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OSAP Parent Information Not Available Review

OSAP expects dependent students to provide parental information on their application. If parental information for one or both parents is unavailable because of a break in contact or estrangement, a Parent Information Not Available Review can be considered.

You must demonstrate that a serious circumstance impacting the family relationship has occurred. There are two types of circumstances:

Extenuating Circumstances:

  • Documented mental, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse
  • Drug or alcohol addiction in the student’s family
  • Family breakdown related to the student’s creed/religion, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation

Extreme Circumstances:

  •  Limited mail or technological access due to political circumstances, political unrest, civil war, or refugee camp conditions that make it difficult to obtain spouse or parent signature
  • The student is unaware of the whereabouts of their parent(s) or spouse due to the political climate in their home country

If a parent arbitrarily refuses to support the student or does not agree with the student’s choice of program, or living arrangements, a Parent Information Not Available Review cannot be considered.

Mandatory Documentation

To request this review, specific documentation is mandatory, depending on the circumstances. Review the information below for extenuating or extreme circumstances.

Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to submit all documentation by the appropriate OSAP document deadline. Be sure to also complete the  (PDF file) Parent Information Not Available Form (external link, opens in new window) . Deadlines are strictly enforced and cannot be appealed.

A family breakdown goes beyond disagreements between parents and children. It would involve a serious rift in the family that results in a severe and/or permanent breakdown in the student’s relationship with one or both parents. It involves very limited to no communication between the student and one or both parents.

1. Documentation from one or more third parties who were directly involved with the situation

  • Include a detailed letter from at least one professional third party who was directly involved with the situation (e.g. social worker, physician, psychologist, doctor, psychiatrist, counsellor, children’s shelter staff, etc.)
  • If a professional third party was not involved, documentation from at least two other reliable third parties who were familiar with the situation can be submitted for consideration (e.g. siblings aged sixteen or older, grandparents, other relatives)
  • The third party letter(s) should:
    • Outline the reason(s) why you are estranged from or have been disowned by one or both parent(s)
    • Provide relevant date(s)/timeline(s) pertaining to this situation and additional supporting documentation, if appropriate (e.g. court reports, police reports, medical documentation)
    • Contain the signature and contact information for the third party, including telephone number, address, and email address

Note: A letter from your parent(s) is not required. However, in circumstances where only one parent was involved in the situation, you may provide a letter from the parent who was not directly involved.

2. A signed and dated letter from you, detailing your family situation

  • Include details and background, including dates, and why the family breakdown occurred
  • Outline the date of the final rift with your parent(s) and the date you left home
  • Indication the rift is severe and/or permanent
  • Describe any attempts made by you and your parent(s) to reconcile or correct the situation
  • Explain how you supported yourself while not living with your parent(s)
  • Possibility of reconciliation with parent(s)

3. Proof of your separate residence

  • Documentation that confirms you are not living with your parent(s). For example:
    • A copy of your lease or rental agreement
    • A letter confirming your residence from the individual who owns or rents the home you are living in

4. Proof of no financial support from parent(s)

  • Proof that you are not receiving financial support from your parent(s). For example:
    •  A receipt of alternative financial support you may be receiving (such as Ontario Works)
    • A pay stub to indicate that you have been working to support your own living costs

Note: OSAP requires your parents to complete the OSAP application, even if they reside in another country. The extreme circumstances appeal cannot be used if your parent simply lives in a different geographical location than you.

1. Letter of explanation

  • Provide a detailed letter on why parental signatures cannot reasonably be provided. Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
    • Limited mail or technological access due to political climate
    • Political unrest, civil unrest, or refugee camp conditions make it difficult for parent(s) to provide your signature
    • You are unaware of the whereabouts of your parent(s) due to the political climate in your home country
  • If you have made attempts to obtain parental signatures, the letter must also include information regarding the communication attempts made to obtain them
  • Include your full name, date and signature

2. At least one of the following supporting documents

  • A letter supporting your claim from a third-party settlement or immigration organization that works with your or your family. For example, World University Service of Canada (WUSC) on the organization’s letterhead
    • The letter should be signed and dated by a senior representative of the organization and include their name, contact information, and position within the organization
  • A Reason for the Decision in a Hearing document from the Immigration and Refugee Board that confirms you arrived in Canada without your parent(s) due to extreme circumstances in your home country
  • Any other relevant refugee/immigration documentation that supports your independent status and extreme circumstances occurring where your parent(s) reside

3. Proof of your separate residence

  • Documentation that confirms you are not living with your parent(s). For example:
    • A copy of your lease or rental agreement
    • A letter confirming your residence from the individual who owns or rents the home you are living in

4. Proof of no financial support from parent(s)

  • Proof that you are not receiving financial support from your parent(s). For example:
    • A receipt of alternative financial support you may be receiving (such as Ontario Works)
    • A pay stub to indicate that you have been working to support your own living costs