Custodianship for Students in Regina,Homestay in Saskatchewan,

Custodianship for Students in Regina

Introduction

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, known for its high-quality education, multicultural society, and welcoming immigration policies. Among its many cities, Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, has emerged as a sought-after location for students pursuing secondary and post-secondary education.

However, for minor students under 18, coming to study in Regina requires more than just an acceptance letter and a study permit. The Canadian government mandates that minor students must have a responsible adult in Canada—called a “custodian”—to take care of them in the absence of their parents or legal guardians. This requirement is not merely procedural; it is essential for ensuring the safety, legal oversight, and well-being of international minors in Canada.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the custodianship process in Regina, exploring legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, how to find a custodian, related forms, and practical advice for international families.

Understanding Custodianship in Canada: Custodianship for Students in Regina

What Is a Custodian?

A custodian is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 19 or older who is legally appointed to act on behalf of a minor international student. The custodian serves as the student’s local guardian in Canada, ensuring the child is safe, supported, and complying with local laws and school regulations.

When Is Custodianship Required?

In Canada, provincial regulations determine the age of majority, which is 18 or 19, depending on the province. In Saskatchewan, the age of majority is 18. Therefore, any international student under the age of 18 studying in Regina must have a custodian.

This requirement applies whether the student is attending:

Public or private high schools
Independent boarding schools
Language schools (if under 18)
Other educational institutions where the student is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

Legal and Immigration Requirements

Immigration Requirement

For minor students applying for a study permit, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires documentation that proves custodial arrangements are in place. This is fulfilled by submitting a Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646) with the study permit application.

This form must include:

A notarized declaration from the parent or legal guardian appointing a custodian in Canada.
A notarized declaration from the custodian, accepting responsibility.

Both documents must be notarized in their respective countries and languages, with certified translations if necessary.

Provincial Oversight: Custodianship for Students in Regina

In Saskatchewan, custodianship aligns with provincial child welfare laws. School divisions and private institutions often require additional documentation or interviews to verify the custodian’s suitability.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Custodian

A custodian’s role is multi-dimensional and includes both legal responsibility and personal care.

Legal Duties: Custodianship for Students in Regina

Represent the student in emergencies (medical, legal, or disciplinary).
Sign school documents, permissions, or waivers.
Communicate with schools, immigration authorities, or medical services on behalf of the student and family.
Ensure the student complies with visa conditions and local laws.

Parental-Like Responsibilities

Ensure the student attends school regularly and stays in good academic standing.
Monitor their health, safety, and emotional well-being.
Assist with medical appointments and insurance claims.
Support integration into Canadian society.

Although not a legal guardian in the full sense, the custodian acts in loco parentis (in place of a parent) while the student resides in Canada without their parents.

Custodianship for Students in Regina

Who Can Be a Custodian? Custodianship for Students in Regina

To qualify as a custodian in Regina, the individual must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Be at least 19 years old (though most institutions prefer custodians aged 25+).
Reside within reasonable proximity to the student.
Be available 24/7 in case of emergency.
Have no serious criminal history.
Be capable of providing stable housing or coordination with a homestay family.

Custodians can be:

A relative (aunt, uncle, older sibling).
A family friend.
A professional custodian or agency that offers services for a fee.
The homestay host, if qualified and approved.

Homestay and Custodianship in Regina

Many international students live with homestay families, which may or may not be the same as their custodian. In Regina, homestay programs are often coordinated through:

School boards (e.g., Regina Public Schools or Regina Catholic Schools)
Private custodianship agencies
Language schools or cultural associations

It is common—but not required—for homestay providers to also act as custodians. Parents should ensure that the custodian and the host family coordinate responsibilities clearly and in writing.

How to Appoint a Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Regina

Step 1: Choose the Right Person or Organization

Start by selecting a trusted individual or a reputable agency in Regina that meets the legal requirements. Some agencies offer bundled services including custodianship, homestay placement, airport pickup, and student orientation.

Step 2: Complete the IMM 5646 Custodianship Declaration Form

This form is a two-part document:

Declaration by the Parent/Guardian (notarized in the home country)
Declaration by the Custodian (notarized in Canada)

Both declarations must be included in the student’s initial study permit application or submitted as supporting documents if the student is already in Canada and applying for an extension.

Step 3: Notarize Documents

Each part must be notarized by a certified notary public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths in the relevant country. Translations should be completed by a certified translator if the original is not in English or French.

Step 4: Submit to IRCC

The forms are submitted with the study permit application. Make sure that the student carries a copy when entering Canada, as border officials may request to see the documents.

Costs Associated with Custodianship in Regina

Custodianship services in Regina range from voluntary (free) to professional (paid). Costs depend on the level of service:

Private Individual: A relative or family friend may act without payment, though some parents offer an honorarium.
Professional Agencies: Fees typically range from CAD 800 to CAD 2,000 per year, depending on what’s included (e.g., monthly check-ins, 24/7 emergency support, reports to parents, etc.).
Homestay with Custodianship Package: Some programs offer bundled services, costing CAD 1,200 to CAD 3,500 annually.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete documentation: Ensure all forms are signed, notarized, and translated properly.
Choosing someone far away: A custodian must be local and available.
Assuming homestay equals custodianship: Unless explicitly agreed and documented, your host family may not be legally acting as custodian.
Using a non-eligible person: Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 19+ can legally act as custodians.

Tips for Choosing a Good Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Regina

Check Experience: Opt for individuals or agencies with a proven record of working with international students.
Availability: Ensure the custodian can respond quickly in emergencies, attend school meetings, and assist when needed.
Communication Skills: Look for custodians fluent in English and comfortable communicating with schools, health professionals, and authorities.
Regular Updates: The best custodians provide parents with regular reports on the student’s academic progress and well-being.
Cultural Understanding: Custodians who understand the student’s cultural background can provide better emotional support and integration.

Student Support in Regina: Custodianship for Students in Regina

Local School Divisions

Regina has two main school systems:

Regina Public Schools (non-religious)
Regina Catholic Schools (faith-based)

Both welcome international students and may assist with homestay, school placement, and custodianship referrals.

Post-Secondary Institutions

International students under 18 attending places like:

University of Regina
Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Regina Campus

may require custodianship if underage. These institutions often provide lists of verified custodianship providers.

When Custodianship Ends: Custodianship for Students in Regina

Custodianship ends when the student:

Turns 18 years old.
Returns to their home country.
Transfers to a new custodian, requiring a new IMM 5646 form.
Gains permanent residence or changes immigration status (in some cases).

Always notify schools and IRCC of any changes in custodianship.

Benefits of Proper Custodianship for Students in Regina

While custodianship is a legal requirement, it also provides many real-world benefits:

Emotional Security: Minors often experience culture shock, homesickness, or stress. A good custodian offers guidance and care.
Academic Oversight: Custodians communicate with schools and monitor academic performance.
Crisis Management: In emergencies such as illness, accidents, or discipline issues, custodians act quickly and effectively.
Parental Peace of Mind: With a trusted custodian, parents feel reassured about their child’s safety and adjustment.

Final Thoughts

For families sending their children to study in Regina, Saskatchewan, custodianship is not just a formality—it is a critical support system. Whether arranged through relatives, school networks, or professional agencies, choosing the right custodian ensures that minor international students are safe, guided, and well-cared for throughout their Canadian educational journey.

Regina is a welcoming and education-focused city that values student diversity and cultural inclusion. With proper custodianship arrangements, students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while laying the foundation for a successful future in Canada or abroad.

In case, if you need help with Custodianship and/or Homestay for students in in Regina or other cities of Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.

Custodianship for Students in Regina

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