Commission the Canadian custodian's part of IMM 5646 online over secure video — flat $24.95 per stamp, same-day slots 7 days a week. How the two-part form works and what to bring.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646): The Form, the Custodian’s Part, and the Notary Step
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 as a solemn declaration before an Ontario notary public online, by secure video — show valid photo ID, solemnly declare, and sign on camera while the notary takes the declaration, at a flat $24.95 per stamp plus HST. The parents' part is notarized in their own country. An Ontario notary's commission of the custodian's part is commonly accepted by IRCC; confirm with your IRCC guide that a remotely commissioned declaration is accepted, and check the current form in case your checklist wants a notary-witnessed signature instead (that is in person).
Ready now? Book the custodian's IMM 5646 declaration online — an online appointment averages 3–4 minutes, same-day slots 7 days a week, flat $24.95 per stamp plus HST. The link pre-selects the service.
When a minor under 17 comes to Canada to study without a parent or legal guardian, IRCC requires a custodian here and a custodianship declaration confirming the arrangement; for minors 17 and older a custodian is optional unless an officer asks for one (see IRCC's minor-children page, linked in Sources). 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 the IMM 5646 custodian's declaration 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) | IRCC says both are 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 $24.95 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 solemn declaration 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 online 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 an Ontario notary can commission online as a solemn declaration under O. Reg. 431/20), and the parents' part abroad (by a notary in that country, per local process). Check the current IMM 5646 before you book: IRCC's instructions describe the custodian's page as signed and notarized in Canada, and if your checklist calls for a notary-witnessed signature rather than a commissioned declaration, that part is an in-person appointment at our Orléans office in Ottawa or by mobile visit within Ottawa. Confirm with your IRCC guide that a remotely commissioned declaration is accepted, as requirements can change.
Where to Get the Custodian Declaration Form, and the IMM 5645 Mix-Up
IRCC publishes IMM 5646 as a fillable PDF on canada.ca, and that is the version to file: download the current form from IRCC's page (linked in Sources) rather than reusing a copy from a previous year, because the form is revised and an outdated version is a common reason for a request for more documents. Complete the custodian's page on screen, print it, and leave the signature blank for the appointment. If you would rather prepare the custodian's part with guided fields, our free custodianship declaration template walks through the same information and produces a ready-to-sign PDF.
Two forms are often confused. IMM 5645 is IRCC's Family Information form, which the study permit applicant completes about their own family; it involves no custodian and no notary. IMM 5646 is the Custodianship Declaration. Searches for "IMM 5646 family information" almost always want IMM 5645 for the family details and IMM 5646 for the custodian; a study permit for a minor usually needs both. A custodianship declaration is also not a guardianship: it names who is responsible for the minor's care while studying, and does not transfer decision-making responsibility. For a general sworn statement about who cares for a child, see the statutory declaration of guardianship of a minor template instead.
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 Custodianship declaration – IMM 5646 when you book online — the link pre-selects it. Slots run on Ottawa time (America/Toronto).
- The custodian joins the video call and verifies identity with valid government photo ID.
- The custodian solemnly declares and signs on camera while the notary takes the declaration.
- 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; commonly accepted — confirm with IRCC. |
| Parents/guardians abroad | Local notary there | Their part is notarized in their country. |
| No working camera or quiet space | In person (Ottawa) | 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 from home in an appointment that averages 3-4 minutes, 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 short video appointment, shows a driver's licence, declares the contents are true, and signs on camera while the notary takes the declaration. 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) | $24.95 per stamp | Flat rate plus HST, online or in person |
| Each additional stamp / seal | $24.95 | Same flat rate, no bulk tiers |
Note: the first signer is included; if more than one person signs, each additional signer is charged an additional-signer fee of $24.95, shown before you pay.
Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown in full before you pay. To book, choose Custodianship declaration – IMM 5646 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. IRCC's instructions say both parts are to be notarized. A notary commissions the part declared in front of them; IRCC sets the requirement.
Can the custodian's part of IMM 5646 be commissioned online?
Yes, as a solemn declaration. 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, solemnly declare the contents, and sign on camera while the notary takes the declaration. Check the current IMM 5646 first: IRCC's instructions describe the custodian's page as signed and notarized in Canada, and if your checklist wants a notary-witnessed signature rather than a commissioned declaration, that is an in-person appointment. An Ontario notary's commission is commonly accepted by IRCC; confirm with your IRCC guide that a remotely commissioned declaration is accepted.
Can the parents' part be done 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 $24.95 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. The first signer is included; if more than one person signs, each additional signer is charged an additional-signer fee of $24.95.
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 the custodian's part of IMM 5646 commissioned? Minute Notary commissions it by secure video — flat $24.95 per stamp plus HST.
- Book online: Book the IMM 5646 custodian's declaration
- Call: (613) 434-5555
- Service page: Immigration Documents
- Related guide: Immigration documents online
- Hours: Every day, Saturday and Sunday included, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Ottawa time)
Sources
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About the author
Kai Mai
Content Editor, Minute Notary
Kai Mai writes and edits the Minute Notary guides, working from the published federal and Ontario guidance each article links, and from what Ottawa clients actually run into with certified copies, affidavits, statutory declarations, travel consent letters, and immigration paperwork. These guides are general information written by our editorial team — not legal advice, and not a professional opinion on your document. The receiving authority always has the final say.