Custodianship
What is Custodianship?
A custodian is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident designated by parents to provide care and be responsible for their minor child while he/she studies in Canada.
High School Students under 19
Canadian law requires every international student younger than 19 to have a custodian—an adult who can act in place of a parent. If you need a custodian, just let us know on your Homestay application and we’ll arrange everything and provide the documents you’ll need for your Study Permit.
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First month – Columbia College serves as your official custodian while you settle in.
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After the first month – Your homestay family normally takes over custodianship (unless your parents name a private custodian).
The Custodian’s role is to ensure that a student under the age of 19 is safe and supported while living in Canada.
A Custodian must be either a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident, be over the age of 25 years, reside in the lower mainland, and speak English fluently. A custodian has the following responsibilities:
- Establish good communication with you and your Columbia College homestay family.
- Assist you if you are ill or if other emergencies involving you arise.
- Assist with opening bank accounts, purchasing a Compass card, and obtaining a pre-paid cell phone.
- Inform you of services and amenities available in the area such as libraries, recreation and community centres, medical clinics, and shopping centres.
- Assist you with accessing medical services.
- Sign school waivers, if required.
- Be the person of contact regarding school issues such as attendance concerns and your academic progress.
If you are an international student under 19, when applying for a Canadian Study Permit you will need to show proof that you have a custodian in Vancouver who can care for your needs. If you need a custodian, are under 19, and staying with a Columbia College homestay family, we can arrange custodianship for you until you reach the age of majority in British Columbia, which is 19.
For more details about custodianship as outlined by the Government of Canada, click here.
Already have your own custodian?
Simply tell us when you apply! Copies of your custodianship documents are required upon registration at the College.
Responsibilities of a Private Custodian
University Transfer Students under 17
If you are an international student under 17 and applying for a Canadian Study Permit to study in a University Transfer program, you must provide proof of having a custodian in Vancouver who can support and care for you. If you are staying with a Columbia College homestay family, we can arrange custodianship for you until you reach the age of majority in British Columbia, which is 19.