Frequently asked questions

What is guardianship or custodianship in Canada?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires international students under 17 who study in Canada without a parent or legal guardian to have a custodian. For students 17 and older, an officer may still ask for one, and many boarding schools require a local guardian until the age of majority (18, or 19 in some provinces). Through our guardianship program, temporary custodianship of your child is assigned to DNA Guardianship for the duration of their studies. A DNA Guardianship custodian acts in place of parents, assisting with emergencies, accommodation, immigration, travel, and your child’s overall success.

What are the legal requirements?

Students who need a custodian must submit a notarized Custodianship Declaration (form IMM 5646) with their study permit application. This two-page legal document must be:

• Signed and notarized by the custodian in Canada (page 1)
• Signed and notarized by the parents or legal guardians in their home country (page 2)

Who can be a guardian or custodian?

A custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 19 years old, and able to provide care, support, and supervision for the minor student. The age of majority varies across Canada:

• 18 years: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Saskatchewan
• 19 years: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon

How far in advance should we arrange guardianship?

Ideally 2 to 3 months before your child arrives. This leaves time to prepare documents, notarize them in both countries, process the study permit, and coordinate with the school and accommodation providers.

What services does DNA Guardianship provide?

We cover legal guardianship, health and wellness, academic guidance, cultural integration, and safe travel. We offer two packages, DNA Core Services and DNA Core Services+, plus à la carte DNA Premium Services. Core includes legal assistance, ongoing communication with families, 24/7 wellness support, and orientation. Core+ adds academic advice, help finding tutors, mentors and language support, and curated cultural activities. Premium options (DNA Settle, DNA Achieve and DNA Explore) add personalized settlement, academic counselling and life skills, and cultural, seasonal and outdoor activities.

Who will be my child’s guardian?

Each student is assigned a dedicated guardian based on school location, language needs, and age. Before your child arrives, you receive your guardian’s contact information, background, and qualifications. Your guardian is your primary point of contact throughout your child’s studies.

How often will you communicate with us as parents?

Whenever you ask, we report on your child’s well-being and obtain the latest academic report from the school. We contact you immediately about emergencies, disciplinary issues, significant academic concerns, or anything requiring your input. You can reach your assigned guardian at any time.

Do you provide services in different languages?

Yes: French, English, and Spanish. Support in other languages can also be arranged.

What areas do you serve?

We are based near Montréal, Québec. We offer in-person support in Ontario, Québec and the Atlantic provinces, and online support everywhere in Canada, coordinating with schools, homestays and local resources wherever your child studies.

Do you help with university or college applications?

Yes, in Canada or elsewhere. We attend guidance counselling sessions, review university options, help with application documents, provide reference letters as needed, and coordinate with parents on major educational decisions. Our team brings over 45 years of combined experience in education.

What happens in a medical emergency?

Your child’s assigned guardian can act on your behalf to support medical decisions and consent to treatment. We keep your child’s health insurance information, medical history, and emergency contacts on file, and our guardians are available 24/7 to accompany students to medical appointments or the emergency room.

Can my child travel outside Canada during holidays?

Yes, with advance planning. Travel requires written consent and a custodianship letter from the guardian. We coordinate travel plans with you, make sure documents are in order, and can arrange airport transportation. Re-entering Canada requires valid documents, including the study permit and custodianship declaration.

What if my child wants or needs to change schools?

A school change requires guardian approval and may affect the study permit. Your guardian consults with you, assesses the new school, liaises with both institutions, and helps update immigration documents with IRCC.

What if there’s a problem with the school or homestay?

Your guardian is your local representative. We investigate promptly, mediate between the parties, and work toward a resolution. If a homestay is unsuitable, we can arrange alternative accommodation. For serious school issues, we advocate for your child and keep you informed throughout.

What happens if my child gets in trouble at school?

The school contacts your guardian immediately. We attend meetings with school administrators, represent your child’s interests, keep you informed, and help develop an appropriate response or improvement plan. For serious matters, we make sure your child is treated fairly and properly represented.

Does guardianship end during summer holidays?

No. Guardianship normally stays in effect year-round while your child holds a valid study permit. If your child returns home for the summer, we can discuss modified arrangements; if they stay in Canada or travel, active guardianship must continue to remain compliant.

What if we need to end guardianship early?

Guardianship can end if your child returns home permanently or moves to another custodial arrangement. Notice is required, and custodianship must remain continuous while your child is in Canada as a minor. Refunds for unused services are assessed case by case.