Canada has a lot to offer when it comes to educational institutions for youth. We have a wide array of quality boarding and private schools, language education centers, and specialty schools – most of which welcome international students with open arms. Having your immigration paperwork in order can go a long way toward making your child’s dream a reality, and Red Seal Notary can help.
Planning to send your child to a boarding school abroad, or even to stay with relatives or friends while attending a reputable private school is a big decision that involves many steps. In Canada, we have a wealth of educational opportunities to offer which can open many doors for students in the future. Specialized dance schools, art programs, and technical schools offer unique opportunities to talented students from around the world. In addition, English and French language institutions give your child the chance to be immersed in a new language and culture and to become multilingual. The possibilities are endless.
Once accepted to your institution of choice, you will need to apply to the government of Canada in order for your child to be granted entrance into Canada and to receive a permit for your child to study here. As a part of this application, you need to satisfy Citizenship and Immigration Canada that your child is being cared for here in Canada and has a responsible adult to depend on. Custodianship is a legal obligation. It means that in Canada, the Custodian has the authority to make decisions for the child in the same way that a parent would in their home Country.
In order to complete this process, two documents must be completed and submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Firstly, a Custodian Declaration – Custodian for Minors Studying in Canada must be completed by the Custodian who will be caring for the child in Canada. Secondly, a Custodian Declaration – Parents/Guardians for Minors Studying in Canada must be completed by the parents of the student. Once completed, these documents must be signed and notarized by a Notary Public in order to be accepted.
Red Seal Notary has many years of experience with Custodianship Declarations and can get your form notarized so you can send your child’s application. Use our online appointment request form or call us at 1-888-922-7325 to find out how Red Seal Notary can help you get your Declaration completed.
In a hurry? Take advantage of our walk-in locations and flexible evening and weekend appointments. We have offices across Canada to serve you. Click here to find a location that is convenient for you.
I want to send my child who is a minor to study in Canada. I’m currently filling the custodian declaration form
but it said I need a notary public to sign and seal. I am currently not in Canada to do so but can I get a
custodian to bring the filled form for a notary public to approve even though I am not present?
Dear David,
There are two forms. The Custodian form must be declared by the Custodian in Canada before a Notary Public. The Custodian should bring photo ID, and proof of their residence and status in Canada.
The form for the Parents must be declared by the Parents before a Notary in whatever jurisdiction they happen to be – i.e. the parent’s form is usually not Notarized by a Canadian Notary.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Hi, Notary in Russia will only authenticate in Russian language , so this means that English version will not
have Notary seal. How to go about that? Thank you
Dear Slava,
As the Custodian must reside in Canada I will assume you are referring to the form for the parents to sign. These forms are used to apply for Visas from Immigration Canada, so you may wish to contact the nearest Canadian Visa Post for assistance. They may have a local solution. Most Canadian Consulates and Embassies have Notaries that could notarize the form if the parents attend to sign in front of them. Likely they would have to arrange an appointment to do so. The local Consulate may also be able to refer to local Russian notaries that can provide services in English and are willing to notarize the form.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Thank you
I want to send my child who is a minor to study in Canada. I’m currently filling the custodian declaration form
but it said I need a notary public to sign and seal. I am currently not in Canada to do so but can I get a
custodian to bring the filled form for a notary public to approve even though I am not present??
I don’t have anyone in
Canada, and I’ve been
accepted to study in a
college is it for the
school to provide me a
custodian?
Dear Ayodeji Ojo,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
Please note that a Custodian is only required for a minor (someone under 18 years of age in Ontario, for example). If you have been accepted to a post secondary institution, chances are you are old enough not to require a custodian. If you are a minor, contact the school for information on whether one of their staff act as a custodian for students, or what arrangements other students usually make. Many English language schools, for example, do offer custodians for their students, as do some student housing programs.
I hope this information is of some assistance.
Hi Sir/Madame,
I would like to know the price for custodianship declaration
notary for international student. And how long does it take?
Thanks,
Jing Chen
Dear Jing Chen,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our services.
At most of our locations, the fee for one Notarization is $59 plus applicable taxes. You can check our fees for almost any service on our fees page.
As long as you have the form completed in advance (but don’t sign it), you can make the declaration before the Notary and have the form Notarized in about 5 minutes. Remember to bring proper photo id, proof of your status in Canada, and proof of address, so the Notary can see them.
I hope this is of assistance.
