Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires international students under the age of 18 (or 19 in certain provinces) to have a custodian when studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian. 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 to provide assistance with emergencies, accommodation, immigration, travel, and the overall success of your child.

All minor international students must submit a notarized Custodianship Declaration Form (IMM 5646) as part of their study permit application. This two-page legal document must be:

• Signed and notarized by the custodian in Canada on page one
• Signed and notarized by parents or legal guardians in their home country on page two

A custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 19 years old, and capable of providing care, support, and supervision for the minor student.

The age of majority varies across Canada:

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

DNA Guardianship provides comprehensive support for international students in Canada, covering legal guardianship, health and wellness, academic guidance, cultural integration, and safe travel. Our core services include legal assistance, ongoing communication with families, 24/7 wellness support, and orientation and transportation guidance. Expanded packages add tutoring, mentorship, language support, and curated cultural activities. Premium à la carte services allow families to further customize experiences with settlement assistance, advanced academics, adventure programs, and other tailored support to help each student thrive. DNA offers two main packages, DNA Core Services and DNA Core Services +, as well as a selection of à la carte DNA Premium Services.

Your assigned guardian or custodian at DNA Guardianship has legal authority to make medical decisions and provide consent for treatment on your behalf. We maintain your child’s health insurance information, medical history, and emergency contacts. Our guardians are available 24/7 to accompany students to medical appointments or emergency rooms when needed.

Yes, but travel requires advance planning. Your guardian must provide written consent and a custodianship letter for your child to travel. We coordinate with you regarding travel plans, ensure proper documentation is in place, and can arrange airport transportation. Re-entry to Canada requires valid documents, including the study permit and custodianship declaration.

School changes require guardian approval and may affect the study permit. Your DNA guardian will consult with you, assess the new school’s suitability, liaise with both institutions, and help manage any required updates to immigration documentation with IRCC.

We provide regular updates on your child’s progress, including monthly reports on academic performance and general well-being. You will also receive immediate communication regarding emergencies, disciplinary issues, significant academic concerns, or any matters requiring parental input. Parents can contact their assigned guardian at any time.

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

Your guardian acts as your local representative to address concerns. We investigate issues promptly, mediate between parties, and work toward resolution. If a homestay placement is unsuitable, we can arrange alternative accommodation. For serious school issues, we advocate for your child’s interests and keep you informed throughout the process.

Guardianship typically remains in effect year-round while your child holds a valid study permit, even during breaks. If your child returns home for the summer, we can discuss modified arrangements. However, if they remain in Canada or travel, active guardianship must continue for legal compliance.

Your guardian will be contacted immediately for disciplinary issues. We attend meetings with school administrators, represent your child’s interests, communicate with you, and help develop appropriate responses or improvement plans. For serious matters, we ensure your child receives fair treatment and proper representation.

Yes. We support students through the post-secondary application process, including attending guidance counseling sessions, reviewing university options, assisting with application documentation, providing reference letters as needed, and coordinating with parents on major educational decisions. Our team has over 45 years of combined experience and extensive knowledge of the higher education sector.

Guardianship can be terminated if your child is returning home permanently or transferring to alternative custodial arrangements. Proper notice is required, and you must ensure continuous custodianship coverage while your child remains in Canada as a minor. Refund policies for unused services will be evaluated to make arrangements for all parties.

Yes, we offer services in French, English, and Spanish. Support in other languages can also be arranged.

We are centrally located near Montreal, Quebec, within four hours of five major international airports. While our main operations are in this region, we are able to provide guardianship services for students across Canada, coordinating support with schools, homestays, and local resources wherever your child is studying.

We recommend arranging guardianship ideally 2–3 months before your child’s arrival. This allows sufficient time for preparation of documentation, notarization in both countries, study permit processing, and proper coordination with the school and accommodation providers. Early planning ensures a smooth transition and peace of mind for both students and families.