What is a Student Custodianship Declaration?
A Student Custodianship Declaration is a legal document used by parents who live outside Canada to formally appoint a Canadian resident as the legal custodian of their child for the duration of the child's studies in Canada. The appointed custodian acts in the place of the parent for all school, medical, and care-related decisions while the student is in Canada.
This document is commonly required by Canadian schools and immigration authorities as a condition of a student's study permit when the accompanying parent or guardian will not be residing in Canada with them.
When Would You Use This?
- A minor child is coming to Canada to study and their parents will remain in their home country
- A Canadian school or school board requires proof of local custodianship as a condition of enrolment
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires a custodianship declaration as part of a student permit application for a minor
- The parent wants to designate a trusted Canadian family member, friend, or community member as the responsible adult
What This Template Covers
- Declaration by the parent confirming legal custody and authorizing the named custodian(s)
- Acceptance declaration by the custodian(s) confirming they reside at the student's address and will fulfill their obligations
- Signature blocks for the parent and custodian(s), each affirmed before a notary public
- Space for up to two custodians
Important Notes
- The parent's signature must be affirmed before a notary public or commissioner of oaths in the country where the parent resides
- The custodian's signature must be affirmed before a notary public or commissioner of oaths in Canada
- The custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, over the age of majority, and must actually reside at the student's intended address
- Many schools and IRCC have their own specific custodianship form requirements — check with the institution before using this template, as they may require their own form
- This document does not grant the custodian any authority over the parent's finances or property
How to Use This Template
Click the button below to open a copy in Google Docs. Fill in the student's details, the parent's information, and the custodian's information. The document has two sections — one for the parent to sign (in their country of residence, before a notary or equivalent), and one for the custodian(s) to sign in Canada before a notary public. Both sections must be completed before the document is relied upon.
Opens a personal copy in Google Docs. A Google account is required to access and save your copy. If you request access to the original file instead, it will be denied — please use the button above to get your own copy.