Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto: A Complete Guide for International Students and Families
Introduction
Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for international students due to its world-class educational institutions, cultural diversity, and safety. For international students who are minors—under the age of 18 in Ontario—one of the key requirements for obtaining a study permit and being enrolled in school is custodianship. This legal arrangement ensures that a responsible adult in Canada is available to support and care for the student throughout their academic journey.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of the custodianship process in Toronto, including legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, institutional expectations, and best practices for parents and guardians.
1. Understanding Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
What Is Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto?
Custodianship is a legal responsibility assigned to a responsible adult residing in Canada to take care of an international student who is a minor. This arrangement is required for all students under 18 who come to study in Toronto, whether they are attending a public high school, a private academy, or a language school.
Why Is Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto Necessary?
Canadian immigration authorities require minors to have a custodian in the country to:
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Ensure the student’s safety and welfare
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Provide emergency care and act on behalf of parents
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Serve as a liaison between the school, parents, and other authorities
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Fulfill local legal obligations for minors residing in Ontario
2. Legal Requirements for Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
Age of Majority in Ontario
In Ontario, the age of majority is 18. Any international student under this age must have a custodian appointed.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Requirements
To receive a Canadian study permit, a minor student must submit the following:
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A Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646):
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Part 1: Signed and notarized by the student’s parent/legal guardian
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Part 2: Signed and notarized by the appointed custodian in Canada
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A Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Toronto
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A valid passport
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Proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses
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Medical insurance coverage documentation
All documents must be submitted as part of the student’s visa application to IRCC.
3. Who Can Be Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto?
The custodian must meet the following criteria:
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Be at least 19 years of age
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Reside in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
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Be physically present and accessible to the student at all times
Suitable Custodian Profiles
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Relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins)
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Family friends known and trusted by the student’s parents
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Professional custodianship service providers
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Homestay hosts (if part of a registered program)
4. The Process of Appointing Custodian
Step 1: Identify a Custodian
Choose a reliable custodian in Toronto who fulfills the legal criteria and is capable of acting in the student’s best interests.
Step 2: Complete the IMM 5646 Form
This form contains two parts:
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Part 1 (Parent/Guardian Consent): Notarized in the student’s home country
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Part 2 (Custodian’s Declaration): Notarized in Toronto
Both parts must be submitted together for the application.
Step 3: Notarization: Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
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Parents/legal guardians must have their portion notarized by a certified notary public in their home country.
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The custodian must notarize their section before a Canadian notary.
Step 4: Submit Documents: Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
All documents, including the custodianship form, proof of financial support, and school acceptance letter, must be submitted with the study permit application via the IRCC portal or visa office.
5. Roles and Responsibilities of the Custodian
A custodian’s role is critical for the student’s well-being and legal compliance. Responsibilities include:
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Providing emergency support (e.g., illness, legal issues, travel disruptions)
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Communicating with the school on behalf of the student
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Attending parent-teacher meetings and school appointments
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Ensuring appropriate accommodation and daily care
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Coordinating healthcare, medical emergencies, and insurance issues
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Helping the student acclimate to life in Toronto
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Liaising with IRCC and local authorities when required
6. Types of Custodianship Arrangements in Toronto
6.1 Family-Based Custodianship
When students have relatives in Toronto, this is often the preferred choice. It provides familial familiarity, cultural continuity, and cost-effectiveness.
6.2 Homestay Programs
Many schools in Toronto offer homestay programs where students live with a Canadian family. Some of these families also offer custodianship as part of their services.
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Organized by school boards or private agencies
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Include meal plans, furnished rooms, and daily supervision
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Usually vetted and monitored by the school or a third-party agency
6.3 Professional Custodianship Services:
Numerous Toronto-based agencies offer custodianship services for a fee. These include:
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24/7 availability
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Emergency response
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School performance monitoring
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Monthly reports to parents
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Assistance with local transportation, shopping, and social activities
Common agencies include:
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The Custodian Toronto
- Student Homestay and Accommodation Canada
7. Costs of Custodianship in Toronto: Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Notarization | $50 – $150 per document |
| Professional Custodian Fees | $1,000 – $2,500 per year |
| Homestay (with meals) | $1,000 – $1,400 per month |
| Health Insurance | $600 – $1,000 per year |
Costs may vary depending on service scope and the agency chosen. Some schools bundle custodianship and homestay together.
8. School and Board Policies: Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
Each Toronto school or school board may have unique requirements for custodian recognition.
Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
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Requires custodianship form submission before acceptance
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May request additional background checks
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In-person or virtual interviews with the custodian may be necessary
Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB): Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
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Custodian must reside within the Greater Toronto Area
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Should attend mandatory orientation sessions for international families
Private Schools: Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
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Often have stricter expectations for custodian involvement
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May offer in-house custodianship for an added fee
Always check with the school’s international admissions office before finalizing the arrangement.
Neglectful Custodians: Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
Even legally appointed custodians may not offer adequate support. Regular communication between parents and students is essential.
10. COVID-19 and Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
COVID-19 reinforced the importance of a physically present and reliable custodian. Schools and immigration authorities continue to emphasize:
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Quarantine supervision
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Medical care access
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Contingency planning in case of border closures or emergencies
Today, custodians are expected to assist with health plans and pandemic preparedness, especially for new arrivals.
11. Best Practices for Parents and Students
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Start early: Begin the custodianship process 3–4 months before school starts
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Research thoroughly: Choose custodians familiar with Canadian education and immigration systems
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Stay connected: Establish a regular check-in routine between student, parents, and custodian
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Get everything in writing: Have clear custodianship contracts outlining duties, costs, and expectations
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Visit the custodian if possible: If traveling to Canada, meet the custodian and inspect the living arrangement
12. Sample Checklist for Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Determine student’s age | ☐ |
| Choose a qualified custodian in Toronto | ☐ |
| Complete IMM 5646 form | ☐ |
| Notarize forms in both countries | ☐ |
| Prepare financial documentation | ☐ |
| Submit study permit application | ☐ |
| Confirm school and custodian approval | ☐ |
| Arrange travel and accommodation | ☐ |
Conclusion
Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto is a vital component of the study permit process for minor international students coming to Toronto. It safeguards the student’s well-being and ensures they have the necessary support network for success. Whether through family, homestays, or professional services, selecting a responsible custodian is one of the most important decisions a parent can make when planning their child’s education in Canada. With proper planning and oversight, students can thrive in Toronto’s vibrant, welcoming academic environment.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship for Study Permit in Toronto or other cities of Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
