Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, thanks to its high-quality education system, welcoming society, and diverse cultural environment. Among its provinces, Saskatchewan stands out for offering excellent educational opportunities through its public and private institutions, including high schools and post-secondary colleges. However, for international students under the age of 18 (or the age of majority in Saskatchewan), studying in Canada comes with specific legal and practical responsibilities—chief among them is the requirement of custodianship.

This report explores the concept of custodianship in Saskatchewan in detail. It covers legal definitions, procedures, roles and responsibilities of custodians, eligibility criteria, how to appoint a custodian, requirements for study permits, practical tips for parents, and more.

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1. Understanding Custodianship in Saskatchewan

1.1. Legal Context

In Saskatchewan, the age of majority is 18 years old. This means that international students under this age are considered minors and cannot legally live on their own or make critical decisions without adult supervision. As such, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that minor international students have a custodian while studying in Canada.

A custodian is a responsible adult (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) who is appointed to act in place of a parent for all legal matters and emergencies involving the minor student during their stay in Canada.

1.2. Why Is Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan Important?

Custodianship ensures that international minors:

• Have adult supervision in Canada.

• Are supported in case of medical or legal emergencies.

• Comply with provincial child protection laws.

• Maintain eligibility for a Canadian study permit.

Without a properly appointed custodian, a minor student may be denied a visa or refused entry into Canada.

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2. Legal Requirements for Custodianship in Saskatchewan

2.1. Immigration Requirements

According to IRCC policy, if a minor will not be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in Canada, the student must provide:

• A Notarized Custodianship Declaration signed by the parents/legal guardians in the home country.

• A Notarized Acceptance by the custodian in Canada.

This form is called the Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646). It must be submitted as part of the study permit application.

2.2. Provincial Requirements: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan does not have separate custodianship laws outside of the general child protection framework. However, most school boards and private schools require proof of custodianship for minor students to:

• Accept enrollment.

• Approve homestay or residence arrangements.

• Ensure compliance with provincial laws.

Some schools may also ask for additional documentation like health insurance proof, immunization records, or emergency contact forms from the custodian.

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3. Who Can Be a Custodian?

3.1. Eligibility Criteria: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

A custodian must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Be 18 years of age or older.

• Live within a reasonable distance from the minor’s place of residence or school.

• Be able to act in place of a parent in medical, academic, and legal matters.

While relatives (aunts, uncles, older siblings, etc.) often act as custodians, the role can also be filled by third-party services or host families, provided they meet the requirements.

3.2. Professional Custodianship Services: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

In cases where parents have no relatives or acquaintances in Canada, they often turn to professional custodianship agencies. These agencies typically offer a full suite of services, including:

• Legal notarization.

• Regular check-ins with the student.

• Emergency support.

• Coordination with schools and parents.

Fees for such services in Saskatchewan usually range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000 per year, depending on the level of involvement.

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4. Process of Appointing a Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

4.1. Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find a Suitable Custodian

   • Relatives, friends, or third-party professionals can be custodians.

   • Must meet IRCC eligibility criteria.

2. Prepare and Notarize Forms: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

   • Complete IMM 5646: Custodianship Declaration Form.

   • Section 1: Must be signed by the parents and notarized in their home country.

   • Section 2: Must be signed by the custodian in Canada and notarized in Canada.

3. Submit with Study Permit Application

   • Include the signed and notarized form in the study permit application to IRCC.

4. Share with the School

   • Provide a copy of the notarized form to the school board or private school in Saskatchewan.

5. Follow-up with Proof of Residence

   • The custodian may be required to submit a proof of address or government-issued ID to the school or immigration authorities.

4.2. Notary Public Services: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Both sections of the IMM 5646 form must be notarized. Notarization can be done by:

• A lawyer or notary public in the home country for the parents.

• A Canadian notary public for the custodian.

Many schools in Saskatchewan can recommend trusted notaries if needed.

