Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

As a popular destination for international students, Vancouver, British Columbia, hosts thousands of minors who come to Canada for educational opportunities. To ensure these students' safety and legal compliance, Canadian immigration law requires custodianship arrangements for minors under the age of 18 (or 19 in some provinces, including British Columbia). One essential part of this process is notarizing custodianship documents. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of notary services in custodianship, the required forms, how to find a notary in Vancouver, and how to complete the process smoothly and legally.

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What Is Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver?

Custodianship is a legal arrangement where a responsible adult is appointed to care for and make decisions on behalf of a minor studying in Canada without their parents. This arrangement is critical for minor international students to be admitted into Canadian schools and to receive a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In British Columbia, the age of majority is 19, so anyone under that age must have a legal custodian. This custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives in the same city or region as the student and is capable of acting in place of the parent in emergencies.

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Why Are Notary Services Required for Custodianship?

The Canadian government requires that custodianship declarations be officially witnessed and notarized to validate their authenticity. The document used for this purpose is known as the Custodianship Declaration – IMM 5646 Form, which must be completed in two parts:

1. Declaration by the Parent or Legal Guardian (Part One)

2. Declaration by the Custodian (Part Two)

Both parts must be notarized by a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. Without notarization, the documents will be considered invalid, and the study permit application will be rejected.

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Overview of the IMM 5646 Form: Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

The IMM 5646 Custodianship Declaration Form is required by IRCC and must be submitted with a minor student’s study permit application. The two parts include:

• Part One: Parent or Legal Guardian Declaration
  This section must be completed in the home country, stating that the parent is assigning custodianship to a specific person in Canada.

• Part Two: Custodian Declaration
  This section must be completed in Canada, typically in Vancouver, where the custodian resides.

Each section must be signed in front of a notary and bear the notary’s official seal or stamp.

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The Role of a Notary Public in Vancouver

A Notary Public in Vancouver plays a vital role in the legal documentation process. Their primary duties in the custodianship process include:

• Verifying the identity of the signer.

• Witnessing the signing of the IMM 5646 form.

• Administering oaths if necessary.

• Affixing an official seal or stamp to authenticate the declaration.

British Columbia notaries are regulated by the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia, ensuring high professional standards and legal compliance.

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How to Prepare for Notarization: Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

Before visiting a notary in Vancouver for custodianship declaration:

Documents to Bring: Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

• IMM 5646 form, printed and filled (but not signed yet)

• Government-issued ID (passport, PR card, driver’s license)

• Student’s admission letter (if available)

• Proof of relationship (for parents)

• Custodian’s proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)

Steps to Follow:

1. Book an Appointment: Contact a notary office and book a time. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointments are safer during busy seasons.

2. Complete the Form Accurately: Fill out the IMM 5646 form beforehand without signing.

3. Attend the Meeting: Both the parent (for Part One) and custodian (for Part Two) must sign in the presence of a notary.

4. Pay the Fee: Notary fees in Vancouver typically range from CAD $40 to $80 per signature, but can vary.

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Average Costs for Notary Services in Vancouver

• Standard Notarization (1 document): $40 – $80

• Mobile Notary Services: $100 – $150

• Multilingual Support: May include a small surcharge

• Bulk Document Packages (for agencies): Available upon request

Some immigration consultancies may include notarization in their custodianship or study permit service fees.

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Best Time to Notarize Documents

It’s advisable to begin the notarization process at least 2–3 months before the study permit deadline. Notary offices become especially busy from May to August, when most students apply for the Fall semester. Advance preparation ensures timely submission of all required documents.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid: Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

1. Not Signing in Front of the Notary: If a form is pre-signed, it may be rejected.

2. Using an Unauthorized Notary: Ensure the notary is licensed in BC and their seal includes their name and province.

3. Incorrect Custodian Information: The custodian must reside near the student and meet eligibility criteria.

4. Missing or Incorrect Dates: Inconsistent or future dates on the form may lead to rejection.

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Alternatives to Traditional Notaries: Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver

While most declarations must be notarized in person, IRCC may accept virtual notarization in limited circumstances due to special exemptions, such as during pandemic periods. However, always check the latest IRCC guidelines.

Virtual notarization may require ID scanning, video conferencing, and digital signatures with authentication.

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What Happens After Notarization?

Once both parts of the IMM 5646 form are notarized:

• The Parent's copy (Part One) is sent to the custodian or immigration consultant in Canada.

• The Custodian's copy (Part Two) is kept in Canada.

• The student or their representative submits both parts with the study permit application.

If the minor is attending a public or private school in Vancouver, the notarized custodianship form may also need to be submitted to the school’s international program office.

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Who Can Be a Custodian in Vancouver?

To qualify as a custodian, the person must:

• Be at least 19 years old.

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Live in the same area as the student (e.g., Greater Vancouver Area).

• Be able to fulfill parental responsibilities in emergencies.

• Provide a signed, notarized declaration (Part Two of IMM 5646).

Common custodians include homestay hosts, family friends, or relatives.

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Role of Notary in Homestay-Based Custodianship

For students living in homestays, it’s common for the host family to act as the custodian. Notaries often work directly with homestay agencies to notarize large volumes of custodianship documents. In these cases, custodianship letters and notarized forms are bundled into a single student placement package.

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Final Thoughts

Notary services play a critical legal role in the custodianship process for international students in Vancouver. By ensuring documents are properly completed, signed, and notarized, notaries help students and their families meet immigration requirements and enjoy peace of mind during their studies in Canada. Whether you're a parent abroad, a local custodian, or a homestay host, timely notarization of the IMM 5646 form is essential for a successful study permit application.

In case, if you need help with Notary Services for Custodianship in Vancouver, please fill in application below or contact us directly.