Coming to Canada for study. Do I need Custodian?
If you are an international student and planning to apply for a study permit, you may be required to submit a custodian form with your study visa application. Note all the provinces in Canada have the same age for a minor. Hence, you should be careful when you apply for your study visa application.
Below is the age of minor in Canada
- Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan – Age 18 Years
- British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon – Age 19 Years
Note that only PR or Citizen can be a custodian. Custodians will not be responsible for housing, food or fee. Custodian will be responsible for only emergencies.
Below are activities which are the responsibility of the Custodian
- Maintaining ongoing and deliberate contact with the student;
- Liaising and/or intervening with school officials and representatives ( mainly applicable for the student under 17 – going to schools)
- Offering guidance in opening bank accounts, purchasing pre-paid cell phones;
- Referrals to essential community services such as libraries, fitness clubs, etc.;
- Assist in accessing immediate and/or ongoing medical services;
- Monitoring overall mental, the physical and emotional well-being of the student;
- Explaining local laws and regulations; and
- Responding 24/7 to emergencies involving the student
Note that the above are the primary duties. However, a custodian may need to provide additional support to the student.
How to appoint Custodian:
- Fill the Custodian – Parent form and submit along with the application form
The two pages of the form look similar, but:
- The first page needs to be signed by the Custodian and notarized (certified by a lawyer or notary) in Canada
- The second page needs to be approved and signed by the parents or legal guardians of the minor child and notarized in their home country
Good Luck with your visa application!
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