To change a custodian for a minor international student in Canada, parents must submit a newly notarized Custodianship Declaration (Form IMM 5646) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The new custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has reached the age of majority in the province where the student lives.
Every year, thousands of minor students arrive in Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary to attend primary or high school. 🎓 Because these students are under the age of majority, Canadian law strictly requires them to have a local custodian. This adult is legally responsible for the child’s care and support in an emergency.
Sometimes, a student needs to change their homestay family, or their current custodian moves away. 📦 Updating this information with IRCC is not optional; it is a mandatory condition of the study permit. Failing to notify the government can result in the student losing their legal status in Canada. If you are unsure how to properly file these updates, consulting a local immigration lawyer from our directory is a smart way to protect your child’s education.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether the student is studying in Ontario or British Columbia, changing a custodian follows a strict federal procedure. 📋 Generally, parents and the new custodian must work together to complete the paperwork before the student actually moves to the new home.
Step 1: Find an Eligible Custodian
Not just anyone can be a custodian. 👤 The new person must be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident (PR). They must also be over the age of majority in the province where the school is located. For example, if the student goes to school in Alberta, the custodian must be at least 18 years old.
Step 2: Complete the Custodianship Declaration
The parents and the new custodian must fill out Form IMM 5646 (Custodianship Declaration). 📝 This official IRCC document has two separate pages. The first page is filled out by the new custodian in Canada. The second page is filled out by the student’s parents or legal guardians in their home country.
Step 3: Notarize the Documents
Both pages of the form must be notarized. ⚖ The new custodian must take their page to a Canadian notary public or a lawyer to sign it under oath. The parents must take their page to a notary public in their home country. IRCC will firmly reject any form that is simply signed without an official notary seal.
Step 4: Submit the Update to IRCC
Once both notarized pages are collected, you must notify the government. 💻 The most common way to do this is by submitting the new IMM 5646 form through the IRCC Web form online. You should include a brief letter of explanation stating that the student has changed custodians and providing the new contact details.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Updating your custodian information does not require a new government application fee, but there are administrative costs. 💵 As of May 2026, you should expect the following average costs in CAD:
- IRCC Update Fee: $0 CAD. (Using the IRCC Web form is completely free).
- Canadian Notary Fees: $50 to $150 CAD to notarize the Canadian side of the document.
- Home Country Notary Fees: Equivalent of $30 to $100 CAD, depending on the local jurisdiction.
- Law Firm Assistance: $300 to $800 CAD if you hire an immigration lawyer to review the documents and draft the explanation letter.
| Canadian Province or Territory | Age of Majority (Minimum Age for Custodian) |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, Quebec, Saskatchewan | 18 years old |
| BC, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Territories | 19 years old |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Drafting and notarizing the documents usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly the parents can mail or email the forms from overseas. ⏳ Once submitted via the IRCC Web form, it typically takes the government 2 to 4 weeks to acknowledge receipt and update the student’s file in their internal system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a school principal be the custodian?
Yes. In many cases, especially at private boarding schools, the school’s principal or a designated homestay coordinator will act as the legal custodian for the minor student during their time in Canada.
Does the custodian have to live in the same city?
Yes, generally. IRCC expects the custodian to live within a reasonable distance of the student’s home and school. A custodian living in Toronto cannot reasonably care for a student attending high school in Vancouver.
Do I need to apply for a new study permit?
No. Changing your custodian or homestay family does not require you to apply for a brand new study permit, provided you are still attending the same level of schooling. You simply must update IRCC with the new notarized declaration.
What happens if the parents visit Canada?
If a parent travels to Canada on a visitor visa and stays with the minor student full-time, a custodian may no longer be required for that specific period. However, if the parent leaves, the custodianship arrangement must be active immediately.
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