Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646) for Minor Students: Notarize Online
The IMM 5646 custodianship declaration for a minor international student has two notarized parts. Here is how the Canadian custodian's part works online. Flat $19.90.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646) for Minor Students: Notarize Online
Quick answer: IMM 5646 is IRCC's Custodianship Declaration for a minor studying in Canada. It has two notarized parts: one signed by the custodian in Canada, and one signed by the minor's parents or legal guardians in their home country. The Canadian custodian's part can be commissioned before an Ontario notary public online, by secure video — show valid photo ID, swear or affirm, and sign while the notary watches, at a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST. The parents' part is notarized in their own country. Because IRCC is federal, an Ontario notary's commission of the custodian's part is commonly accepted.
When a minor comes to Canada to study, IRCC requires a custodian here and a custodianship declaration confirming the arrangement. The form's two parts are notarized separately — one in Canada, one abroad. For the Canadian custodian, that part can be done online over video, without an office visit.
This guide explains how IMM 5646 is structured, which part is done in Canada, how to commission it online, and what to bring. If the custodian's part is ready, you can book online or call (613) 434-5555. For the bigger picture, see our guide to online and virtual notary services and the immigration documents guide.
Key Takeaways
| Decision point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Two parts | Custodian (Canada) + parents (abroad) | Both must be notarized, separately. |
| Canadian part | Notarized in Canada | Can be done online by an Ontario notary. |
| Parents' part | Notarized in their home country | Handled by a local notary there. |
| Identification | Custodian's valid government photo ID | Required on camera. |
| Price | Flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST | For the custodian's part. |
What a Notary Can and Cannot Do
What a notary can and cannot do: A notary public administers the oath or affirmation, witnesses the signature, and commissions the custodian's declaration. A notary does not approve the study permit, decide whether the custodianship arrangement meets IRCC's requirements, or advise on the application. Those are IRCC's; for application advice, see an immigration lawyer or RCIC.
Minute Notary commissions declarations as an Ontario notary public, including by video under O. Reg. 431/20.
How IMM 5646 Is Structured
IMM 5646 is built around two declarations that work together:
- The custodian's declaration — completed and notarized by the custodian living in Canada, confirming they will act as custodian for the minor.
- The parents'/guardians' declaration — completed and notarized by the minor's parents or legal guardians in their home country, confirming they appoint the custodian and consent to the arrangement.
Both notarized parts are submitted together with the study-permit application. Each part is notarized where the signer is: the custodian's part in Canada (which can be online by an Ontario notary), and the parents' part abroad (by a notary in that country, per local process). Confirm IRCC's current instructions, as requirements can change.
How to Commission the Custodian's Part Online — Step by Step
- Complete the custodian's part of IMM 5646, unsigned.
- Book the service and a time. Choose immigration documents when you book online. Slots run on Ottawa time (America/Toronto).
- The custodian joins the video call and verifies identity with valid government photo ID.
- The custodian swears or affirms and signs while the notary watches.
- The notary commissions it and applies their seal.
- Combine with the parents' notarized part (done abroad) and submit with the study-permit application.
What to Bring to Your Online Appointment
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| The custodian's part of IMM 5646, unsigned | The custodian swears and signs on the call. |
| The custodian's valid government photo ID | Required on camera. |
| The minor's and school details | To complete the declaration accurately. |
| A payment method | The flat fee plus HST is taken before release. |
Booking note: Only the custodian's part is handled here; the parents' part is notarized in their country. Call (613) 434-5555 if you have questions.
Online or In Person — How to Decide
| Your situation | Best channel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Custodian in Canada, valid ID, part ready | Online by video | Commissioned under O. Reg. 431/20; IRCC accepts it. |
| Parents/guardians abroad | Local notary there | Their part is notarized in their country. |
| No working camera or quiet space | In person | The notary must see and hear the custodian clearly. |
Why Commission It Online
Custodianship paperwork is time-sensitive — study permits run on intake deadlines. The online route lets the Canadian custodian commission their part in about fifteen minutes from home, with same-day slots often available, while the parents handle their part abroad in parallel. The trade-offs are the usual ones: the custodian needs a working camera, a quiet space, and valid photo ID, and the form must be complete.
A Quick Scenario
A custodian in Ottawa is helping a 16-year-old relative who is coming to study in Ontario. The custodian completes their part of IMM 5646, joins a fifteen-minute video appointment, shows a driver's licence, affirms the declaration, and signs while the notary watches. The notary commissions it. The minor's parents notarize their part abroad, and both parts go in with the study-permit application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Notarizing both parts in the same place. The parents' part is notarized in their country, not in Canada.
- Signing before the appointment. The custodian swears and signs in front of the notary.
- Using ID that doesn't match. Name and details should match the form.
- Expecting study-permit advice from the notary. That is an immigration lawyer or RCIC's role.
Where Custodians Book From Across Canada
Because the appointment is by video, the Canadian custodian can join from any major city in Canada:
- Ontario — Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, London, Kitchener–Waterloo, Windsor, Kingston
- Quebec — Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke
- British Columbia — Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Victoria, Kelowna
- Alberta — Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray
- Prairies — Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon, Regina
- Atlantic — Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, St. John's, Charlottetown
- Territories — Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Iqaluit
Because IRCC is federal, an Ontario notary's commission of the custodian's part is commonly accepted from any city. The parents' part is still notarized in their home country.
Pricing and Booking
| Service | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Custodian's declaration (IMM 5646) | $19.90 per stamp | Flat rate plus HST, online or in person |
| Each additional stamp / seal | $19.90 | Same flat rate, no bulk tiers |
Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown in full before you pay. To book, choose immigration documents when you book online, or call (613) 434-5555.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMM 5646 custodianship declaration?
IMM 5646 is IRCC's Custodianship Declaration for a minor international student studying in Canada. It has two parts: one completed and notarized by the custodian in Canada, and one completed and notarized by the minor's parents or legal guardians in their home country. Both parts must be notarized. A notary commissions the part signed in front of them; IRCC sets the requirement.
Can the custodian's part of IMM 5646 be notarized online?
Yes. The custodian in Canada can have their part commissioned before an Ontario notary public over a secure video appointment under O. Reg. 431/20 — show valid government photo ID, swear or affirm the declaration, and sign while the notary watches. Because IRCC is federal, an Ontario notary's commission is commonly accepted.
Can the parents' part be notarized online from another country?
The parents' or guardians' part is notarized in their home country, according to that country's process — typically by a local notary. An Ontario notary commissions the Canadian custodian's part. Each part is handled where the signer is, and both notarized parts are submitted together. Confirm IRCC's current instructions.
What do I need for the appointment?
A device with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, the custodian's valid government photo ID, and the completed IMM 5646 custodian's part, unsigned. You sign in front of the notary, so do not sign beforehand.
How much does it cost?
Minute Notary charges a flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST, the same online or in person. Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown before you pay, and nothing is confirmed until payment succeeds.
Final Recommendation
If you are the Canadian custodian for a minor international student, complete your part of IMM 5646 and commission it online in a short video appointment with valid photo ID. The minor's parents notarize their part abroad, and both parts are submitted together with the study-permit application. The notary makes the custodian's declaration official; IRCC decides the application, and an immigration lawyer or RCIC can advise on it.
Book Your Appointment
Need to notarize the custodian's part of IMM 5646? Minute Notary commissions it by secure video — flat $19.90 per stamp plus HST.
- Book online: Request an appointment
- Call: (613) 434-5555
- Service page: Immigration Documents
- Related guide: Notarize immigration documents online
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Ottawa time)
Sources
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