How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

Finding a suitable homestay for a child in Canada requires much more than simply finding a family with an available bedroom. When a child will live away from their parents, the family providing accommodation becomes an important part of the child's daily life. Parents should therefore consider safety, supervision, school transportation, food, house rules, communication, emergency arrangements, costs, and the legal requirements that may apply to a minor studying in Canada.

The process should be approached carefully, especially when the child is travelling to Canada without a parent or legal guardian.

1. Understand What a Homestay Means

A homestay generally means that a child or student lives with a Canadian family or another household while attending school. Depending on the arrangement, the host family may provide a private bedroom, meals, transportation assistance, supervision, and general support.

However, not every homestay provides the same services.

Some families provide only accommodation and meals. Others provide a more comprehensive arrangement, including airport pickup, transportation to school, assistance with registration, supervision, and help with everyday matters.

Before choosing a homestay, parents should clearly determine exactly what is included.

For example, ask: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Does the child have a private bedroom?
• Is the bedroom furnished?
• Are meals included?
• How many meals are provided each day?
• Is the child expected to prepare their own food?
• Is transportation to school provided?
• Is transportation available during evenings or weekends?
• Who will supervise the child?
• Are there other children or students in the home?
• Are pets present?
• Are there smoking or vaping restrictions?
• What are the household rules?
• What happens if the child becomes sick?
• Who should the child contact in an emergency?

A written agreement is preferable because it avoids misunderstandings later.

2. Determine the Child's Age

The child's age is particularly important.

Canada does not have one single nationwide age of majority. The age of majority is generally 18 in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.

For immigration purposes, additional requirements can apply to minors studying in Canada.

For example, a child under 17 who comes to Canada to study without a parent or legal guardian generally needs a custodian in Canada. A custodian is a responsible adult who takes responsibility for the child's care and support. IRCC states that the custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada.

Children aged 17 or older but below the applicable provincial age of majority may also need a custodian depending on the circumstances and the immigration officer's assessment.

Therefore, parents should not assume that a person offering a homestay automatically qualifies as the child's legal custodian.

Homestay provider and custodian are not necessarily the same thing.

A family can provide accommodation without necessarily agreeing to assume formal custodianship.

3. Decide Which City or Area Is Appropriate

Before searching for a homestay, choose the child's school and determine where the child should live.

It is usually preferable to find accommodation reasonably close to the school rather than choosing a family based only on price.

Consider: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Distance from school
• Public transportation
• Safety of the route
• Travel time
• Access to grocery stores
• Access to medical services
• Distance from the airport
• Availability of buses or trains
• Weather conditions during winter
• Whether the child can independently travel to school

A location that looks close on a map may be inconvenient if the child must take several buses or spend a long time commuting.

For a younger child, a shorter and simpler route may be particularly important.

4. Start With the School: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

One of the safest places to begin looking for a homestay is the child's school or school district.

Ask the school whether it:

• Provides homestay arrangements;
• Works with approved homestay providers;
• Maintains a list of approved host families;
• Provides accommodation to international students;
• Has a student-support or international-student office;
• Provides emergency contacts;
• Has requirements for host families;
• Provides airport transportation;
• Provides supervision or student counselling.

If the school has an established homestay program, parents should ask how host families are selected and monitored.

Questions should include: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Are host families interviewed?
• Are references checked?
• Are criminal-record or vulnerable-sector checks required?
• Is the home inspected?
• Are there minimum bedroom standards?
• Does the school monitor the placement?
• Who handles complaints?
• Can the child change homestays if there is a serious problem?

A structured program can provide additional safeguards compared with an informal arrangement between strangers.

5. Consider Reputable Homestay Organizations: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

Parents can also consider established homestay organizations.

However, parents should not assume that an organization is reliable simply because it has a professional-looking advertisement.

Before paying anything, ask for:: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• The organization's legal name;
• Physical business address;
• Telephone number;
• Written contract;
• Fee schedule;
• Refund policy;
• Host-family selection process;
• Complaint procedure;
• Emergency procedure;
• Replacement-homestay policy;
• References or reviews;
• Details about what is included in the monthly fee.

Parents should also determine whether the organization is merely introducing families to students or actually supervising the accommodation arrangement.

That distinction can be important.

6. Interview the Host Family

Parents should speak directly with the proposed host family before the child moves in.

A video call is particularly useful.

During the call, parents can ask the family to show: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• The child's bedroom;
• Bathroom facilities;
• Kitchen;
• Common areas;
• Exterior of the home;
• The route or transportation options to school.

Parents should also speak with the adults who live in the home.

Important questions include:: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

Who lives in the house?

Find out the names and approximate ages of everyone living there.

Are there other students?

If several students live in the house, ask how many and whether they have separate bedrooms.

Are there children?

Ask whether the host family has young children and whether the child will be expected to provide childcare.

Are there pets?

This is important if the child has allergies or is uncomfortable around animals.

