Custodianship in Canada
Custodianship in Canada
So, you decided that you would like your child to study in Canada, but you are wondering if there is any special considerations to keep in mind when applying for their Canada study permit.Well, it depends on your child’s age. If your child is under 17, they can only come to Canada provided that there is a “responsible adult” ready to legally commit to supporting them and taking care of them. This adult is called a custodian, and they don’t have to be your child’s relative. They just need to be willing to legally commit to and capable of providing support to your child while they are in Canada.
If your child is 17 or older, there is a chance that you may not be off the hook when it comes to custodianship of a child. In certain cases, an immigration or visa officer might request that your child has a custodian as long as they haven’t reached the age of majority. The age of majority in Canada can be 18 or 19 depending on the province or territory where your child is planning to study. So, in order to avoid delays with your application, the best approach is to make sure your minor child has a custodian.
Custodianship in Canada is Canada is required from most Secondary Schools in order to get admission to Grade 1- Grade 12. Also, as was mentioned Custodianship in Canada is required from Canada Immigration, as a mandatory required for study permit and visa for minor students, who prefer to study in Canada in Language school, Summer Camp, Colleges and Universities in Canada.
However, before you panic and try to find out if you can reconnect with any long-lost friends in Canada, remember that many educational institutions routinely accept international students who are 17 and younger. This means, if you don’t know anyone in Canada, you can reach out to your educational institution to see if they can help. Another option is referring to your student agency or immigration representative. Many agencies working with students have experience handling custodianship requests and might be able to match you with a representative.
So, what do you do once you find a responsible adult willing to sign up to be a custodian. What can you expect from them?
According to the Canadian law, a custodian should be your and your child’s go-to person if they need any support, and it is the custodian’s responsibility to provide that support. Therefore, custodians should be located within reach of your child. So, if you have a friend living in a different province or city than your child, they may not qualify to be a custodian simply because they’re too far and won’t be able to assist your child in case of an emergency.
Custodianship in Canada & Custodianship Declaration Form
Aside from that, your educational institution might have a set of expectation of what assistance would the custodian offer to your child. Some of these responsibilities may include acting instead of a parent or acting as a bridge between the school and parents. Some examples of custodian’s responsibilities would be assisting whenever the school requires parental consent, signing certain documents, meeting with the school staff, and being the first contact when it comes academic or behavioral issues. Another set of responsibilities includes being generally available if the child requires any support related to their well-being or day-to-day needs. It doesn’t mean that your child’s custodian will do their food shopping and call them every day to make sure they’re home, but they might be the ones to pick up your child at the airport and taking them to their residence.
Finally, once you have a custodian, you both need to complete the Custodianship Declaration for minors studying in Canada. This is a document with 2 sets of notarized signatures that acts as a formal proof that you can use for your child’s IRCC application. Once the Custodianship Declaration is signed, it would be valid until your child reaches the age of majority or you appoint a new custodian for any reason, such as one of the parties moving to another location that is not reasonably close to the other. Remember that custodianship is not just a document for the IRCC, but it helps ensure that your child has an extra source of support, if they need it. Contact our agency if you have questions about custodianship services in Canada or need any assistance with your child’s study permit application.
Custodianship in Canada
Studying abroad can be a thrilling adventure, but for young international students under the age of 18 or 19, depending on the province in Canada, it can also be a daunting experience far from the comforts of home. Recognizing the need for a safety net, the government has placed custodianship in Canada at the heart of its education system for these young scholars. Mandated by the Canadian government, every underage international student must have a local custodian during their stay in the country. This requirement serves as a guardian angel, providing care, support, and a nurturing environment for these brave young souls pursuing their dreams in the Great White North. The concept of custodianship in Canada has evolved over the years to ensure the well-being and protection of minor children studying in the country. It is not just a legal formality but a system that has been carefully crafted to address the unique needs of young students navigating a foreign educational landscape. The presence of a person who holds a custodianship in Canada offers a sense of security and assurance to both the students and their parents or legal guardians back home. It allows families to entrust their children to the care of responsible adults who will act as surrogate parents during their time in Canada.
The advantages of having a custodian extend beyond the students themselves; it also brings immense relief to their parents back home. Picture this: parents separated by thousands of miles, but with peace of mind knowing their children are in good hands. Custodians shoulder the critical responsibility of overseeing the students' well-being, acting as both mentors and protectors. From academic guidance to personal support, these caring custodians ensure no stone is left unturned in nurturing the students' growth and development during their academic journey in Canada. For international students, adjusting to a new country, culture, and educational system can be a whirlwind experience. Here's where holders of custodianship in Canada shine as cultural bridges, with their knowledge and familiarity with Canadian customs paving the way for a smoother transition. They become invaluable mentors, offering guidance and encouragement as these young minds acclimate to their Canadian wonderland.
But that's not all - the requirements of custodianship in Canada unlocks a treasure trove of opportunities for personal growth and educational advancement. Canada is renowned for its top-notch education and diverse academic offerings, and with custodians at their side, young students can fearlessly explore and pursue their passions in this supportive environment. Beyond the classroom, custodians play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging for these international pupils. They encourage participation in extracurricular activities and school events, allowing students to experience the full spectrum of Canadian life. From spirited hockey games to forming lasting friendships, these experiences form an integral part of a holistic education, nurturing character and building cherished memories.
