Immigration Documents
On January 22, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) announced a number of updates and measures to the International Student Program. As of 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary students applying for a study permit are required to include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) in their study permit application. For more information read below and visit our News and Updates page.
NEW: On September 18, 2024 IRCC announced further upcoming changes to the International Student Program. For more information, visit our website. As specific details are released by IRCC we will be updating our website.
Students Under 19: Custodianship
Students younger than 17 years of age who come to Canada to study and who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must be cared for by a responsible adult in Canada. This person is known as a custodian.
In some cases, a custodian may also be required for students between 17 and 19 years of age (this is the age of majority in British Columbia); this decision is made at the discretion of an immigration officer. Legal arrangements must be made to give the custodian in Canada permission to act in place of a parent. Please see IRCC's "Studying in Canada - Minors" page for more information and required forms.
If you need assistance finding a custodian, consider approaching an extended family member living in British Columbia first and then, if necessary, a family friend or business associate for assistance. Alternatively, there are companies that provide such services for a fee. One such company is First Choice International Placement Inc. (contact information provided on the right)
First Choice International Placement Inc.
Tel: 1.604.984.0868
Fax: 1.604.984.2373
Email: info@fciplacement.com
Web: myfci.ca
The company listed above is neither endorsed by, nor affiliated with, Simon Fraser University. This information is simply listed as a resource for students looking for agent services. Simon Fraser University assumes no liability for any disputes arising from custodianship or other services advertised. You and your parents should be aware that you will need to pay for this service and it should be an arrangement they, and you, have researched and feel comfortable with.