A custodian is a responsible adult in Canada, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, who takes care of and supports a minor student when no parent or legal guardian is present.
- Who must have one: IRCC requires minor children under 17 to either come with a parent or legal guardian or have a custodian in Canada.
- Ages 17 and over: A custodian is optional for minors aged 17 up to the provincial age of majority, but an officer can request one on a case-by-case basis.
- Age of majority: It is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.
- The declaration: The Custodianship Declaration form (IMM 5646) has two pages. The custodian signs and notarizes the first in Canada; the parents or legal guardians sign and notarize the second in their home country.
- Why it matters: Parents must prove the child will have the care and support they need in Canada. Many schools also require a custodian for all minors, whatever IRCC's minimum.
Please note: Rules change; confirm on the IRCC website before applying.
Official sources: IRCC: Studying in Canada as a minor · IRCC: Study permits, guidelines on minor children
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More questions on this topic
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