Hi,
My niece is coming to
study in Canada for 6
months. I have a 2
years work permit, can I
be the custodian?
Best,
Clair
Dear Clair,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
Although you may want to clarify with your Immigration lawyer, or the Immigration department, the Custodianship form itself seems to indicate that the Custodian must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.
Some schools provide Custodians from their staff for international students, language schools in particular. You may wish to contact the school to see if this is available, especially if you do not know someone else that would be willing to act as Custodian.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hello sir, i have applied for a
student visa at the canadian embassy
in nigeria following the offer of
studentship i got from carleton
unviversity in ottawa canada.However
the embassy told me to look for a
custodian at a reasonable distance
from the school. I have gotten a
cousin to complete the custodian form
for me, she stays in milton in
ontario province. I only want to know
if this will be acceptable to the
embassy.
I am only 16+ and that explains the
necessity for the custodian form.Thanks
Dear Olusegun Lawal,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
The custodian form itself indicates that the custodian must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, be over 19 years of age, and reside near the school (presumably near enough to help the student if necessary). The form also must be signed by the custodian before a Commissioner of Oaths.
Milton is roughly five hundred kilometers from Ottawa. You will have to ask the Embassy if they consider that to be a reasonable distance for your custodian. If not, you will have to find someone closer to Ottawa.
I hope this is of some assistance.
How do i cancel a custodianship document? I am custodian for several
international students at the school i work at. I need to cancel a few
since the students have moved on to other schools. Please advise.
Kerry.
Dear Kerry,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
Unfortunately we cannot advise you about your situation. We would advise you to contact an Immigration lawyer or the Immigration Department to determine your options so you can choose what, if anything, you should do. For example, if the Students had to file papers for a new Custodian at the new School, perhaps your obligations have already ceased.
We hope this information is of some assistance.
Hi , I am in Canada now with my daughter as a visitor. Now it’s time for my
daughter to extend her study permit. Is it necessary for me to submit a new
notarized custodianship declaration or we can use the original one? If we are
going to submit a new form，is it acceptable to use the same notary with the
custodian since I noticed CIRCC website indicates that the form for parents
should be signed in front of a notary in their home country which is not
Canada.
Dear Amy,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
You should contact your Immigration counsel or the Immigration department for clarification of the requirements for her study permit extension. They should be able to tell you if the original declaration can still be used. If this confirmation cannot be obtained, then presumably the safest option would be to submit a new one.
As far as the Parents’ form is concerned, the Parents should sign in front of a Notary wherever they happen to be. Normally this would be in the ‘home’ country, but not necessarily. If the parents are in different countries, for example, each would have to sign in front of a notary in their country.
Also keep in mind that a custodian is only required if your daughter is still a minor. Once she reaches the age of majority in the Province, this will no longer be necessary.
I hope this information is of some assistance.
Hi, I’m currently filling out a custodian form for my continued study in
university of Ottawa. I’m currently 16 years old which is the reason
why I am currently filling out said form. If I am going to be staying on
the residence for the university of Ottawa (Friel Residence) how
would I get the form notarised? Who’s the custodian who would
notarize my form?
Dear Jeremy,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
If you cannot use the same custodian that did the form for your initial visa application, you will have to find a new custodian. If you do not have a friend or relative nearby that qualifies, you might want to ask the school or residence facilities if they have anyone that can act in this capacity for you. Once you have someone, they will have to attend a Notary office with their ID and the form so they can swear the oath and then sign before the Notary. Our downtown Ottawa walk in location may be of use in this regard.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi,
I have notarized the custodianship declaration in my country of
residence. However, as the forms are in English, the notary
used a stamp, which in our language translates to “content of
the text notwithstanding”. My question is, is it enough that the
notary recognizes the parents’ signatures on the forms, or do
they need to also confirm the content of the form as well?
I appreciate any assistance with this matter.
Hello Raha,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
In answer to your question, the Notary need only verify the parents’ identities and that they signed the form after swearing to the veracity of the contents. In other words, the Notary need not confirm the contents, only that the parents swore that the contents are true.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Thank you so much for your reply! I even contacted CIC
regarding this issue and was unable to get a definitive
answer. Your assistance is very much appreciated!
Dear Raha,
You are very welcome. I am glad we could be of assistance.
