Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students seeking high-quality education in a safe, multicultural environment. Within Canada, the province of Saskatchewan is growing in popularity due to its affordable tuition, welcoming communities, and strong public education system. However, for international students under the age of 18, there is a crucial legal requirement: custodianship. This report explores the custodianship process for minor international students in Saskatchewan, its legal foundation, practical requirements, roles and responsibilities, and options available to families.

Legal Context of Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

In Canada, the legal age of majority is determined by each province. In Saskatchewan, a person is considered a minor if they are under 18 years old. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that all minor students who come to study in Canada without a parent or legal guardian must have a custodian. A custodian is a responsible adult who resides in Canada and is authorized to care for and make decisions on behalf of the student during their stay.

The custodianship requirement ensures that minor students have access to responsible support and supervision while studying in Canada. It is both a legal and a practical measure to safeguard the welfare of young learners.

The Role of Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

A custodian acts in loco parentis, meaning in place of the parent, while the student is in Saskatchewan. The custodian’s responsibilities are wide-ranging and include:

1. Ensuring the student’s safety, health, and general welfare.
2. Acting as the main point of contact in case of emergencies.
3. Making decisions related to the student’s education, health care, and living arrangements.
4. Communicating regularly with the school and the student’s parents.
5. Supporting the student’s adaptation to life in Canada.

While a custodian is not the student’s legal guardian in the full legal sense, they hold temporary and limited authority necessary to protect the minor’s well-being.

Who Can Be a Custodian and provide Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan?

To serve as a custodian, the individual must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be over 18 years of age.
• Reside in the province where the student is studying.
• Be capable of assuming responsibility for the student.

Custodians can be relatives, family friends, homestay providers, or professional custodianship service providers. Families often prefer someone they already know and trust, but when that is not possible, professional custodianship services offer reliable and regulated alternatives.

Custodianship Documentation: IMM 5646

The primary document used to declare custodianship is the Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646). This form is required by IRCC for the study permit application. It consists of two parts:

1. Declaration by the Parent or Legal Guardian – Completed and notarized in the student’s home country. It authorizes the custodian to act in place of the parent.
2. Declaration by the Custodian – Completed and notarized in Canada. It confirms the custodian’s willingness to assume responsibility.

Both declarations must be submitted with the student’s study permit application. Schools in Saskatchewan also require a copy during registration.

Selecting Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Families should consider several factors when selecting a custodian:

• Location: The custodian should live within reasonable proximity to the student’s school and residence.
• Availability: The custodian must be able to respond quickly in emergencies and attend school meetings.
• Experience: Prior experience with minors or familiarity with the Canadian education system is a plus.
• Communication: The custodian should maintain regular contact with the student and the parents.

Types of Custodianship Arrangements for Students in Saskatchewan

1. Relatives or Friends: When available, this is often the preferred choice. It provides a familiar cultural context and greater peace of mind for parents.
2. Homestay Providers: Some homestay programs in Saskatchewan offer custodianship as part of their services. This is convenient for families who want both accommodation and supervision under one arrangement.
3. Professional Custodianship Services: These agencies offer full custodianship packages, including 24/7 emergency support, academic supervision, and regular reporting to parents. They are ideal for families with no existing contacts in Canada.

School Requirements in Saskatchewan: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Public and private schools in Saskatchewan require international students under 18 to have a custodian before admission is finalized. For example:

• Regina Public Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools mandate that students submit notarized custodianship forms before or upon arrival.
• Schools may also request proof of the custodian’s residence and contact information.
• Some institutions provide assistance with arranging custodianship through approved partners.

Accommodation and Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Where the student lives is closely tied to custodianship. Common options include:

• Homestays: Provide family-style living with meals and supervision. Often include custodianship.
• Boarding Schools: Some private schools offer custodianship within their boarding programs.
• Relatives: Students may live with family members who also serve as custodians.
• Independent Living: Older minors may live in rented accommodations with adult supervision provided by the custodian.

Regardless of housing type, the custodian must ensure that the student’s living conditions are safe and supportive.

Health Care and Insurance: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan provides provincial health coverage (Saskatchewan Health Card) to international students with a valid study permit of at least six months. The custodian is responsible for:

• Enrolling the student in the provincial health plan.
• Ensuring the student has additional private insurance if needed.
• Handling medical appointments and emergencies.

Travel and Legal Authorization: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

Minors traveling to and from Canada may need additional documentation, such as a letter of authorization from parents. The custodian should:

• Maintain copies of the student’s travel documents.
• Authorize participation in school trips and activities.
• Be listed as an emergency contact on all legal and school documents.

Changing a Custodian: Custodianship for Students in Saskatchewan

If a custodian needs to be changed, a new set of notarized custodianship forms must be submitted to IRCC and the student’s school. The school and immigration authorities must be notified immediately. A new declaration must reflect the new custodian’s commitment and the parent’s authorization.

Common Challenges and Best Practices

• Communication Barriers: Ensure that the custodian and family speak a common language or have clear communication protocols.
• Distance: Avoid appointing custodians who live far from the student’s school.
• Misunderstanding Roles: Custodians should be briefed on their responsibilities and boundaries.
• Documentation: Always keep copies of notarized forms and share them with the school and IRCC.

Best practices include regular check-ins between the custodian, student, and parents, as well as involving the custodian in academic and social development.

Conclusion

Custodianship is a foundational requirement for international minors studying in Saskatchewan. It provides legal oversight, emotional support, and practical assistance to ensure that students thrive in their new environment. Whether arranged through family, homestay, or professional services, a reliable custodian is essential for academic success and personal well-being. With clear documentation, open communication, and a strong support network, custodianship becomes not only a legal obligation but a bridge between home and a new life in Canada.

 

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