Custodianship
Studying as a minor at UNF
If you are under the age of 18 and planning to move to Canada for school, there are some things you may need to consider.
In Ontario, 18 is the age when a person reaches the ‘age of majority’ and becomes an adult. Anyone under that age is considered a minor child.
Minors moving to Canada for school, without a parent or legal guardian accompanying them, may be required by Canadian immigration authorities to have a responsible adult provide care and support during their time here.
This person is known as a custodian.
A custodian is a responsible adult who will take care of and support a minor child.
To be considered a custodian by the Canadian government, the person must, at least, be:
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident,
- over 19 years of age; and
- reside in the same area as the minor.
Students who are 16 years of age or younger must have a custodian to study in Canada.
Those who are 17 years of age may be required to have a custodian. This decision is made at the discretion of an Immigration Officer. Students who are this age, may voluntarily provide a custodian in their study permit application.
How to appoint a custodian
There are arrangements that must be made in order for a custodian to act in place of a parent or guardian. For more information and to access the required forms, please see the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada “Studying in Canada – Minors” page.
It is recommended to appoint a custodian before arriving in Canada to prevent delays in receiving a study permit.
The minor student’s parents or legal guardians must have page two of the Custodianship Declaration form signed and notarized in their home country, while the chosen custodian must complete their notarized first page of the form in Canada.
Finding a custodian
Here are some things to consider when looking for a custodian:
- Consider approaching an extended family member living in Niagara Falls, Ontario first
- If none are available, you may consider approaching a family friend or business associate for assistance
- Look for a custodian who lives close by
- For example, if the student is going to live in Niagara Falls, Ontario, it is recommended to have a custodian in Niagara Falls, Ontario, or in a nearby city.
There are companies that provide custodianship services for a fee.
Agencies may provide either:
- Stand-alone custodianship services; or
- Homestay and custodianship services.
Additional resources
IRCC Guidance: Minor children traveling to Canada
Canada Border Services Agency Guidance: When traveling with child/minor
Application For Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)
Custodianship Declaration – Custodian for Minors Studying in Canada (IMM 5646)
Disclaimer: University of Niagara Falls Canada neither endorses nor is affiliated with any custodianship or homestay providers. This information is provided as a resource for University of Niagara Falls Canada students looking for these services and is intended to provide only general information and guidance. Every student is responsible for reviewing their own individual conditions, study permit, and immigration status and understanding their immigration needs. University of Niagara Falls Canada assumes no liability for any disputes arising from custodianship, homestay, or other services. Each student and their family are responsible for researching agent services and ensuring that they are satisfied with the terms and conditions of these arrangements.
