Custodianship for minors
Custodianship and Study Permits for Children in Canada
Sending your child to study in another country is one of the bravest things a parent can do. My job is to make sure it is also one of the safest.
What custodianship is
If your child comes to Canada to study without a parent, immigration authorities require a custodian: an adult resident of Canada who takes responsibility for the child’s care. The custodianship declaration, form IMM 5646, is signed by the parents and by the custodian, notarized on both sides, and filed with the study permit application. Without it, a minor’s application does not move.
Paper custodians are a risk I do not take
Some agencies will sell you a signature. If something happens at 2 a.m., a signature will not pick up the phone. I founded the Custodianship Student Support Agency in Toronto, and over the years we have been actual custodians to more than two thousand students: homestay placement with families we know personally, school communication, emergency contact around the clock, and regular reports home, so parents see how their child is doing rather than guess.
What I offer
As one package or separately
Custodianship declaration (IMM 5646)
Prepared correctly, notarized, ready for the application.
Real custodial care in Toronto and the GTA
A person your child can call, and a person the school can call.
The child’s study permit
As a licensed RCIC I prepare and submit the full application: study plan, financial documents, parental consents.
Visas for the family
A visit visa for parents to come see their child, or a plan for the whole family’s future in Canada.
For parents abroad
You will always know who is responsible for your child, by name and by phone number. We speak your language, English, Russian or Ukrainian, and you will get honest answers, including the uncomfortable ones. That is the deal I make with every family.
A note on the rules
Children in primary and secondary school are exempt from Canada’s study permit caps and attestation letters, so a well-prepared minor’s application is usually straightforward. The most common problems are missing custodianship documents and unclear financial evidence, both preventable.
Related services
Study Permits
School choice, applications and the path to PR.
Visitor Visas
A visit visa for parents coming to see their child.
Family Sponsorship
When the whole family plans a future in Canada.
Your child is going to study in Canada?
Let us make the paperwork airtight and the care real. Start with a conversation.