Hai. My daughter 17
years old this
September she will
turn 18 years old is
she need? custodian
ship She is going to
Study Memorial
university Canada
Custodian must be
need same province
Dear Tejimol Joseph,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
If your daughter will be studying in Newfoundland, the age of majority there is 19, so she will require a custodian until she reaches that age. The Custodian must reside within a reasonable distance of the University so she or he can assist your daughter if necessary. If you do not have a friend or family member nearby, try contacting the University or related organizations to see if they can be of assistance in this regard.
I hope this information helps.
Hi,
My son (was born in Jul 2001) will be attending University of
New Brunswick (& staying in Fredericton campus) next Sep.
My questions are as follows
1.Does he really need custodian in Canada?
2.In case he has Study permit w/o asking for custodian from
visa officer, should I prepare for a custodian form or not? I
read somewhere that Border Custom Officer may ask for that
question case-by-case?
3.If I ask for someone from Saint John, Moncton or even PEI
to act as custodian, is it reasonable or not? Or I must get
someone from Fredericton city?
4.What is the cost for custodian in Fredericton?
Thanks & best regards
Trieu
Dear Trieu,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
The age of majority in New Brunswick is 19. If your son already has his Study Permit, it is possible the visa officer used his/her discretion to waive the requirement of a custodian. Whether this discretion is binding on border officials, or even other Immigration officers, is something to ask your Immigration lawyer, or Canadian border officials directly.
The Custodian, if required, must reside within a reasonable distance – what constitutes a reasonable distance is decided on a case by case basis. Presumably the older and more responsible the minor, the less likely a custodian’s assistance will be required, so he/she may not need to be as close by. Even if not required, you should consider the benefit of having someone available to assist your son, particularly before he has had time to make any close friends locally. Heaven forbid, but accidents do happen, after all.
As for costs, we do not have any information on this – you should contact the school or relevant agencies nearby to find out any fees involved.
I hope this information is of some assistance.
Dear Blake McClung,
Thanks for your detailed explanation
Trieu
Hi
I am sending my minor to study in Vancouver. Since they are in
elementary school which requires parent to go with them. We will look
for a place to live when we arrive. In this case, how should I fill out the
address on IMM5646 form then? Can I just write ” to be advised”?
Thank you.
Dear Eva,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
If you will be accompanying your child to Vancouver then you do not require a custodian. A custodian is only necessary when a parent will not be with the child.
If however you will be leaving the child with a relative or close friend, you will need their address to complete the form (it is required in the Custodian section in any case).
I hope this information is of some assistance.
Dear Tejimol Joseph, Good Day
My son aged 16 is leaving for study to Manitoba. I have no custodian there. I have to upload IMM 5646. How can
I do that?
My elder son is studying there in the same institution (study permit expires within 6 months). My wife will also
travel with my son on a visitor visa.
Please advise what should we do to fulfill the requirement of IMM 5646.
Regards
Abedin
Dear Mr. Abedin,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
You should probably consult an Immigration lawyer or the Immigration department for advice on the requirements in your situation. If your wife is the Mother and she will be staying with him, then perhaps a custodian would not be required, for example. Alternatively, the school may have staff or contacts that act as custodians for international students. Perhaps his elder brother can act as custodian until someone else can be found. Immigration counsel will ask you specific questions and help you to determine how the law applies to your situation, and assist you in determining the best option for your son.
I hope this information is of some assistance.
Good Day,
My brother was accepted to Grade 7.
i am above 18 years with a valid study permit. is it possible to a guardianship on my mu brother custodianship declaration documents.
Can i stand as a guardianship for him since am having a valid study permit ?
Thank you
Dear Kunle,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
As you likely already know, normally the custodian must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. However most custodians are not related to the applicant. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, to see what the rules are in your situation. If a Citizen or Permanent Resident are required, perhaps you can find a friend willing to assist you and your Brother. Presumably they would only be called upon if you were unavailable.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hello my dear
I will go to study in
Canada and l will
accompany my wife and
child (baby girl with 8
months), the application
visa appears the
Custodian Declaration
imm 5646 for my baby,
but l don’t know why?
Because we will travel
together, my program is
diploma (2 years full-
time), please could you
tell me what should we
do? what types of visa
is right for my baby girl?
Dear Karwan,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
Unfortunately, we cannot give you any legal advice concerning your immigration matters. That said, you might wish to check again with Immigration or do a little more reading on their website as it seems unlikely that a baby accompanied by her parents would require a custodian. Generally a custodian is required when the parents are absent. If you can;t find the answer with Immigration, you may wish to seek counsel from an Immigration lawyer.
