Custodianship for Students in Quebec
Custodianship for Students in Quebec: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Quebec is a highly attractive destination for international students, thanks to its world-renowned education system, multicultural environment, and competitive tuition fees. Each year, thousands of minors—students under the age of 18—arrive in Quebec to pursue secondary or post-secondary education. For these minors to study legally and safely, the Canadian government requires a custodianship arrangement, which ensures that a responsible adult is available to care for the minor student in Canada. This report explores the concept of custodianship in Quebec, its legal framework, responsibilities, and the step-by-step process involved.
1. What Is Custodianship for Students in Quebec?
Custodianship is a legal arrangement in which a responsible adult (the custodian) is appointed to care for and make decisions on behalf of a minor international student while they are in Canada. It is a critical component of ensuring the well-being, safety, and academic success of minor students who are far from their families.
In Quebec, the minimum age of majority is 18. This means that any student under 18 years old, and in some cases those turning 18 during the school year, must have a custodian designated for the duration of their studies.
2. Legal Requirements for Custodianship for students in Quebec
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), requires that minor students studying without a parent or legal guardian in Canada must have a custodian.
Key requirements: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
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The custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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The custodian must be at least 25 years old and reside in Quebec or within reasonable proximity to the student.
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The custodianship arrangement must be formalized with notarized documents.
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Students must submit a Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646) as part of their study permit application.
In Quebec, the process is further regulated by provincial guidelines and requirements for host families and private institutions offering guardianship services.
3. Who Can Be Custodianship for Students in Quebec?
a. Family Members
Relatives of the student who already reside in Quebec often serve as custodians. This is the simplest and most trusted arrangement.
b. Homestay Hosts: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
Approved homestay providers frequently serve as custodians, especially for students attending private or public high schools.
c. Professional Custodianship Services for students in Quebec
Several agencies in Quebec specialize in custodianship and offer a range of services, from 24/7 support to academic monitoring and parent communication.
Regardless of who is chosen, the custodian must be:
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Trustworthy
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Accessible
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Capable of acting in the student’s best interest
4. Roles and Responsibilities of a Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
A custodian’s role goes beyond signing documents. It involves active participation in the student’s life and adherence to Canadian laws related to the care of minors.
Legal and Administrative Duties
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Signing consent forms for school trips, medical care, and academic decisions
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Attending parent-teacher conferences and school meetings
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Liaising with educational institutions, homestay families, and parents
Health and Safety Oversight
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Ensuring the student has adequate health insurance
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Taking the student to medical appointments if needed
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Responding in case of emergencies
Emotional and Social Support: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
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Offering guidance and emotional support
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Helping the student adjust to life in Quebec
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Monitoring academic performance and well-being
5. The Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646): Custodianship for Students in Quebec
This form is required for all minor students applying for a Canadian study permit. It has two sections:
Part 1 – Custodian’s Declaration
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Completed and signed by the custodian
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Notarized in Canada
Part 2 – Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Declaration
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Signed and notarized in the student’s home country
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Confirms that the parents appoint the Canadian custodian to act on their behalf
Note: The form must be submitted as part of the study permit application to IRCC.
6. Quebec-Specific Requirements: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
While the federal custodianship process applies across Canada, Quebec has unique features that students and parents should understand:
a. Attestation of Learning Institution (CAQ Requirement)
Before applying for a study permit, international students must obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). Custodianship details may be required during this process, especially for minor students.
b. Language Considerations
Quebec is predominantly French-speaking. While many institutions and custodians operate bilingually, families should ensure that the custodian can communicate with both the student and Quebec authorities.
c. Ministry Guidelines for Minors: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
Quebec’s Ministry of Education has protocols for the care and protection of minors. Schools often have their own policies regarding the verification of custodianship and emergency contacts.
7. Homestay and Custodianship
For many students, the custodian is also the host parent in a homestay arrangement. In this case, the host family:
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Provides a room, meals, and supervision
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Acts as custodian, either formally or in cooperation with a separate custodian
Homestays are often arranged through:
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School boards
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Private schools
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Homestay agencies
Screening and Monitoring: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
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Host families are typically vetted through interviews, background checks, and home visits.
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Schools and agencies may conduct regular follow-ups to ensure compliance and safety.
8. Private Custodianship Services
Numerous private companies in Quebec specialize in custodianship. These services often include:
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24/7 emergency contact
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School and parent liaison
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Monthly academic and welfare reports
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Airport pickup and drop-off
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Assistance with CAQ and study permit renewals
Such services typically charge between CAD 1,500 to CAD 3,000 per academic year, depending on the level of support.
When choosing a provider, families should:
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Check reviews and references
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Ensure legal compliance
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Request a clear breakdown of services and fees
9. Risks and Challenges: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
Custodianship can be complicated, and it comes with potential risks:
a. Inadequate Oversight
If the custodian is inattentive or disengaged, the student may feel isolated or neglected.
b. Legal Liability
Custodians may be held liable in cases of medical emergencies, legal incidents, or neglect.
c. Cultural and Communication Gaps
Differences in language, culture, and expectations can lead to misunderstandings.
d. Misuse of Role: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
There have been rare cases where unregulated individuals offer custodianship services without proper credentials or legal authority.
To mitigate these risks:
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Choose a custodian with a track record of professionalism
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Maintain regular communication with the student
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Ensure written contracts and clear boundaries
10. Custodianship and School Policies: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
Most schools in Quebec have their own protocols for verifying custodianship. Requirements may include:
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A copy of the notarized custodianship declaration
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Emergency contact details
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Proof of the custodian’s residency and citizenship
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Interview with the custodian
Some schools offer in-house custodianship or partner with approved agencies.
11. Ending or Changing a Custodianship for Students in Quebec
Circumstances may require a change in custodian during the school year. To do so:
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A new Custodianship Declaration Form must be completed, signed, and notarized
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The school and IRCC must be informed
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The previous custodian should transfer all relevant documents and responsibilities
Parents should ensure continuity of care during transitions.
12. Best Practices for Parents and Students: Custodianship for Students in Quebec
To ensure a successful custodianship experience:
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Choose a custodian carefully—prefer someone with experience, empathy, and organizational skills
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Maintain open lines of communication among all parties
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Make sure the custodian has access to emergency funds and documents
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Review the student’s academic and emotional well-being regularly
13. Real-World Scenarios
Case Study 1: Homestay and Custodianship Combined
Ling, a 16-year-old student from China, attends a private high school in Montreal. Her host family is also her custodian. The school monitors the arrangement through monthly check-ins, and her parents receive weekly updates.
Case Study 2: Professional Custodianship Service for students in Quebec
Carlos, a 17-year-old from Brazil, uses a Montreal-based guardianship agency. The agency provides academic reports, liaises with his boarding school, and offers bilingual support to his family in Portuguese.
Conclusion
Custodianship is an essential part of international student life in Quebec, especially for minors. It ensures not only compliance with Canadian immigration regulations but also the safety, health, and academic success of young learners. With proper planning, communication, and legal documentation, custodianship can provide a strong foundation for a positive educational experience in Quebec. Whether through a family member, homestay host, or professional service, choosing the right custodian is a decision that requires careful thought and diligence. As international education continues to grow, the role of custodianship in Quebec remains a cornerstone of student support and well-being.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship for Students in Quebec or other provinces of Canada, please fill in application below or contact The Custodian Canada.