Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

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

Introduction

Canada is globally recognized for its inclusive and high-quality education system. Within this framework, Saskatchewan has emerged as a compelling destination for international students seeking quality education in a safe, affordable, and culturally rich environment. Cities like Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert offer a range of educational institutions—from public high schools to private and faith-based academies—that welcome students from across the globe.

However, international students who are minors (under the age of 18) must meet additional legal requirements before studying in Canada. One of the most critical of these is custodianship. Custodianship ensures that a responsible adult in Canada is authorized to act on behalf of a minor student, particularly in matters related to welfare, medical emergencies, legal issues, and school interactions. This report provides a comprehensive overview of custodianship for students in Saskatchewan—its legal basis, responsibilities, process, options available, and practical considerations.

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1. Legal Context of Custodianship in Canada and Saskatchewan

1.1 Federal and Provincial Requirements

The Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), mandates that all minor students who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian while residing in Canada. This requirement applies regardless of the student’s country of origin or the nature of their study permit.

Saskatchewan, like other provinces, follows this national requirement but may also have region-specific protocols based on the school board or district in which the student is enrolled. The legal age of majority in Saskatchewan is 18 years, meaning anyone younger must have adult supervision.

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2. Understanding Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

2.1 What is a Custodian?

A custodian is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18 who agrees to take on temporary responsibility for an international minor student during their stay in Canada. A custodian does not become a legal guardian in the full sense, but they are empowered to act in loco parentis—in place of a parent—while the student is in Saskatchewan.

2.2 Custodian Responsibilities: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodianship is more than a formality; it is a position of significant trust. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the student’s health, safety, and general well-being.

• Acting on behalf of the parent in medical emergencies.

• Making academic decisions, such as attending school meetings or giving permission for extracurricular activities.

• Communicating regularly with the student, parents, and school officials.

• Providing guidance, support, and in some cases, supervisory care.

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3. The Custodianship Process: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

3.1 The Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646)

The primary legal document used to formalize custodianship is the Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646). This form has two parts, both of which must be notarized and submitted as part of the minor’s study permit application.

Part One: Declaration by the Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s)

• Completed in the student’s home country.

• Specifies the custodian’s details and the student’s planned residence.

• Must be signed and notarized by a notary public in the home country.

Part Two: Declaration by the Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

• Completed by the custodian in Canada.

• Confirms their willingness to accept responsibility for the student.

• Must be notarized in Canada.

These forms are submitted to IRCC with the study permit application and must also be provided to the school or school board upon enrollment.

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4. Who Can Be a Custodian in Saskatchewan?

4.1 Eligibility Criteria: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

The ideal custodian should meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Live in reasonable proximity to the student’s place of residence or school.

• Be able to act promptly in emergencies and attend school functions.

• Be available to communicate with both the parents and the school.

4.2 Types of Custodians: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Family Members or Friends

If the student has relatives or close family friends in Saskatchewan, they are usually the first choice as custodians. Familiarity, cultural understanding, and trust make this an attractive option.

Homestay Hosts

Some homestay programs allow the host family to act as the student’s custodian, provided they meet the legal requirements and are approved by the parents and school board.

Professional Guardianship Services

In cases where families do not have relatives or friends in Saskatchewan, they can hire a professional custodianship agency. These organizations specialize in providing:

• Legally recognized custodianship documents.

• 24/7 emergency contact.

• Support for academic and health-related issues.

• Regular communication with parents abroad.

Professional custodianship services in Saskatchewan typically range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000 per academic year.

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5. The Role of Schools and School Boards: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

5.1 Public School Boards

Saskatchewan’s major public school boards, such as Regina Public Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools, require that all minor international students:

• Submit a notarized custodianship form.

• Register the custodian’s contact information at the school office.

• Inform the school if the custodian changes during the school year.

5.2 Catholic and Private Schools: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Faith-based institutions, such as Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools or Luther College High School in Regina, often have their own in-house custodianship and homestay programs, which streamline the process for international students.

Private schools may have stricter requirements or offer full-service packages that include custodianship, accommodation, meals, and academic support.

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6. Accommodation and Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

6.1 Homestay Arrangements

A homestay is a popular option where students live with a Canadian host family. Some programs integrate custodianship into their services. Homestays provide:

• A family environment.

• Cultural immersion.

• Daily supervision and emotional support.

6.2 Living with Relatives: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Students living with approved relatives (e.g., uncle, aunt, grandparent) typically benefit from consistent supervision and lower costs. This setup is often preferred by parents for younger students.

6.3 Student Residences and Rentals

Older students may live in dormitories or private rentals, especially if they are 16 or 17. In these cases, the custodian must ensure that the housing meets safety standards and should still visit regularly.

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7. Health and Safety Responsibilities: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodians play a key role in ensuring that the student:

• Is enrolled in a health insurance plan (either private or provincial).

• Has access to medical and dental care.

• Receives mental health support when needed.

• Has an emergency plan in place.

In Saskatchewan, international students staying longer than six months may qualify for Saskatchewan Health Coverage, but custodians must apply on their behalf.

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8. Travel and Legal Documentation: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Minor students often travel alone between their home country and Canada. For such cases:

• A travel authorization letter from the parents is required.

• The custodian must keep copies of the student’s passport, visa, and insurance.

• Custodians may need to provide authorization for school field trips, part-time work applications, or banking.

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9. Risks of Inadequate Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Neglecting to appoint a custodian or choosing an unqualified individual can lead to serious problems, including:

• Rejection of the study permit.

• Delayed or denied school registration.

• Inadequate care in emergencies.

• Violation of Canadian child protection laws.

It is essential for parents to take this process seriously and verify the legitimacy of custodianship arrangements.

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10. Changing or Replacing a Custodian

Sometimes, the custodian needs to be changed due to relocation, illness, or a change in the student’s accommodation. In such cases:

1. A new IMM 5646 form must be submitted and notarized.

2. The school must be formally notified.

3. IRCC must be informed, especially if the change occurs during a visa extension or renewal process.

The new custodian must fully understand their responsibilities and be legally and physically available.

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11. Recommendations for Parents and Students: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

To ensure a smooth experience, here are practical tips for families:

Before Arrival:

• Start custodianship planning at least 6 months before departure.

• Choose a custodian near the school and residence.

• Notarize all documents and keep copies for your records.

After Arrival:

• Confirm your child’s well-being and adjustment.

• Communicate regularly with the custodian.

• Ensure your child has access to mental health and academic support.

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12. Summary Checklist: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

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Conclusion

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan is a legal, emotional, and logistical cornerstone of studying in Saskatchewan for international minors. By ensuring the presence of a responsible adult who can act in the student’s best interests, custodianship guarantees not only compliance with Canadian law but also peace of mind for families abroad.

Whether handled through relatives, trusted friends, or professional agencies, custodianship must be approached with diligence and care. With proper planning, transparent communication, and the right custodian, students will have the support they need to thrive academically and personally during their time in Saskatchewan.

 

 

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