IMM 5646 Declaration Form

IMM 5646 Declaration Form: A Comprehensive Guide
The IMM 5646 Form, also known as the Custodianship Declaration Form, is a mandatory document for minor students coming to study in Canada without their parents or legal guardians. This form is a critical part of the study permit application process for international students who are below the age of majority in the province where they plan to study. The form ensures that the student has a responsible custodian in Canada who will provide supervision, support, and care during their studies.
1. Understanding the IMM 5646 Declaration Form
The IMM 5646 Form is a legal document used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to establish a custodial relationship for minor students. This form is required for international students who are under the age of majority and are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while studying in Canada.
What is the Age of Majority in Canada?
The age of majority is the age at which a person is legally considered an adult. In Canada, this age varies depending on the province:
- Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan: 18 years.
- British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon: 19 years.
Students below this age are considered minors and must have a custodian who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in the same city or region where the student will reside.
2. Purpose of the IMM 5646 Declaration Form
The primary purpose of the IMM 5646 Form is to provide a formal, legally binding agreement between the minor student’s parents or legal guardians and a designated custodian in Canada. This document ensures that the student has a responsible adult in Canada who can:
- Make decisions on behalf of the student in case of emergencies.
- Provide a safe and secure living environment.
- Supervise the student’s daily activities.
- Communicate with the student’s parents regarding their well-being and academic progress.
3. Who Needs to Complete the IMM 5646 Declaration Form?
The IMM 5646 Form must be completed by:
- The parents or legal guardians of the minor student (who are in their home country).
- The designated custodian in Canada (who must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
Both parties must sign the form, and it must be notarized to be legally valid. The original form is then submitted as part of the student’s study permit application.

4. Sections of IMM 5646 Declaration Form
The IMM 5646 Form is divided into two main sections:
- Part 1: Custodian Declaration: This section is completed by the custodian in Canada. The custodian must provide their full name, address, contact information, and confirm their willingness to act as a custodian for the student.
- Part 2: Parents/Guardians Declaration: This section is completed by the parents or legal guardians of the student in their home country. They must provide their full name, relationship to the student, and confirm their understanding of the custodian’s responsibilities.
5. How to Complete the IMM 5646 Form
Step 1: Download the Form
The IMM 5646 Form can be downloaded from the official IRCC website. Make sure to use the latest version of the form.
Step 2: Complete Part 1 (Custodian Declaration)
The custodian in Canada must fill out this section, providing their name, address, phone number, and email address. They must also sign the form in front of a notary public, who will validate their identity and signature.
Step 3: Complete Part 2 (Parents/Guardians Declaration)
The parents or guardians of the student must complete this section in their home country. They must sign the form in front of a notary public to ensure its validity.
Step 4: Notarization
Both sections of the form must be notarized. The custodian’s section must be notarized in Canada, and the parents’ section must be notarized in the home country.
Step 5: Submission
The completed and notarized form must be submitted as part of the student’s study permit application through the IRCC portal.
6. The Role of the Custodian
A custodian has several critical responsibilities, including:
- Ensuring the student’s safety and well-being.
- Providing emergency care if needed.
- Assisting the student with academic concerns.
- Communicating with the student’s parents regularly.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an incomplete form.
- Failing to have the form properly notarized.
- Providing incorrect or outdated contact information.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the IMM 5646 Form be submitted electronically? Yes, the form can be uploaded online as part of the study permit application, but it must be properly signed and notarized.
- What if the custodian changes after the student arrives in Canada? A new IMM 5646 Form must be completed and submitted to IRCC.
- Can a student have more than one custodian? Only one custodian can be designated at a time. However, backup custodians can be arranged if necessary.
9. Conclusion
The IMM 5646 Form is a crucial document that ensures the safety, well-being, and proper supervision of minor students studying in Canada. By understanding the requirements, completing the form accurately, and ensuring proper notarization, parents and custodians can ensure a smooth application process for international students.
In case, if you need help with IMM 5646 Declaration Form in Canada for your admission to school and study permit, please fill in application below or contact us directly.