Requirements of Custodianship in Canada
Custodianship is a must requirement from the Canadian Immigration Department to the minor students and their future study permit application to Canada. Minor students must have a Custodianship and Custodianship Declaration Form, issued by his or her Custodian in Canada. Also, local public and private Secondary schools( Grade 1-Grade 12) require Custodianship and Homestay in order to get admission to their schools for minor students.
In the domain of Canadian education, both students and custodians must adhere to specific requirements to ensure a supportive academic journey. For young students under 18 or 19, two options are available: they must either come to Canada accompanied by their parent or legal guardian or have a responsible custodian within the country. This applicant for a custodianship in Canada, who must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, takes on the role of mentor. However, for students aged 18 and above, having a custodian is optional, though schools may request one on a case-by-case basis to provide a nurturing academic experience.
To commence this heartwarming journey, schools and custodians must fulfill certain obligations to guarantee the safety and support of these young scholars. The custodian must willingly embrace the responsibilities of caring for and supporting the minor child, creating a nurturing environment akin to a second home. The process begins with the submission of a Declaration of Custodianship in Canada form to the school, alongside the minor child's study permit application. The custodian's commitment, marked on the form's first page, is further validated by notarization within Canada, reaffirming their dedication to safeguard and guide the young student. Concurrently, the parents or legal guardians play an essential role, signing the second page of the form and notarizing their signatures in their home country, solidifying the bond between custodian and student across borders.
The requirements of custodianship in Canada encompass several important criteria. Firstly, a custodian must be either a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada, ensuring a strong connection to the country and its values. Additionally, they must be over the age of 25, bringing a level of maturity and experience to their role as a caregiver and mentor for the young students.
To fulfill this requirement, the custodian must provide written delegation notice and photo identification of the assigned delegate to the schools they are affiliated with. This ensures that every student receives personalized attention and support, maintaining the high standards of custodianship in Canada. By meeting these general requirements, custodians play a vital role in the lives of international students, providing a nurturing environment and a sense of belonging during their academic journey in Canada. Their dedication and adherence to these criteria enable young scholars to thrive, explore new horizons, and embrace the opportunities presented to them in the great maple-covered land.
Consequently, a custodian job is no walk in the park. Alongside the joys come responsibilities defined by Canadian law. Chief among them is the duty to make adequate arrangements for the student's care and support. From finding suitable accommodations to ensuring access to healthcare, custodians become the guardians of their young charges' well-being, leaving no stone unturned to ensure their comfort and safety. Let’s get close to the responsibilities that arise.
Responsibilities of Custodianship in Canada
The duties of a custodian in Canada encompass a wide range of responsibilities, all aimed at providing comprehensive support and guidance to young international students during their stay. From the very beginning, custodians play a crucial role in preparing for the students' arrival in Canada. They assist in arranging all necessary details for the journey, ensuring a smooth and well-organized transition.
Once in Canada, custodians take charge of various administrative tasks related to the students' schooling. They attend assessment tests at the chosen school's orientation center for secondary school students, making appointments and ensuring all required original documents are in order for registration and course selection. Holders of custodianship in Canada become a valuable source of parental advice, guiding the students through the school program and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities. Healthcare is of utmost importance, and custodians diligently check their students' health insurance to guarantee access to proper medical care, adhering to Canadian law. They are vigilant in ensuring that students visit a selected medical clinic within the stipulated time frame, bringing along the English version of the Immunization Record, with specific details varying based on the province or territory where the school is located.
Custodians also play an integral role in handling the ongoing administrative aspects of schooling. They assist students with the renewal of necessary school details and ensure timely completion of school renewal forms and tuition payments. When students wish to transfer to another Canadian school or School Board, custodians provide support by helping complete the School Transfer Form and arranging appointments with the new school for course selection.
Additionally, holders of custodianship in Canada are responsible for updating the students' Study Visa or Study Permit and signing required forms in compliance with Canadian legislation. They serve as official contact persons with the chosen school, actively engaging in all matters concerning the students. Attending parent-teacher interviews at the school is another important aspect of their role. Clear and regular communication between custodians, schools, and parents is essential, and custodians maintain contact with the school and parents on school matters. They provide consent as needed by the school for academic programs and extracurricular activities. It is of utmost importance for custodians to keep their contact information up-to-date with the school and provide an emergency contact in case of urgent situations.
Beyond the administrative duties, holders of custodianship in Canada also act as advocates for their students in Canada. They stand on behalf of parents and address academic, attendance, behavioral, or emotional issues with the utmost care and professionalism. They promptly inform and advise parents regarding any concerns and provide written notes to the school as required for attendance records.
Aside from academics, those who apply for custodianship in Canada play a pivotal role in introducing students to essential aspects of life in Canada, such as banking, mobile phone usage, the internet, and the transport system. They strive to make the students' immersion into the Canadian lifestyle as smooth and comfortable as possible. Maintaining regular contact with the students they care for is paramount, and applicants for custodianship in Canada coordinate their custodial duties with the chosen Canadian homestay provider. In case of any changes in homestay or home address, the school must be informed promptly to ensure smooth operations and the well-being of the students. The responsibilities of a person that is in charge of a custodianship in Canada over a child extend far beyond mere guardianship; they become the pillars of support, nurturing the academic and personal growth of young international students. By fulfilling their multifaceted roles, holders of custodianship in Canada create a secure and welcoming environment, allowing students from all corners of the world to thrive in their Canadian educational journey.
Regards,
The Custodian (Custodianship in Canada)
