Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025: A Complete Guide for International Students

Introduction

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, safety, and welcoming multicultural environment. Each year, thousands of students from around the world come to study in Canada, including many who are under the age of 18. For these minor students, the Canadian government requires an essential legal document known as the Custodianship Declaration Form.

The Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646) ensures that a responsible adult will take care of and support the minor student while they study in Canada. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the form, its purpose, requirements, how to complete it in 2025, and common questions and concerns.

---

What Is a Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025?

The Custodianship Declaration Form is an official document required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when a minor (under 18 or 19 depending on the province) plans to study in Canadian Schools.

This form establishes a formal custodial relationship between the student and a Canadian custodian—an adult who will act in place of the parent or guardian in case of emergencies and will provide general care and supervision.

There are two parts to the form: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

1. Custodian’s Declaration – Completed and signed by the Canadian custodian.

2. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s)’ Declaration – Completed and signed by the student's parents/legal guardians in the home country.

Both parts must be notarized (witnessed and stamped by a notary public) in their respective countries.

---

Who Needs a Custodianship Declaration Form?

Age of Majority by Province

The age at which a person is considered an adult varies by province or territory:

Any student under the age of majority who is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian in Canada and submit the Custodianship Declaration Form with their study permit application.

---

Who Can Be a Custodian? Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

To qualify as a custodian, the individual must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Be 19 years of age or older (or the age of majority in the province).

• Reside in the same city or area where the student will be living and attending school.

• Be willing to take legal responsibility for the student in the absence of the parents.

Custodians are often homestay hosts, family friends, relatives, or school-appointed guardians. In some cases, professional custodianship agencies provide these services for a fee.

---

Why Is the Form Important?

The form serves multiple purposes:

• Legal Responsibility: It ensures a minor student has a designated adult to act in emergencies.

• Visa Requirement: It is a required document for obtaining a study permit.

• School Admission: Many schools require proof of custodianship before granting admission or housing.

• Peace of Mind: It reassures parents that their child will be cared for while studying abroad.

---

How to Fill Out the Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646)

Step 1: Download the Form

You can download the latest IMM 5646 (Custodianship Declaration Form) from the IRCC official website.

Ensure you're using the 2025 version to meet current requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Custodian’s Declaration

This section includes: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

• Full name of the custodian

• Contact information (address, phone, email)

• Custodian’s relationship to the student

• Declaration that they will take responsibility for the student

The form must be signed in the presence of a Canadian notary public. The notary will confirm the custodian’s identity and witness the signature.

Step 3: Complete the Parent(s)/Guardian(s)’ Declaration

This section includes:

• Full name of both parents or legal guardians

• Contact information in the home country

• Student’s name, date of birth, and intended Canadian address

• Consent to assign the custodian legal responsibility

This part must be notarized in the student’s home country. The notary public must be recognized and authorized in that jurisdiction.

Once both declarations are notarized, the full document must be included with the online or paper application for a Canadian study permit. You should also retain copies for the custodian, student, and school records.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

1. Using an old version of the form – Always check for the most updated form on the IRCC website.

2. Incomplete information – Make sure all fields are filled in clearly and correctly.

3. Not notarizing the document – Both declarations must be signed before a notary.

4. Missing signatures – All parties must sign; even one missing signature can result in delays.

5. Mismatched addresses or contacts – Ensure consistency across the application.

---

Additional Documents That May Be Required

Alongside the Custodianship Declaration Form, students may also need:

• Passport and identification documents

• Study permit application form (IMM 1294)

• Proof of financial support

• Letter of explanation or study plan

• Medical exam results (if applicable)

• Police clearance (for students over 18)

---

Custodianship Services and Homestay Arrangements: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

For families who do not have relatives or friends in Canada, custodianship services are available for a fee. These services often include:

• 24/7 emergency support

• Monthly check-ins and reporting

• Coordination with schools and parents

• Homestay placement

• Airport pickup and orientation

Average Fees (2025)

• Custodianship only: CAD $1,000–$2,000/year

• Custodianship + Homestay: CAD $1,200–$1,800/month

Note: Always verify that the service provider is registered and reputable.

---

Changes to the Custodianship Process and Declaration Form Canada in 2025

In 2025, IRCC has introduced a few notable updates:

1. Digital Submission: The Custodianship Declaration Form can now be uploaded as part of the online study permit application via the IRCC Portal.

2. Digital Notarization: Some provinces allow remote online notarization, streamlining the process for international parents.

3. Enhanced Verification: Schools and visa officers may conduct background checks on custodians to ensure the safety of minors.

4. Standardized Guidelines for Schools: Public and private schools in Canada are now encouraged to use a national framework to assess and monitor custodianship arrangements.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a custodian legally responsible for the student?

Yes. A custodian is expected to act in the best interest of the student, especially in emergencies. However, they are not financially responsible unless stated in a separate agreement.

Can the custodian be changed after arrival?

Yes, but IRCC must be notified. A new Custodianship Declaration Form must be completed, notarized, and submitted to both the school and IRCC.

What if the minor student lives in a boarding school?

Some boarding schools provide institutional custodianship, meaning the school assumes responsibility. Confirm this with the school to see if a separate custodian is needed.

Does every international student need a custodian?

No. Only students under the age of majority and not accompanied by a parent need a custodian.

Can a custodian be held liable in legal matters?

While custodians are not legal guardians, they can be involved in medical decisions, disciplinary issues, and emergency actions. It’s important that all parties understand their roles clearly.

---

Final Tips for a Successful Study Permit Application: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025

• Begin the application process at least 6 months in advance.

• Confirm custodian availability and their proximity to the student’s school.

• Prepare notarization well ahead of time to avoid delays.

• Work closely with the school’s international office or a qualified immigration consultant.

---

Conclusion

The Custodianship Declaration Form Canada 2025 is a critical part of the journey for minor international students coming to Canada. It provides the legal framework to ensure students are safe, supported, and cared for during their studies. While it may seem bureaucratic, this process protects students, eases parental concerns, and helps ensure compliance with Canadian immigration and education regulations.

Whether you're a student, parent, school administrator, or custodian, understanding the custodianship process in 2025 is essential for a smooth and successful study experience in Canada. Proper planning, notarization, and clear communication are the keys to navigating this requirement with confidence.

In case, if you need help with Homestay and/or Custodianship Declaration Form Canada in 2025, please fill in application below or contact us directly.