Is anyone smoking or vaping?

Parents should establish whether smoking or vaping occurs inside or outside the home.

What are the house rules?

Ask about curfews, visitors, noise, internet use, cooking, laundry, showers and use of common areas.

7. Make Sure the Child Has an Appropriate Bedroom

The child's bedroom should be appropriate for studying and sleeping.

Ideally, the child should have: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• A proper bed;
• A desk or suitable study area;
• Adequate lighting;
• Heating;
• Ventilation;
• A window where required;
• Storage for clothing;
• A secure place for personal belongings;
• Reasonable privacy.

Parents should ask whether the child will have a private bedroom or share it with another student.

For a minor, privacy and appropriate sleeping arrangements are especially important.

Parents should also ask whether the child will share a bathroom with the host family and other students.

8. Understand Meals: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

Food is one of the most common areas where disagreements can occur.

The agreement should clearly state what meals are included.

For example:

• Breakfast;
• Lunch;
• Dinner;
• Snacks;
• Weekend meals.

Parents should explain the child's dietary requirements before accepting the placement.

Discuss:

• Allergies;
• Vegetarian or other dietary preferences;
• Religious or cultural food requirements;
• Foods the child cannot eat;
• Whether the child can use the kitchen;
• Whether the child is expected to prepare meals.

Do not assume that "meals included" means three meals every day.

Get the details in writing.

9. Discuss Transportation

Transportation should be discussed before the child arrives.

Ask: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• How will the child get to school?
• How long does the journey take?
• Who pays for public transportation?
• Does the host family provide transportation?
• Is transportation provided to extracurricular activities?
• What happens if the child returns home late?
• How will the child travel during winter?

If the child is young, parents should carefully consider whether they are comfortable with the child travelling alone.

It is also useful to practise the route with the child before school begins.

10. Check the Host Family's Background: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

For a minor child, parents should take reasonable steps to verify the household.

If an organization or school is arranging the homestay, ask what screening it conducts.

Depending on the program, screening may include:: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Identity verification;
• References;
• Criminal-record checks;
• Vulnerable-sector checks;
• Interviews;
• Home inspections;
• Previous-student references.

Parents should ask specifically what checks were completed and when.

If the arrangement is private and informal, parents should be especially cautious.

Do not send a child to live with an unknown person based solely on online messages.

11. Confirm Who Is Responsible for the Child

This is one of the most important issues.

Accommodation and legal responsibility are not necessarily the same.

If a minor is studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian, immigration requirements concerning custodianship may apply.

IRCC states that children under 17 coming to Canada to study without a parent or legal guardian generally need a custodian in Canada. The parents and custodian generally complete the required Custodianship Declaration, with the applicable notarization requirements.

The child may therefore need both: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

A. Homestay accommodation

and

B. Appropriate custodial arrangements

The same adult may provide both, but this should not be assumed.

Parents should establish this before the child travels.

12. Check Immigration Requirements: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

If the child is an international student, parents should determine the appropriate immigration documents before arranging travel.

For example, a minor studying in Canada for more than six months generally needs a study permit when applying from outside Canada.

A minor travelling to Canada alone may also need a signed custodianship declaration, a letter of acceptance from the school and evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses and return transportation.

There are exceptions and special circumstances, so parents should check the child's exact situation rather than relying on general information.

The immigration requirements should be reviewed before booking flights or paying a substantial homestay deposit.

13. Prepare a Written Homestay Agreement

A written agreement is strongly recommended.

The agreement should identify:

• Child's full name;
• Host family's names;
• Address;
• Telephone numbers;
• Start date;
• End date;
• Monthly cost;
• Deposit;
• What meals are included;
• Transportation arrangements;
• Laundry arrangements;
• Internet arrangements;
• House rules;
• Curfew;
• Visitors;
• Emergency procedures;
• Notice requirements;
• Cancellation rules;
• Refund policy;
• Procedure for changing accommodation.

If the child is a minor, the parents should also receive the name and contact information of the person responsible for the child's welfare.

14. Understand the Cost: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

Homestay prices vary significantly depending on the city, location, accommodation and services.

The cheapest option is not necessarily the most appropriate.

Parents should calculate the total monthly cost, not merely the advertised room price.

Possible expenses include:: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Homestay fee;
• Deposit;
• Transportation;
• School expenses;
• Food outside the homestay;
• Mobile phone;
• Internet;
• Medical expenses;
• School activities;
• Clothing;
• Winter clothing;
• Personal expenses.

Ask whether the homestay fee includes utilities, internet, laundry and meals.

Also ask about deposits and whether they are refundable.

Never transfer a large amount of money without receiving proper documentation.

15. Be Careful With Online Homestay Advertisements

Parents should be particularly careful with advertisements found through social media or online classified services.

