Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan,Homestay in Regina,

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking quality education in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether attending public high schools or post-secondary institutions, students under the age of 18 must meet specific requirements to study in the province legally and safely. One of the most important of these is custodianship. This article provides an in-depth overview of custodianship for students in Saskatchewan, including its legal requirements, responsibilities of a custodian, application process, and tips for families and students navigating this essential aspect of Canadian immigration and education.

Understanding Custodianship in Saskatchewan

Custodianship is a legal arrangement that ensures international minor students (typically under 18 years of age) have a responsible adult in Canada who will act on their behalf in situations requiring parental involvement, such as in medical emergencies, school-related issues, or legal matters. In Saskatchewan, as in all Canadian provinces, the government mandates that international students who are minors must have a custodian while studying in the country without their parents.

Legal Requirements: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), any international student under the age of majority (18 in Saskatchewan) who plans to study without a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian. This custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 19, residing within a reasonable distance from the student’s school and residence.

A “Custodianship Declaration” must be submitted with the student’s study permit application. This declaration is made up of two notarized documents:

A Custodian Declaration – Parent/Legal Guardian, completed and notarized in the student’s home country.
A Custodian Declaration – Custodian, completed and notarized in Canada by the appointed custodian.

These documents confirm that both parties understand and agree to the custodian arrangement.

Who Can Be a Custodian?

The custodian must be:

At least 19 years of age.
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Residing in Saskatchewan, preferably in the same city or region as the student.
Willing to take full responsibility for the student’s welfare and well-being during their stay in Canada.

Many custodians are relatives, family friends, or individuals appointed through custodianship service providers or homestay programs. In some cases, educational institutions or school boards may offer assistance in arranging custodianship through approved partners.

Responsibilities of a Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

The custodian acts in place of a parent and is expected to:

Be available to the student at all times in case of emergencies.
Maintain regular contact with the student and their school.
Attend parent-teacher conferences and school meetings.
Make decisions regarding the student’s medical care, discipline, and living arrangements.
Ensure the student complies with visa and school policies.

It is important to understand that while the custodian takes responsibility for the student's well-being, they are not the student’s legal guardian unless appointed as such by a court.

Homestay and Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Many minor international students in Saskatchewan stay with host families through approved homestay programs. Often, these programs provide custodianship as part of their service, particularly if they are partnered with school boards or institutions. The homestay host may serve as the custodian, provided they meet the legal requirements.

Families seeking this arrangement should confirm with the school board or institution whether homestay hosts are screened, trained, and authorized to serve as custodians. This can offer peace of mind and streamline the process for parents abroad.

Applying for a Study Permit with Custodianship Documents

To apply for a Canadian study permit as a minor student intending to study in Saskatchewan, students must:

Be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Include the Custodianship Declaration Forms in their application.
Provide a valid passport and other supporting documentation.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

The custodianship documents should clearly state the custodian’s name, address, contact information, and relationship to the student. These documents must be notarized in both the home country and Canada. Incomplete or incorrectly filled-out custodianship forms can lead to delays or even refusal of a study permit.

Types of Schools That Require Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Most international students under the age of 18 in Saskatchewan attend one of the following institutions:

Public High Schools – operated by school divisions such as Regina Public Schools or Saskatoon Public Schools.
Private High Schools – including independent and faith-based institutions.
Post-Secondary Institutions – such as Saskatchewan Polytechnic or the University of Regina, for students under 18.

All require documentation of custodianship for minors, though some may have internal processes or recommendations for selecting a custodian or homestay provider.

School Board Support and Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

School divisions in Saskatchewan, such as:

Regina Public Schools,
Saskatoon Public Schools,
Prairie Valley School Division,
often provide guidelines for custodianship and recommend homestay partners. Some divisions partner with companies that provide custodianship and host family services, offering additional support for students and parents.

When considering a school, families should inquire whether the school or board provides custodianship assistance or maintains a list of approved custodians.

Choosing a Professional Custodianship Service

For families who do not have relatives or family friends in Saskatchewan, using a professional custodianship service may be the best option. These agencies typically offer:

24/7 emergency support.
Monthly student welfare check-ins.
Coordination with the student’s school and host family.
Legal documentation and notary services.

When selecting a service, look for:

Experience with Saskatchewan school systems.
Reviews or references from other international families.
Transparency regarding fees and services.

It’s also advisable to avoid unauthorized or unlicensed providers who may not meet the province’s legal and ethical standards.

Role of the Custodian vs. Guardian

A common point of confusion is the difference between a custodian and a legal guardian. A custodian is responsible for a minor student while they study in Canada temporarily. In contrast, a guardian has long-term legal rights over a child, which must be granted through a court order.

Most international students only require a custodian, not a legal guardian, unless they are staying in Canada indefinitely or pursuing immigration through non-student pathways.

Key Considerations for Parents: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Parents choosing a custodian for their child in Saskatchewan should consider:

Proximity: The custodian should live close enough to respond to emergencies quickly.
Availability: The custodian should be accessible and committed to checking in regularly.
Language and Communication: Ideally, the custodian can communicate fluently with the student and parents.
Experience with minors: A custodian who has worked with youth or hosted students before is preferred.

Parents should maintain open lines of communication with the custodian, regularly check on their child’s well-being, and ensure all responsibilities are understood and documented in writing.

Renewal and Changes to Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

If a student changes address, custodian, or school, IRCC and the school must be informed. New Custodianship Declaration Forms must be completed, notarized, and submitted. Keeping records updated is essential to maintaining compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.

If a custodian can no longer perform their duties, a replacement must be appointed immediately, and all documents updated.

Conclusion

Custodianship is a crucial part of studying as a minor in Saskatchewan. It ensures that international students have support and protection while their parents remain abroad. Whether arranged through family, a host family, or a professional agency, custodianship must meet legal standards and reflect a genuine commitment to student safety.

As Saskatchewan continues to attract students from around the globe with its affordable education, friendly communities, and excellent schools, understanding custodianship is essential for any family planning to send their child to study in this Canadian province.

By approaching custodianship with care, compliance, and transparency, international families can ensure a smooth and successful educational experience for their children in Saskatchewan.

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

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

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