I hope you don't mind but I generally prefer to post rather than PM, so that others might possibly benefit as well.
Throughout my process I enjoyed a number of advantages that you probably won't have. I am from the U.S. and in preparation for our application my wife and I moved to Lynden, Washington (just 5 km south of the border and only 30 km from Vancouver) about one year before we began the Study Permit application process. We also applied for and received Nexus cards (available only to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada) to facilitate fast frequent trips over the border. I am retired (after 27+ years of military service) and therefore we were able to move close to our ultimate destination without worrying about jobs. Using Lynden, WA as a "home base", I spent several months researching and visiting every school in the Vancouver area. We also were able to make more than 40 cross-border trips in total exploring possible locations to live and simply becoming as acquainted and comfortable as possible with the area. We also subscribed to the Vancouver Sun newspaper and were able to receive all major Vancouver TV stations. As a result of these efforts, were were able to become quite knowledgeable and prevent any potentially poor decisions.
After multiple visits to the campus, speaking with staff, students and faculty, and assessing public transit options, I decided on Langara College as my school of choice. I submitted the application in person. As a prerequisite for beginning classes I was required to sit for the Langara English Assessment Exam. Due to my proximity I was able to write the exam before actually beginning school rather than in my first term, which allowed me to enroll in required courses I would have otherwise been forced to wait for. Approval of the application took about one week.
With the acceptance letter in hand, my wife and I simply drove to the border, paid the fees and left 20 minutes later with my Study Permit and with a Spousal Open Work Permit for her. As U.S. citizens, no medicals were required. I receive a generous pension from my military service and simply showed a current bank statement as proof of funds. At tbe same time we were able to find suitable housing, a family doctor and dentist, exchange our Washington state driving licences for B.C. driving licenses, obtain rental and auto insurance, and apply for B.C. medical plan. As a student you are required to have medical coverage during the three-month waiting period till medical plan coverage takes effect. It can be purchased privately upon your arrival from various companies.
About one month before the beginning of classes, we completed the actual move from Lynden to Vancouver using a local moving company. If you apply early enough, permits are issued to allow arrival several weeks before the beginning of classes. Throughout the entire process the issue of age never came up. As a matter of fact, it actually opened up options not available to younger students. Langara College offers more flexible enrolment options and documentation requirements for "mature students", as do most other schools.
I realise that many /most of the procedures we followed will be impossible for you, but I will attempt to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have to the best of my ability.
Best of luck to you and your family in your endeavour.