Warning signs include:: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• The price is unusually low;
• The host refuses a video call;
• The host refuses to show the home;
• The person demands immediate payment;
• The host requests cryptocurrency;
• The host asks for unusual payment methods;
• There is no written agreement;
• The host provides inconsistent information;
• The address cannot be independently verified;
• The host refuses to provide references;
• The host pressures the parents to decide immediately.

Parents should never allow urgency to replace proper verification.

16. Speak With Previous Students

If possible, ask the host family or organization for references from previous students or parents.

Ask previous students: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Was the family respectful?
• Were meals adequate?
• Was the home clean?
• Did the host respect privacy?
• Were house rules reasonable?
• Was transportation convenient?
• Did the host help when the student was sick?
• Was the advertised accommodation accurate?
• Were there unexpected charges?
• Would the student recommend the arrangement?

Parents should preferably speak directly with the reference rather than relying only on written testimonials.

17. Establish an Emergency Plan

Before the child arrives, create a simple emergency plan.

The child should know:: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• The host family's telephone number;
• The school's telephone number;
• The emergency contact in Canada;
• The parents' telephone numbers;
• The address of the home;
• How to contact emergency services;
• Where to go if they cannot remain safely in the home.

The child should also know what to do if:

• They become sick;
• They lose their passport;
• They miss transportation;
• They have an accident;
• They cannot contact the host family;
• They feel unsafe;
• There is a fire;
• They need immediate medical attention.

For an emergency in Canada, the general emergency number is 911.

18. Discuss Medical and Insurance Arrangements

Parents should make sure the child has appropriate health coverage for their circumstances.

Before arrival, provide the host family with relevant emergency information, such as:

• Allergies;
• Important medications;
• Emergency contacts;
• Medical insurance information;
• Doctor information, if applicable;
• Any significant dietary restrictions.

Sensitive medical information should be shared only with people who genuinely need it.

19. Prepare the Child Emotionally: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

A good homestay is not only about physical safety.

A child living abroad may experience: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Homesickness;
• Loneliness;
• Culture shock;
• Language difficulties;
• Anxiety;
• Difficulty adjusting to different food;
• Difficulty understanding household rules.

Parents should talk to the child before arrival about what to expect.

Explain that the host family may have different customs and routines.

At the same time, the child should understand that they have the right to reasonable privacy, respectful treatment and a safe living environment.

20. Maintain Regular Contact

Parents should establish a regular communication schedule.

For example, parents may speak with the child every evening or several times per week.

During the first few weeks, parents should ask specific questions rather than simply asking, "Are you okay?"

Ask:

• How was school?
• How was dinner?
• Did you sleep well?
• Do you have enough privacy?
• Are you comfortable in the house?
• Are you comfortable with the host family?
• Are the house rules clear?
• Is anything worrying you?
• Do you need anything?

Children sometimes avoid reporting problems because they are afraid of disappointing their parents.

Regular, calm communication can make it easier for the child to speak openly.

21. Have a Backup Plan: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

Parents should always have a backup plan.

Even a carefully selected homestay may not work.

For example, the child and host family may simply have incompatible personalities or expectations.

Before the child arrives, determine: How to Find a Homestay for a Child in Canada

• Who can move the child if necessary?
• Where can the child stay temporarily?
• Who can arrange another homestay?
• Who pays for emergency accommodation?
• How quickly can the child be moved?
• Who should the school contact?

If the child is a minor, the backup plan is particularly important.

22. What a Good Homestay Should Look Like

A suitable homestay should generally provide:

Safety:
The home should be appropriate for a child and the adults responsible for the household should be identifiable.

Privacy:
The child should have an appropriate sleeping and study environment.

Clear expectations:
House rules, meals, transportation and payment arrangements should be explained in advance.

Communication:
The host should communicate openly with the child and parents.

Support:
The child should know whom to contact when something goes wrong.

Respect:
The child's cultural background, privacy and reasonable personal needs should be respected.

Reliability:
The host should provide the accommodation and services that were agreed upon.

Conclusion

Finding a homestay for a child in Canada should be treated as a child-safety and care decision, not simply a housing decision.

The best approach is to start with the child's school, determine the applicable provincial and immigration requirements, identify reputable accommodation options, interview the host family, inspect the accommodation, verify who is responsible for the child, and put the financial and household arrangements in writing.

For children under 17 studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian, custodianship requirements are particularly important. IRCC states that such children generally need a custodian in Canada, and the required custodianship documentation must be completed according to IRCC's requirements.

Most importantly, do not choose a homestay solely because it is inexpensive or close to school. The child needs a safe home, responsible adults, appropriate supervision, clear expectations, reliable communication and a realistic emergency plan.

A good homestay arrangement should allow parents to feel confident that the child knows where they are staying, who is responsible for them, how to get to school, who to contact in an emergency, and what will happen if the arrangement does not work.

Because immigration and custodianship rules can depend on the child's age, province, school and circumstances, those requirements should be checked against the child's specific situation before travel.

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