Montreal Student Custodianship: A Complete Guide for International Families

Montreal, the largest city in Quebec and a hub of culture, language, and education, is a popular destination for international students. With institutions like McGill University, Concordia University, and numerous public and private high schools, it attracts thousands of young learners each year. For minor students under the age of 18, studying in Montreal requires the appointment of a custodian—a responsible adult living in Canada who can act in place of the student’s parents in emergencies and for day-to-day support.

This comprehensive guide will help parents, students, and agents navigate custodianship in Montreal, including legal requirements, responsibilities, types of custodians, and how to make the best arrangements for your child’s academic and personal success.

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What Is Custodianship?

 The province of Quebec—where Montreal is located—considers anyone under 18 years of age to be a minor. As such, any student under 18 who will study in Montreal must have a Canadian-based custodian.

This custodian must be:

• Over 18 years old

• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Living in or near Montreal

• Able and willing to act on behalf of the parents when necessary

Custodianship is a protective and supportive role rather than full legal guardianship. The custodian acts as the point of contact and responsible adult for schools, immigration authorities, medical providers, and more.

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Why Is Custodianship Required in Montreal?

Canada’s federal immigration laws and Quebec’s provincial laws both prioritize the safety and well-being of minors. A custodian ensures that a young student is supervised, supported, and has someone to respond in urgent situations. It is especially important for:

• Making medical decisions

• Handling emergencies

• Signing school-related documents

• Communicating with school authorities

• Reporting issues to the student’s family

Without a recognized custodian, a student cannot obtain a study permit or enroll in a school in Quebec if under the age of 18.

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Legal Framework: IMM 5646 – Custodianship Declaration

All minor students applying for a study permit in Canada must include a Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646) with their visa application. This form has two parts:

Part One: Declaration of Parents or Legal Guardians

• Declares who the custodian in Canada is

• Must be notarized in the home country

Part Two: Declaration of Custodian

• Completed by the designated custodian in Canada

• Must be notarized in Canada

Both parts must be submitted together with the study permit application or extension.

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Who Needs a Custodian in Montreal?

Any student who:

• Is under 18 years of age

• Is enrolled in a school or educational institution in Montreal

This applies to students in:

• Public high schools (e.g., English Montreal School Board, Lester B. Pearson School Board)

• Private schools (e.g., Lower Canada College, College International Marie de France)

• CEGEPs accepting minor international students

• Language programs for minors

Even if a student stays with family members or in a residence, custodianship is still required if parents are not present in Canada.

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Responsibilities of a Custodian in Montreal

A custodian in Montreal is expected to:

1. Provide Emergency Support

• Be available 24/7 for emergencies

• Authorize medical treatment if the parents are unreachable

2. Liaise with Schools

• Attend parent-teacher meetings

• Sign field trip forms or academic documents

• Help resolve academic or behavioral issues

3. Monitor the Student’s Well-being

• Check in regularly on the student

• Help with settling into housing and adjusting to life in Montreal

• Monitor attendance and school performance

4. Communicate with Parents

• Act as a link between the student, the school, and the parents

• Provide regular updates

A custodian does not replace the parents but supplements their role while the student is in Canada.

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Who Can Be a Custodian?

A custodian must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Live in or near Montreal

• Be capable of supporting the student’s needs

Types of Custodians:

1. Family Members

Ideal when a relative lives in Montreal. This is the least expensive and most personal arrangement.

2. Homestay Hosts

Many families offering homestay accommodation are also willing to serve as custodians. This is convenient as the student lives with the custodian.

3. Professional Custodianship Agencies

Some organizations specialize in custodianship services for international students. They offer full-service support including:

• Immigration document assistance

• 24/7 emergency response

• Regular student check-ins

• School report tracking

Agencies often charge between CAD $1,000 and $3,000 per year, depending on the service level.

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Custodianship and Quebec Education Regulations

Quebec has some unique education policies compared to other provinces:

• Minors under 18 are required to have custodianship, even if they are mature or independent

• School boards and private institutions often require documentation proving custodianship before enrollment

• Minors under 17 may not be eligible for off-campus housing unless a custodian agrees

Therefore, having a legally documented custodian is not just a formality—it is required for access to many aspects of education and housing.

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School Districts and Custodianship in Montreal

Here’s how some major educational institutions handle custodianship:

1. English Montreal School Board (EMSB)

Requires notarized custodianship documents (IMM 5646). Recommends homestay or professional custodians if no family is available locally.

2. Lester B. Pearson School Board

Requires proof of custodianship as part of the application. May refer families to third-party homestay and custodianship providers.

3. Private Schools

Others expect the family to appoint a custodian independently.

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When and How to Appoint a Custodian

When to Start

You should begin arranging custodianship 3–4 months before your planned arrival in Montreal. This gives time to:

• Find a qualified custodian

• Notarize both parts of the IMM 5646 form

• Submit your study permit application

Steps to Appoint a Custodian

1. Identify a suitable custodian (family, host, or agency)

2. Complete both parts of the IMM 5646 form

3. Notarize the documents (in both countries)

4. Submit the forms with the study permit application

5. Share custodian details with the student’s school

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Cost of Custodianship in Montreal

Additional costs may include:

• Document notarization ($50–$200)

• Emergency services or medical insurance

• School or immigration documentation assistance

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Can the Custodian Live in Another City?

No. The custodian must live in Montreal or within a reasonable distance. Quebec authorities and schools require custodians to be locally accessible in case of emergencies or school matters. A custodian in Toronto or Ottawa is not acceptable for a student living in Montreal.

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Changing a Custodian

If a student moves or if the custodian is no longer available, you must:

1. Appoint a new custodian

2. Complete and notarize new IMM 5646 forms

3. Submit the update to IRCC

4. Notify the school

Changing custodians without notifying the proper authorities can result in visa or enrollment issues.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Custodian

• Choose someone with experience with youth

• Ensure they are responsive and speak either English or French

• Look for positive references or agency accreditation

• Consider their proximity to the student’s school or residence

• Clarify expectations in writing, especially if using a paid service

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Do Universities in Montreal Require Custodianship?

No. If a student is 18 or older and accepted to a university like McGill or Concordia, they do not need a custodian. However, younger students in CEGEPs or pathway programs who are still minors may require custodianship, depending on the school.

Always confirm the specific requirements with the institution.

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Post-18: What Happens After Majority?

Once a student turns 18, custodianship is no longer legally required in Quebec. However, many families choose to keep the custodian as an informal support person to help the student with:

• Apartment rentals

• Doctor appointments

• Travel emergencies

• Academic progress

Some custodianship services offer continued support even after legal custodianship ends.

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Final Thoughts

For international students under 18, custodianship is a mandatory and vital arrangement for studying in Montreal. It provides a framework for safety, legal compliance, and peace of mind. By choosing the right custodian—whether a trusted family friend, a homestay provider, or a professional agency—families ensure that their child will thrive both academically and personally.

Montreal’s rich educational offerings and vibrant cultural environment make it an exceptional place to study. With proper custodianship in place, your child can enjoy all that this remarkable city has to offer with confidence and care.