Minor Students in Canada: The Mandatory Custodianship Declaration
Notary Public Serve
Professional Notary Public
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires all minor students (under 17) to have a designated custodian in Canada. The Custodianship Declaration (Form IMM 5646) is the legal proof of this arrangement.
The Two-Step Notarization Process
The IMM 5646 is unique because it requires signatures in two countries:
- Step 1: The Canadian custodian signs the first page before an Ontario Notary Public.
- Step 2: The parents sign the second page before a notary in their home country.
Why You Cannot Skip the Notary
For this form to be valid, it must bear an official notary seal. This is a legal safeguard that prevents fraud and ensures the custodian understands their significant legal responsibility to care for the child.
At Notary Public Serve, we specialize in the rapid and accurate notarization of IMM 5646 forms. We'll help you meet the IRCC's strict standards so your student can begin their studies on time.
Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.