IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Custodianship Canada for Minors

If a minor is coming to Canada to study without a parent or legal guardian, custodianship may be required. We help families prepare custodianship documents correctly to support a smooth study permit application.

OVERVIEW

What Is Custodianship in Canada?

Custodianship is an arrangement where a responsible adult in Canada is appointed to care for a minor studying in the country. This is often required when international students under the age of majority travel to Canada without their parents.

The custodian provides support and ensures the child’s well-being during their stay.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Is Custodianship Support Right for You?

This service is for parents, guardians, and minor students who need help preparing custodianship documents for a child coming to Canada to study.

Parents Sending a Minor Child to Canada

You are outside Canada and your child will study in Canada without you or another legal guardian.

Minor Students Applying for a Study Permit

The student is under 18 or 19, depending on the province, and may need a custodian to support the study permit application.

Families Preparing School Admission Documents

You need to organize the custodianship declaration, consent letters, school documents, and study permit support documents.

Custodians in Canada

You live in Canada and have agreed to act as the responsible adult for a minor student while they study here.

Custodianship is not just a formality. IRCC uses it to confirm that a minor child studying in Canada will have proper care and support while away from their parent or legal guardian.

ELIGIBILITY

Custodianship Requirements

Custodianship arrangements must include

1

Eligible Status

A custodian who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

2

Custodianship Declaration

A signed custodianship declaration (notarized in Canada)

3

Parental Declaration

A declaration signed by the parents or legal guardians in the home country

4

Care Arrangements

Contact and care arrangements for the minor

COMMON PROBLEMS

Mistakes That Can Delay a Minor Student’s Application

Custodianship issues can delay a study permit application when the forms, signatures, notarization, or supporting documents are incomplete.

Missing Custodianship Declaration

Some applications are submitted without the required IMM 5646 form, even when the child is travelling without a parent or legal guardian.

Incorrect Notarization

The custodian’s page must be signed and notarized in Canada, while the parent or guardian’s page must be signed and notarized in the home country.

Incomplete Parent Consent

When only one parent is involved, IRCC may require clear consent from the non-accompanying parent or proof of sole custody.

Weak Proof of Care

The application may not clearly show where the child will live, who will support them, and how the custodian will be involved.

Confusion About Age Requirements

Children under 17 generally need a custodian if studying in Canada without a parent or guardian. Older minors may still need one depending on the province and officer discretion.

Missing School or Financial Documents

A custodianship form alone is not enough. The study permit application must also support the child’s admission, living arrangements, and available funds.

OUR PROCESS

How We Help

We assist families with custodianship arrangements

1

Assess Requirement

Assess whether custodianship is required

2

Custodian Selection Guidance

Guide you in selecting a suitable custodian

3

Prepare Documentation

Prepare and review custodianship documents

4

Ensure Compliance

Ensure proper notarization and compliance

5

Support You

Support your study permit application with complete documentation

WHAT WOY REVIEWS

What We Check Before Advising You

Before preparing the custodianship documents, we review the student’s age, study plans, family situation, and whether the documents support the study permit application.

  • The student’s age and province of study
  • Whether the student is travelling alone or with a parent
  • The school admission or letter of acceptance
  • The proposed custodian’s status in Canada
  • The custodian’s age, address, and availability
  • Parent or guardian consent documents
  • Birth certificate or proof of relationship
  • Custody documents, if one parent has sole custody
  • Living arrangements for the child in Canada
  • Financial support documents for tuition and living expenses
  • Whether IMM 5646 is required and properly completed
  • Any previous study permit refusal or IRCC concern


Our goal is to make sure the custodianship documents support the study permit application clearly, instead of creating avoidable questions for IRCC.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

Your Pre-Consultation Checklist

You do not need to have everything perfect before speaking with us. Bring what you already have, and we will explain what is missing.

1

Prepare the Student’s Documents

Bring the child’s passport, birth certificate, school admission letter, and any previous Canadian visa or study permit documents.

2

Prepare Parent or Guardian Documents

Bring parent passports, proof of relationship to the child, custody documents if applicable, and consent from the non-accompanying parent where needed.

3

Prepare Custodian Information

Bring the custodian’s full name, Canadian address, phone number, proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, and government-issued ID.

4

Prepare Living and Care Details

Bring information about where the child will live, who will supervise them, and how the custodian will support the child while in Canada.

5

Prepare Financial and School Records

Bring tuition payment records, financial support documents, school correspondence, and any homestay or accommodation details.

If you are not sure whether a document is needed, bring it. We will help you decide what should be included.

FEES & COSTS

Custodianship

Custodianship services involve professional fees and may include notarization costs. Pricing depends on the specific requirements of your case.

Visit our Pricing page or book a consultation for more details.

View Full Pricing

AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION

What Happens Next?

After your consultation, you will understand what custodianship documents are required and how they fit into the child’s study permit application.

We Confirm Whether Custodianship Is Required

We review the child’s age, travel plans, school location, and whether a custodian is required or strongly recommended.

We Review the Custodian’s Eligibility

We check whether the proposed custodian meets the basic requirements and whether their documents are complete.

We Prepare the Document Checklist

We provide a clear list of documents needed from the student, parents, guardian, custodian, and school.

We Help Complete the Custodianship Package

If WOY is retained, we help prepare the forms, review signatures, explain notarization requirements, and organize supporting documents.

We Support the Study Permit Application

Where representation includes the full study permit application, we prepare and submit the package and help respond to any IRCC requests.

FAQ

Custodianship FAQs

What is custodianship Canada?

Custodianship Canada is a legal arrangement where an adult in Canada takes responsibility for a minor studying without their parents.

Who can act as a custodian?

A custodian must be a responsible adult who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and lives in Canada.

What documents are required?

Custodianship declarations signed by both the custodian and the parents, along with notarization, are typically required.

Is custodianship mandatory for study permits?

It is required for study permits in many cases for minors, especially those under the age of 18 or 19 depending on the province.

Does custodianship give legal guardianship?

No. Custodianship does not replace legal guardianship but ensures the minor has appropriate care in Canada.

Need help arranging custodianship for a minor?

Book a consultation to ensure your documents are complete and properly prepared.

Book A Consultation