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5. Custodian Responsibilities: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodians play a critical role in the well-being and legal compliance of minor students. Their responsibilities include:

5.1. Legal and Emergency Duties

• Representing the student in medical emergencies.

• Making decisions on health care and insurance claims.

• Signing legal documents on behalf of the student when necessary.

5.2. Academic Involvement

• Communicating with teachers and school staff.

• Attending parent-teacher conferences.

• Monitoring academic progress and attendance.

5.3. Daily Welfare: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Ensuring the student has safe and stable accommodation.

• Helping the student adjust to life in Canada.

• Being available 24/7 for emergencies.

It’s important to note that custodians are not financial sponsors. Parents remain responsible for tuition, living costs, and other fees unless otherwise arranged.

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6. Accommodation Options in Saskatchewan: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodianship is closely tied to where a student will live. In Saskatchewan, the main accommodation options for minor international students include:

6.1. Homestay Programs

Many students live with Canadian families arranged through:

• School board-sponsored homestay programs

• Private homestay agencies

These families often act as custodians or work with professional custodianship providers.

6.2. Private Rentals or Boarding

Some older minors may live in rented apartments or boarding houses under the supervision of a custodian. This option is more common for students aged 16–17 with higher levels of independence.

6.3. Living with Relatives: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

If a minor lives with a relative (e.g., aunt or older sibling), that relative can usually serve as custodian. The relative must still complete and notarize the necessary documents.

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7. Educational Institutions and Their Policies

Each school or district in Saskatchewan may have specific policies related to custodianship.

7.1. Regina Public Schools: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Requires notarized custodianship documents for all students under 18.

• Offers recommended homestay partners.

• Supports both parent-appointed and agency-appointed custodians.

7.2. Saskatoon Public Schools: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Enforces strict custodianship rules for minors.

• Regular communication with custodians is expected.

• Orientation sessions often include custodians.

7.3. Private Schools: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• May offer full-service custodianship and housing packages.

• Often include guardianship in tuition fees.

• More flexible in custodianship appointments, subject to provincial law.

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8. Health Insurance and Other Legal Considerations

8.1. Health Insurance: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

All international students in Saskatchewan must have health insurance. Students may be eligible for the provincial Saskatchewan Health Card if they meet residency criteria. Otherwise, they must purchase private insurance.

Custodians are expected to:

• Ensure the student has valid coverage.

• Accompany the student to medical appointments when needed.

• Make medical decisions if the student is incapacitated.

8.2. Criminal Record Check for Custodians

Some school boards and agencies require custodians to provide a clear criminal record check or vulnerable sector check.

8.3. Travel and Consent: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

If a minor travels outside of Saskatchewan (e.g., for holidays), a travel consent letter signed by the custodian may be required by airlines or border agents.

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9. Risks and Common Mistakes: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Common mistakes parents make include:

• Appointing an ineligible custodian.

• Forgetting to notarize both parts of the form.

• Submitting incomplete or outdated forms.

• Not informing the school of custodian changes.

To avoid these issues:

• Consult with the school or legal advisor early.

• Use professional custodianship services if unsure.

• Double-check all documentation before applying for a visa.

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10. Tips for Parents: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Start the process early—at least 3 to 6 months before the study program begins.

• Communicate frequently with the custodian.

• Request regular updates on academic progress, health, and well-being.

• Visit the custodian’s home or verify their credentials if using an agency.

• Make emergency arrangements (e.g., health care proxy, insurance contacts).

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Conclusion

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan is an essential legal and ethical requirement for international students under 18 in Saskatchewan. It serves to protect the minor’s interests, ensure legal compliance, and provide peace of mind for parents.

By appointing a qualified and responsible custodian, parents can help their children have a safe, successful, and enriching educational experience in Saskatchewan. Whether through relatives, homestay programs, or professional agencies, the right custodian plays a vital role in the journey of international students in Canada.

In case, if you need help with Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan or other provinces of Canada, please fill in application below or contact The Custodian Canada.