Skip to content
Study in Simcoe County

Custodianship

Custodianship

All international students studying in the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) must have a custodian, regardless of age, program length, or whether a study permit is required.

A custodian is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives locally and takes responsibility for the student’s care and support. This ensures every student has a trusted adult in Canada who can provide guidance, make decisions in emergencies, and communicate with parents and the school.

Why It’s Required

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires proof of custodianship for minor students applying for a study permit.
  • SCDSB policy goes further: all international students must have a custodian, even if their program does not require a study permit (for example, one semester or short-term programs).

Custodian Requirements at SCDSB

Custodian must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be 25 years of age or older
  • Reside in Ontario, within reasonable distance of the student

Custodian Responsibilities

  • Provide care and supervision for the student
  • Act in the student’s best interests, especially in emergencies
  • Maintain communication with the school and the student’s parents/guardians

At Simcoe County DSB

  • Students living in homestay will have their custodian arranged through the Canada Homestay Network (CHN), our trusted homestay partner.
  • Students in private housing must have a custodian appointed by their parents or agent who meets the requirements above.

How to Appoint a Custodian

  1. Select a custodian who meets SCDSB requirements (Canadian citizen/PR, 25+, Ontario resident).
  2. Complete the Government of Canada’s Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646).
    • Page 1: signed and notarized in Canada by the custodian
    • Page 2: signed and notarized abroad by the parent/guardian
  3. Submit the form with the study permit application (if applicable) and provide a copy to the SCDSB International Student Program: studyinsimcoecounty@scdsb.on.ca