I hope this is of some assistance.
My daughter and son
are going to college
in Ontario, she is 16
and he is 23. They
will be arriving
together and
attending the same
College. Could he file
as her custodian.
Dear Amanda,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
As you likely already know, normally the custodian must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. If your Son is, then it seems likely he may act as her Custodian.
Most custodians for these purposes are not related to the applicant. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, to see what the rules are in your daughter’s situation. If a Citizen or Permanent Resident are required, maybe a friend or college staff may be willing to assist your daughter. Presumably they would only be called upon if her brother is unavailable.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi there
I am a custodian of my daughter’s son until
Jun 6 but i don’t want to be his custodian any
more. He is an international student. I
couldn’t send him back to my daughter
however during covid 19 my daughter can
not come to pick him up. I can’t handle him
anymore. Where can i send him to to wait for
his mother to come to pick him up
Please advise
Thank you so much
Best regard
Dear Harry,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
As a Notary company we can notarize Custodian forms, but unfortunately we cannot provide legal or practical advice on child custody matters.
Presumably the fundamental responsibility rests with the child’s parents. Perhaps you can ask your daughter to make alternative arrangements for her son until she is able to retrieve him herself.
I am sorry we cannot be of further assistance.
Hii
I am currently 17 and going to turn 18 this December. I accepted my
offer for University of Toronto and have also given my passport to the
immigration office for the study permit and visa. So do I really need a
custodian letter for that? I need the response ASAP its urgent.
Thanks
Dear Inej,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
If you require your custodian to sign the form in front of us we can assist him or her with that. Unfortunately we cannot tell you whether the form is required in your particular application.
You may wish to check Immigration Canada’s website or the specific office to which you are applying for the latest requirements for your application. If the answer cannot be found in either of those places, you may need to seek professional advice from an Immigration law firm or consultant.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi, My 17-year-old needs a custodian for Halifax, Nova Scotia and I was wondering how
close the custodian has to be from the institution. Is a 4-hour drive too much distance.
Dear Temi,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
We do not know the specific rules or criteria used by Immigration officials in your situation, and thus cannot say whether a four hour drive is too far. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, for specific advice. That said, it seems likely that Immigration would consider the age of the minor, and the likelihood that she would need a custodian’s help when determining the adequacy of custodial arrangements.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi, My daugher is 17 year old and has applied for her study visa for Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Can her custodian be a four hour drive away or will that no be allowed.
Dear Temi,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
We do not know the specific rules or criteria used by Immigration officials in your situation, and thus cannot say whether a four hour drive is too far. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, for specific advice. That said, it seems likely that Immigration would consider the age of the minor, and the likelihood that she would need a custodian’s help when determining the adequacy of custodial arrangements.
I hope this is of some assistance.
hi, I reside in Canada with my mom as a refugee claimant.
I’m considered a minor at the designated province I intend
to study. Must I apply for a custodian declaration form?
Dear Julia,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
If you reside with your Mother, then presumably you do not require a Custodian. However, if you wish to verify this, you should contact Immigration Canada and/or an Immigration lawyer with regards to your specific situation.
I hope this information is of assistance.
I am 17 years old and I want to study in
canada college in Brampton but my
relatives live in Quebec. Can they get my
custodianship form done from Quebec?
And I reside in Brampton only ?
Dear Kashish Sharma,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
We do not know the specific rules or criteria used by Immigration officials in your situation, and thus cannot say what they may consider too far. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, for specific advice. That said, it seems likely that Immigration would consider the age of the minor, and the likelihood that she or he would need a custodian’s help when determining the adequacy of custodial arrangements.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi, please my daughter is 17+ and the visa officer requested a
custodian from her and in the form we put that she will be living with the
custodian, but we aren’t related to the custodian. please should we
change it and say she will leave with my other children that are
international students in Canada but are living in another city.
My other children live in St Catherine’s Ontario while the college is in
Welland Ontario. please which do u think is better
Dear Jo,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
We do not know the specific rules or criteria used by Immigration officials in your situation. However it is not necessary for the child to live with the custodian, nor does the custodian have to be a relative. It is quite common for the custodian to be a staff member or other official of the school the child is attending, for example. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, for specific advice. That said, it seems likely that Immigration would consider the age of the minor, and the likelihood that she or he would need a custodian’s help when determining the adequacy of custodial arrangements. Most 17 year olds are perfectly capable of looking after themselves in most situations.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Thank you for the reply we have sent the custodian form to them and
we have been waiting for the final decision on the review of the
document. though on the form we already told them she would stay with
the custodian.
thanks
my son wants to study in Canada and
will be 17 next month. We need a
custodian for him being a minor. His
school is in P.E.I ,Charlotte town but
got a custodian for him in Alberta and
Calgary and the clause says
reasonable distance. Please, I need to
know their eligibility or can anyone be
of assistance? Very urgent! Thank
you!
