Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan: A Complete Guide for International Families

Introduction

Canada continues to be a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, cultural diversity, and safe living environments. Within Canada, Saskatchewan is increasingly favored by international families for its affordability, excellent public education, and smaller, community-focused cities like Regina and Saskatoon. However, when minors—those under the age of 18—come to study in Saskatchewan without a parent or legal guardian, they must have a custodian.

Custodianship is a legal and logistical necessity for minor students in Canada. It ensures that an adult is responsible for their well-being, safety, and decision-making while they reside in Canada. This report provides a detailed overview of custodianship in Saskatchewan, including legal requirements, the appointment process, responsibilities, and practical tips for families.

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1. Legal Framework of Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

1.1. Age of Majority

In Saskatchewan, the age of majority is 18. Anyone under this age is considered a minor and legally requires adult supervision. International students who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian appointed to fulfill parental responsibilities in Canada.

1.2. Immigration Requirement: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that minor students not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian in Canada. This applies to all provinces, including Saskatchewan, and is a precondition for approval of the study permit application.

A custodianship declaration must be completed and notarized using the IRCC form IMM 5646 – Custodianship Declaration.

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2. What is Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan?

A custodian is a responsible adult (18 years or older) who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This person acts in place of a parent while the minor is studying and living in Canada. The custodian does not replace the parent legally but is authorized to make decisions in situations where parental guidance is necessary.

2.1. Custodian Responsibilities

Custodians are expected to:

• Respond to emergencies, including medical or legal matters.

• Support the student’s daily well-being, including mental and emotional health.

• Communicate with the school regarding academic performance, behavior, and health.

• Assist in healthcare decisions, including medical appointments and hospital visits.

• Provide contact and supervision outside of school hours if the student is not in a homestay or boarding situation.

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3. Who Can Be a Custodian in Saskatchewan?

The custodian must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Live within reasonable distance from the student.

• Be capable of acting on the parents’ behalf in all academic, medical, and legal situations.

3.1. Typical Custodians: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodians can be:

• Relatives (e.g., aunt, uncle, grandparent, older sibling)

• Family friends

• Homestay hosts (with school or parental approval)

• Professional guardianship service providers

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4. Custodianship Documentation Process: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

To meet IRCC requirements, families must submit a custodianship declaration. The IMM 5646 form has two parts:

4.1. Part One: Parental Consent

• Completed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in the student’s home country.

• Must be notarized by a notary public or lawyer in the country of origin.

• Grants the custodian authority to act on their behalf.

4.2. Part Two: Custodian’s Undertaking: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Completed by the custodian in Canada.

• Must also be notarized in Canada.

• States the custodian’s acceptance of responsibility.

Both sections must be submitted with the study permit application and may also be required by the school or school board.

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5. Schools and School Board Policies in Saskatchewan

5.1. Public School Boards

Saskatoon Public Schools and Regina Public Schools both have strict policies for international students under 18:

• Require notarized custodianship documents.

• May request criminal background checks for custodians.

• Expect custodians to attend school meetings and be reachable in emergencies.

5.2. Catholic and Private Schools: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Schools like Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools or Luther College High School in Regina may offer:

• In-house custodianship services.

• Homestay arrangements that include guardianship.

• Extra support for younger students.

Always consult the individual school’s international office to confirm custodianship policies.

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6. Accommodation and Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

6.1. Homestay Programs

Most minor students live in homestay settings, which are often coordinated by the school or a third-party agency. In some cases, the homestay host can also serve as the student’s custodian—if approved by the family and the school.

Homestay services in Saskatchewan typically include:

• A private room

• Meals and utilities

• Transportation to and from school

• Adult supervision and mentorship

6.2. Living with Relatives

Living with a relative who serves as custodian is often the preferred choice for many families, as it provides continuity of care and a family-like environment.

6.3. Boarding or Private Rentals: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Older students (ages 16–17) may live in student residences or private rentals with parental and custodian approval. In such cases, daily supervision responsibilities fall more heavily on the custodian.

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7. Professional Custodianship Services

When families do not have relatives or friends in Saskatchewan, they may hire professional custodianship agencies. These providers offer:

• Custodianship declaration preparation and notarization

• 24/7 emergency contact

• School communication and progress reports

• Regular check-ins with the student

• Accommodation oversight

7.1. Costs: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Professional custodianship services range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000 per year, depending on the service level and age of the student.

7.2. Things to Consider When Hiring

• Check that the agency is reputable and established.

• Request references from other international families.

• Ensure services include legal documentation and emergency care.

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8. Healthcare and Insurance Responsibilities: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

All international students in Saskatchewan must have adequate health insurance. The custodian often helps with:

• Applying for Saskatchewan Health Coverage if the student qualifies (for stays over 6 months).

• Purchasing private insurance if provincial coverage is not available.

• Taking the student to clinics or hospitals as needed.

• Acting as next of kin in case of a medical emergency.

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9. Travel and Legal Authorization: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

When a student travels alone—such as flying within Canada or to the U.S.—they may need:

• A travel consent letter from the custodian.

• Copies of the custodianship declaration.

• Proof of medical insurance.

Custodians may also be required to authorize legal documents like field trip permissions, part-time work applications (if allowed), or banking arrangements.

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10. Risks of Not Having a Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Not appointing a custodian properly can lead to:

• Study permit refusal by IRCC.

• Denial of enrollment by Saskatchewan schools.

• Legal consequences if a minor is found unsupervised.

• Inability to access healthcare or emergency support.

It’s essential to follow all steps thoroughly and maintain clear, ongoing communication between the parents, custodian, and school.

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11. Changing Custodians or Updating Information: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

If there is a need to change the custodian during the student’s stay:

1. Notify the school and IRCC.

2. Submit new notarized forms (IMM 5646) with updated information.

3. Ensure the new custodian is briefed on the student’s history and needs.

The school and immigration authorities must have the most current information to ensure legal compliance.

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12. Recommendations for Parents: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Start the custodianship process at least 3–6 months before the program start date.

• Interview and vet potential custodians carefully.

• Choose someone local and accessible to the school and student.

• Keep a copy of the notarized custodianship forms.

• Confirm that the school has all required documents.

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13. Summary Checklist for Custodianship in Saskatchewan

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Conclusion

Custodianship is an essential part of international education for minors studying in Saskatchewan. It ensures that students have a responsible adult to care for them and guide them while they pursue their academic goals in Canada. By understanding and fulfilling custodianship requirements, parents can ensure their children have a safe, legal, and enriching study experience in Saskatchewan.

Whether using a trusted family member or a professional agency, appointing a custodian is not just a legal step—it’s an investment in your child’s safety and success abroad.

In case, if you need help with Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan or other provinces of Canada, please contact The Custodian Canada.