Yes, if your child is under 17 and coming to Canada without a parent. From 17 up to the age of majority (18 or 19 depending on the province) the visa officer decides case by case, and high school students should normally have one. If a parent lives with the child in Canada for the whole stay, no custodian is needed.
Key facts
- Under 17 without a parent: custodian required
- 17 to age of majority: officer decides case by case
- Age of majority 18: AB, MB, ON, PE, QC, SK
- Age of majority 19: BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, YT
The IRCC rule
IRCC treats a student as a minor until they reach the age of majority in the province or territory where they will live. Minors who come without a parent or legal guardian need a custodian in Canada, confirmed with the IMM 5646 declaration.
Age of majority by province and territory
| Province or territory | Age of majority |
|---|---|
| Alberta | 18 |
| British Columbia | 19 |
| Manitoba | 18 |
| New Brunswick | 19 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 19 |
| Northwest Territories | 19 |
| Nova Scotia | 19 |
| Nunavut | 19 |
| Ontario | 18 |
| Prince Edward Island | 18 |
| Quebec | 18 |
| Saskatchewan | 18 |
| Yukon | 19 |
What if my child is 17 or 18?
Between 17 and the age of majority, the officer looks at the level of study, maturity, finances, travel history and how easily the parents can be reached. A secondary school student should normally have a custodian. In BC and Nova Scotia, an 18-year-old is still a minor.
School boards can ask for more
Many school boards require every international student to have a custodian, even after 18, and some require the custodianship to last the full school year. Check your school's rules as well as IRCC's.
When you don't need one
If at least one parent lives with the child in Canada for the whole stay, a custodian is not required. If only one parent comes, bring a signed consent letter from the other parent.
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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