Custodianship Declaration Form Canada
Custodianship Declaration Form in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
For minor international students planning to study in Canada, custodianship is a key requirement when parents are not accompanying them. The Custodianship Declaration Form is a legally binding document that establishes an adult as the custodian of the minor, responsible for their care and well-being during their stay in Canada. This guide explains the importance, process, and key considerations related to completing the Custodianship Declaration Form.
1. What is a Custodianship Declaration Form?
1.1. Definition
The Custodianship Declaration Form is an official document required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm that a minor student (under 18 or 19, depending on the province) has a responsible adult custodian in Canada.
1.2. Purpose
The form ensures that the minor:
- Has a designated adult to provide care and make decisions in emergencies.
- Complies with legal and educational requirements in Canada.
1.3. Who Needs It?
- Minors: All international students under the age of majority (18 or 19).
- Provinces with Age of Majority:
- 18 years: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan.
- 19 years: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon.
2. Role of a Custodian:
2.1. Responsibilities
- Educational Support: Liaising with the school regarding attendance, academic progress, and disciplinary issues.
- Legal Representation: Acting on behalf of the minor in legal matters.
- Health and Safety: Making decisions related to medical care and ensuring the minor's safety.
- Communication: Maintaining regular contact with the student’s parents.
2.2. Eligibility Criteria: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Over the age of 19 (or 18, depending on the province).
- Reside in the same city or near the student’s residence or school.
3. Structure of the Custodianship Declaration Form
The Custodianship Declaration Form consists of two main sections:
3.1. Custodian’s Declaration
- The custodian confirms their role and responsibilities.
- Requires the custodian's contact information, citizenship status, and address.
3.2. Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) Declaration
- Parents declare their consent for the custodian to act on their behalf.
- Includes parents’ contact information, relationship to the student, and signatures.
4. Steps to Complete the Custodianship Declaration Form
4.1. Download the Form
The form is available on the IRCC website or may be provided by the school or educational consultant.
4.2. Fill Out the Required Information
- Custodian Section: Name, address, and citizenship details.
- Parent/Guardian Section: Names, contact details, and consent signatures.
4.3. Notarization
- Both sections must be notarized to validate the document.
- Custodians and parents must notarize the form in their respective countries.
- Ensure the notary public’s stamp and signature are included.
4.4. Submit the Form
- Submit the completed and notarized form along with the student’s visa application.
- Schools may also require a copy for their records.
5. Key Considerations for Parents and Custodians
5.1. Choosing the Right Custodian
- Preferably someone the family knows or a professional custodian service.
- Ensure they are reliable, responsible, and live close to the student’s residence.
5.2. Legal Implications
- Custodianship grants the custodian authority to make critical decisions.
- Both parties should understand the legal obligations.
5.3. Language Requirements
Ensure the custodian is fluent in English or French to facilitate communication with schools and healthcare providers.
5.4. Cultural Sensitivity:
Choose a custodian who is sensitive to the student’s cultural background and values.
6. Custodianship for Homestay Students
Many homestay programs in Canada offer custodianship services as part of their packages. Benefits include:
- Living with a Canadian family.
- A built-in support system.
- Professional oversight by the homestay agency.
7. Challenges in the Custodianship Process: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada
7.1. Finding a Suitable Custodian
Not all families have friends or relatives in Canada, making it challenging to find a trusted custodian.
- Solution: Engage professional custodianship agencies.
7.2. Notarization Issues
Notarization in different countries may require additional steps.
- Solution: Use an international notary or consular services.
7.3. Compliance with Provincial Rules
Each province may have unique requirements for custodianship.
- Solution: Research and adhere to provincial guidelines.
8. Custodianship Agencies
Professional custodianship agencies provide comprehensive services, including:
- 24/7 emergency support.
- Regular updates to parents.
- Coordination with schools.
Popular agencies in Canada: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada
- The Custodian
- Student Homestay and Accommodation Canada
- IEC Immigration
9. Cost of Custodianship
Custodianship fees vary based on the level of service and location:
- Individual Custodians: $500–$1,500 annually.
- Professional Agencies: $2,000–$5,000 annually.
- Homestay with Custodianship: $800–$1,200 per month (includes accommodation).
10. Renewing or Terminating Custodianship: Custodianship Declaration Form Canada
Custodianship may need to be renewed annually or adjusted if:
- The student moves to a different city.
- The custodian can no longer fulfill their responsibilities.
To terminate the arrangement, both parties must sign a termination agreement, and a new custodian must be appointed if required.
11. Sample Custodianship Declaration
Below is a simplified example of the content included in a custodianship form:
Custodian Section:
- Full Name: [Custodian’s Name]
- Address: [Custodian’s Address]
- Citizenship Status: [Proof of Citizenship or PR]
- Signature: [Notarized Signature]
Parent Section:
- Full Names: [Parent/Guardian Names]
- Address: [Parent/Guardian Address]
- Signature: [Notarized Signature]
12. Conclusion
The Custodianship Declaration Form is an essential component of a minor international student’s journey to study in Canada. It ensures their safety, well-being, and legal compliance. By understanding the requirements, selecting the right custodian, and completing the process meticulously, parents can ensure a smooth transition for their child to a new and enriching educational experience in Canada.
In case, if you need help with Custodianship and Custodianship Declaration Form in Canada, please contact next companies: The Custodian, Student Homestay and Accommodation Canada, IEC Immigration.