skip or refuse to go to school can be charged with truancy. The maximum fine is $1000 and/or up to 1 year of probation time. While on probation, students are required to attend school; and if the student skips school again, they can be sent to jail for up to 30 days. Parents who neglect to send, or refuse to let, their children go to school can be charged for their child’s truancy.
Age you can get married
16 & over can get married with parents’ consent, court order or Minister’s approval
18 & over can get married WITHOUT parents’ consent
True or False:
Young people without immigration status are not allowed to attend high school in Canada.
FALSE.
Children under 18 are entitled to go to school in Ontario regardless of their status in Canada. This includes non-Canadians and non-Permanent Residents.
However, parents will have to pay a fee if the student is visiting or has a study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Age you can be charged with a criminal offence
12 & over
Age you can get birth control pills
Any age
Age you are required to attend school
6 years old
Age you can move out of your parent's/guardian's home
16 years old
What does H&C stand for in H&C applications?
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application:
This is when you can ask Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for Permanent Residence based on humanitarian and compassionate reasons. Such reasons may include: your establishment in Canada (i.e. you have been present in Canada for a long time, or you have family or many friends here), your activities in Canada, or your volunteer work. You may also include information about the hardship that you will face should you have to go back to your home country.
Age can you be given an adult sentence for a serious criminal offence
14 & over