Custodianship for International High School Students in Canada: A Complete Guide

Are you getting ready to study abroad in Canada for high school? If you are under 18 (or 19, depending on where you study), one of the most important steps for your Canada study permit is arranging Custodianship in Canada. While you might be ready for independence, the Canadian government requires a trusted local adult to be your official emergency contact and support system. Whether you are a student researching your own journey, a parent looking for peace of mind, or a Recruitment Partner assisting a family, this guide covers everything you need to know about the IMM 5646 form and finding the right custodian.

What is Custodianship?

Custodianship is a legal requirement for international students under 18 (or 19, depending on the province) studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian. A custodian is a responsible Canadian adult—either a citizen or permanent resident—appointed to care for the student while in Canada. This ensures the student has local adult support for health, education, and legal matters during their studies. 

Why Custodianship is Important

Custodianship is a critical part of the international student journey because:

• It is mandatory for study permit approval for minor students coming to Canada alone.
• It provides students with local care and emergency support.
• It reassures parents that their child has a trusted adult nearby.
• Many Canadian high schools require valid custodianship documentation before admission.

Custodian Requirements

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be 19 years of age or older.
• Must live reasonably close to the student’s residence and school.
• Must provide a notarized Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646) signed by the parents and custodian.
• Responsible for acting in place of the parent in emergencies and school-related matters.

Custodian Responsibilities

• Assisting with the student’s arrival, including school registration and orientation. 
• Acting as the official contact for the school regarding academic or behavioral issues.
• Providing consent for school activities and healthcare decisions as needed.
• Attending parent-teacher meetings and communicating school progress to parents.
• Supporting the student’s well-being and helping with medical care or insurance.
• Staying in regular contact with both the student and the parents.

How to Arrange Custodianship

1. Confirm requirements: Check the specific custodianship rules of the destination school board and provincial age of majority.
2. Choose a custodian: Select either a trusted family member/friend living in Canada or a professional custodianship service.
3. Complete notarized forms: Both parents abroad and the custodian in Canada must sign and notarize the Custodianship Declaration Form.
4. Submit documents: Include custodianship paperwork with the study permit application and school registration to avoid delays.

Custodianship Options

• Family or Friends: Often more personal and cost-effective if they meet all legal criteria and live near the student.
• Professional Services: Many agencies specialize in custodianship, offering experienced support especially if no trusted contacts are available.
• School-supported Custodianship: Some schools provide or help arrange custodianship, particularly through homestay programs.

Custodianship is a vital step in ensuring a safe, stable, and supportive environment for international students studying in Canadian high schools. It creates a local support network that helps students thrive academically and personally while giving families peace of mind from afar.

Applying to High Schools in Canada with ApplyBoard

ApplyBoard is an online platform that simplifies the application process for international students looking to study in Canada. It connects students with partnered Canadian high schools and guides them through every step—from researching programs and understanding school requirements to submitting a complete application. ApplyBoard’s expert team helps ensure students meet all document and deadline requirements, increasing the chances of acceptance. Families can benefit from personalized support and a smooth application journey with ApplyBoard, making it easier to secure admission and custodianship arrangements necessary for studying in Canada.