Custodianship

In Canada, international students under the age of 19 may require a custodian. A custodian is an adult who takes legal responsibility for the student’s well-being and support while they study. A custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and provide a notarized Custodianship Declaration form as part of the student’s visa application. This ensures that minors have a trusted local contact to assist with important matters such as housing, healthcare, and academics during their stay in Canada. 

A custodian must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident. They must be at least 19 years old and live in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). If the custodian lives anywhere else in Nova Scotia, this is also acceptable on a case-by-case basis. 

Custodianship is required for any minor applying for a Canadian immigration document (e.g., study permit, visitor visa) and coming to Canada without their parents or legal guardians. If you are younger than 17, your application cannot be processed without having a custodian in Canada. You may need a custodian if the following applies to you: 

• Students younger than 17 must have a custodian. 

• Students 17 and older may need a custodian depending on the age of majority in the province where they are studying. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the immigration officer processing the application. 

The custodian helps support the student in case of emergencies. At Saint Mary’s University, the custodian will meet the student when they first arrive.  

If the student is traveling outside of Nova Scotia, the custodian will need the parent’s consent and details about where the student can be reached (address and phone number). The student must inform the custodian when they return to Halifax. 

The student must follow all the rules outlined by their custodian and provide accurate information when requested. They must also ensure that they stay in touch with the custodian, especially when traveling outside the province. 

If the International Student Centre is acting as the custodian for the student, the student must live on-campus in one of the residences at SMU.  

The student must complete the Custodianship Terms of Reference Form and the Custodianship Request Form. The student and their guardian must contact the International Student Centre and pay the $250 custodianship processing fee. Once contact is made and the fee is paid, the ISC will provide the required forms for completion. 

The custodianship fee is $250 CAD. This fee is non-refundable. If your study permit application is refused, the fee will not be refunded.  

Payment is made through the CIBC ISP (the same process as tuition). You will need your A# to make the payment. Saint Mary's will receive payment confirmation within 10 business days depending on the student’s country. For payment details, please visit SMU Payment Methods. 

If the International Student Centre is acting as the student’s custodian and the student moves out of their on-campus residence to live off-campus before turning 19, The International Student Centre will cancel the custodianship. The custodianship fee will not be refunded and student, their parents, and IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will be informed of this change. The International Student Centre will not act as the custodian for the student again.  

If the ISC is acting as the student’s custodian, it is not recommended to move off campus before turning 19, as this can cause complications with the student’s immigration status and study permit. 

Custodians must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who are at least 19 years old. A non-Canadian citizen or non-permanent resident status relative or friend cannot act as custodian for the student. 

If your study permit application is refused but you are reapplying, the custodianship service will still be available, and you will not be charged the custodianship fee again.