A custodian is the adult IRCC and the school treat as the parent in Canada: they sign the IMM 5646, give consent and handle emergencies. A homestay host provides a room, meals and daily supervision. A legal guardian is a court-recognized role, usually the parents themselves. One person can be both custodian and homestay host, but they are separate responsibilities.
Key facts
- Custodian: legal stand-in for parents in Canada, named on IMM 5646
- Homestay: housing and daily care, arranged privately or by the school
- Legal guardian: holds legal custody, normally the parents
Side by side
| Custodian | Homestay host | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by IRCC | Yes, for most minors | No |
| Signs IMM 5646 | Yes | Only if also the custodian |
| Emergency and medical consent | Yes | Day-to-day only |
| Talks to the school | Yes | Sometimes |
| Provides a room and meals | Not usually | Yes |
Why it matters
If a homestay changes or something goes wrong at home, the custodian is the independent adult who checks on your child and tells you. Keeping the roles separate gives your child two trusted adults instead of one.
What we do
We act as custodian, monitor the homestay, and can help you find one. You get regular updates and a 24/7 emergency contact.
Sources: IRCC, Study permits: Guidelines on minor children. This article is general information and not legal advice. For your situation, talk to our team.
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