Dear Francis,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
It does seem safe to assume that most of the width of North America is beyond a ‘reasonable distance’. It is difficult to say for certain what Immigration considers adequate custodial arrangements for a 17 year old, who would likely only require help in rare circumstances.
You may wish to contact the school for information on whether one of their staff will act as a custodian for students, or what arrangements other students usually make. Many English language schools, for example, do offer custodians for their students, as do some student housing programs. There may also be student mentoring programs that may be able to pair up younger students with senior students at the same school.
I hope this information is of some assistance.
Hi Team, I have a quick question… Do you know what is the
reasonable distance? For example Quebec and Ontario?
Dear Javier,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
We do not know the specific rules or criteria used by Immigration officials in your situation. However it is not necessary for the child to live with the custodian, nor does the custodian have to be a relative. It is quite common for the custodian to be a staff member or other official of the school the child is attending, or someone involved in student housing, for example. You should contact Immigration, or your Immigration counsel, for specific advice. That said, it seems likely that Immigration would consider the age of the minor, and the likelihood that she or he would need a custodian’s help when determining the adequacy of custodial arrangements.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi;
This is about Custodian Declaration for Minor Studying in Canada.
From No IMM 5646 (01-2021) E
I have to submit this form for my under 18 years son’s study permit
application for Canada.
I am residing in Dubai, UAE.
Please advise by/from whom page 2 of 3 is to be notarized i.e. the
section under the signatures of parents.
1. By the embassy/consulate of my country of origin.
2. By any notary public.
3. By whom?
4. Does the notary public / attesting authority also verify if the
custodian in Canada section is complete before notarizing page 2 of 3
I am unable to find the answer of this query from any of my sources.
I look forward for your prompt feedback
Thank You.
Saeed
Dear Saeed,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
Usually, the Custodian Declaration is Notarized in Canada by the Custodian, and the Parent Declaration is Notarized in the country where they live. Normally both parents will have to sign in front of the Notary Public (or the equivalent in that jurisdiction). Neither Notary needs to see the other declaration. For country specific clarifications you should contact the nearest Canadian Consulate/Embassy or High Commission.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Hi,
I currently already have someone who is willing to be a custodian for me(I am 17
years of age). However, I currently do not have a definite place to reside in. I am
planning to either stay in student dorms where applications do not start till
November, or look for an apartment upon my arrival in Prince Edward Island, with
the assistance of said custodian who’s residence is in New Brunswick. How should
I fill out the box ‘Address where student will reside in Canada’?
Dear Vaughn,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
You should contact Immigration or your Immigration counsel for specific instructions on completing the form. However it is likely you can simply put an explanation, such as ‘Student Dorms to be determined in November’ or something similar.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Hi,
My daughter who is 16 is
accepted to study in canada.
One of the required document is
custodian declaration.
Accordingly we have the form
filled by the custodian and the
parent and notorized by thier
respective Notory.again this for
is required for study permit.my
question is can i scan and
upload this for or i am required
to fill another
Dear Akberet Baire,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
You should contact Immigration Canada and/or the specific Canadian Visa Post to which you are submitting your application for instructions on how the forms should be submitted. They may request a scan, or the original, or even both.
I hope this is of some assistance.
I appreciate you sharing this useful article on Canadian educational opportunities. It’s wonderful to be aware of the variety of options available to students. I’m interested in learning more about the specific duties of a custodian in Canada. Could you provide more information on the choices they can make for the child and the procedure for dealing with international students?
Dear Greg,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
As most international students are nearing adulthood, custodians in this context are mainly there in case of emergencies requiring someone nearby. For example, if the student has an accident and needs help getting home from the hospital, or is arrested and needs someone to help bail them out. Providing day to day guidance or advice can still be done by the parents with modern telecommunications.
Younger students often have a custodian that is a relative or close friend of the family, though this is not required.
For further information on the process and the duties of a custodian you should consult Immigration Canada, and/or Family law resources in your jurisdiction.
I hope this information is of some assistance.