Custodian

Custodian

A person who has responsibility for taking care of or protecting something is called a custodian.

A custodian is a responsible adult, who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, who will take care of and support the minor child while they study in Canada. A custodian is optional for minors 17 years of age and older, but an officer can request one on a case-by-case basis.

While most international students studying at the post-secondary level in Canada are no longer minors, it can sometimes be the case that a first-year (or even a second-year) student is below what we call the Age of Majority in Canada. If you are below the Age of Majority, you are legally considered a minor and if in addition, you are under the age of 17, you must have a custodian if you will be studying in Canada.

The parents or legal guardians must prove the minor child will have the care and support they need during their stay in Canada. Minor children under the age of 17 must either

• Come with their parent or legal guardian or
• Have a custodian in Canada

Who can be custodian for international students in Canada -

Each International Student is required to have a Custodian who makes sure the student receives care and support when needed, including in times of emergency. As required by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, the Custodian must be 19 years or older and be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.

Custodian responsibilities:

      Assist the student with arrival:

• Attend the admission intake meeting with the International Admissions Office
• Attend the assessment appointment with the WRDSB Welcome Centre
• Accompany the student to the school for registration and sign the registration forms

     During the school year:

• Serve as the official contact for the school in educational or behavioral matters
• Provide consent as needed by the school for academic programs and activities
• Attend parent-teacher interviews
• Send a copy of the report card to the student’s parents
• Communicate with the student’s parents

     When needed:

• Advise parents immediately of any school issues that present a problem or concern
• Assist the student in finding medical care and the submission of medical insurance claims

     If a student is returning:

• Assist with the renewal process for the next school year
• Notify International Admissions before leaving the country to ensure the student will have local support during this time
• Notify International Admissions if custodian information changes (address, custodian, etc.)