For international learners who are under 18 years of age, the Canadian government requires that a responsible adult living in Canada be appointed as the student’s legal custodian when applying for a Study Permit. Nova High School Canada offers an official Custodianship Service to help families meet this requirement and to ensure that each minor student has reliable support throughout their time in Canada. This service provides families with confidence that their child’s safety, well-being, and legal obligations are fully managed.
custodian
Support for Minor International Students
Purpose of the Custodianship Service
A custodian acts in place of a parent while the student is living and studying in Canada, providing oversight and assistance in matters such as medical needs, emergencies, and communication with the school. The annual fee for Nova High School Canada’s Custodianship Service is $2,000. Although this service appears as “optional” within the fee schedule, it is legally required for all international students under 18 who will not be accompanied by a parent residing in Canada.
What the Custodian is Responsible For
- Government-Recognized Legal Custody:
Acting as the student’s officially appointed custodian for Study Permit applications and for compliance with federal regulations. - Emergency Support:
Always being available as the student’s emergency contact and assisting in urgent or unforeseen situations. - Parental Communication and Oversight:
Coordinating with the school, homestay providers, and families abroad regarding the student’s academic performance and daily well-being.
To formalize the custodianship arrangement, parents must complete and notarize the necessary consent documents in their home country. The selected custodian in Canada must also notarize their own declaration. Nova High School Canada’s administrative team assists families by guiding them through the required steps and helping ensure that the custodianship documents are prepared correctly for the Study Permit application.