๐Ÿšจ"If you don't know this document, your visa will be rejected?" Everything you need to know about early study abroad for minors and guardian documents by country

by

Are you preparing for your precious child's early study abroad with dreams and hopes? You may be meticulously taking care of everything as a parent, but did you know that if you miss 'this document' that each country requires, all your plans could go up in smoke? If you prepare incorrectly, you could end up with the dire result of visa rejection.

**' Proof that the local school or designated guardian is responsible for the safety and well-being of the minor international studentProof of guardianship'** This is a story. The names and procedures are different in each country, so this is the part that many parents find the most confusing.

In this one article, we will perfectly compare and organize all the confusing guardian documents of all countries, from Australia, Canada, to the Philippines and Europe. Stop wasting time on fragmented information on the Internet. If you want to avoid the risk of visa rejection and take the first step to successful study abroad, be sure to check the table of contents below.

 

Part 1. Five representative English-speaking countries

English-speaking countries are where most students go to study abroad early. The systems are well-established, but the paperwork is also clear and rigorous, so it is important to understand the differences between each country.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia: CAAW (Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare)

  • Document Name: CAAW (Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare)
  • Just remember this: โ€œOur school will become your Australian parents during your study abroad period!โ€ It is an official token of commitment.
  • How to apply:
    1. Students apply for admission to the Australian school where they will study.
    2. Apply for and be assigned to school-approved accommodation (homestay, dormitory, etc.).
    3. After paying the tuition and accommodation fees, the school will send you a Certificate of Enrollment (CoE). Issue CAAW documentsI will do it for you.
    4. I am applying for a student visa with these documents.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • CAAW is not about individual students, The school is the issuerThat's the key point.
    • The duration of your student visa is only as long as the period stated on your CAAW. If you change schools, you will need to obtain a new CAAW from the new school.
    • The procedure is relatively clear, so you can proceed easily through the study abroad center.

์œ ํ•™

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada: Custodianship Declaration (Guardian Designation Form)

  • Document Name: Custodianship Declaration
  • Just remember this: โ€œI am legally entrusting my child to this person who lives in Canada.โ€ It is a formal legal contract between your parents and a local guardian (Custodian).
  • How to apply:
    1. Designate a Custodian (a Canadian citizen/permanent resident aged 19 or older) residing in Canada. (Usually, the study abroad center or education office will arrange this.)
    2. Korean parentsSign this guardianship designation form and state that it is your signature. Notarized by a lawyerI accept it.
    3. Guardian of CanadaSign the same document and go to Canada Notarized by a lawyerReceive.
    4. Both original documents, notarized by both parties, must be submitted when applying for a visa.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • Unlike the Australian CAAW, Legal EffectThe 'notarization' procedure is required.
    • Additional notary fees and guardianship designation fees (usually per year) are incurred. The cost burden is relatively high.
    • The process of preparing documents is complex, so professional assistance is strongly recommended.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom: Parental Consent (Parental Consent and Protection Plan)

  • Document Name: There is no set format, but they are collectively known as the Parental Consent Letter and Care Arrangements.
  • Just remember this: โ€œAs a parent, I confirm and agree with everything about how my child will be treated in the UK.โ€ This is a detailed safety life plan.
  • How to apply:
    1. Parents write consent forms in English themselves (consent for their child to study abroad, consent for visa application, consent for UK lifestyle, etc.)
    2. Prepare a protection plan detailing your accommodation in the UK, local guardian information and emergency contact details.
    3. These documents must be submitted together with your Child Student Visa application.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • There is no set format, so you have to be more thorough. Be careful not to leave anything out.
    • In the UK, it is common to appoint a guardian for a fee through a private guardianship company or school.
    • The key is Clear consent and specific plan from parentsIt shows.

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States: I-20 Form (Admission Letter)

  • Document Name: There is no separate guardianship document, and the **I-20 (Certificate of Admission)** partially serves that purpose.
  • Just remember this: โ€œOur school is accredited by the U.S. government and is responsible for the academic and living arrangements of this student.โ€ This is an official certificate from the school.
  • How to apply:
    1. Apply to and be accepted to a school accredited by the Department of Homeland Security's System for International Student Ventures (SEVP).
    2. Information about students at school Issuing I-20 documentsI will do it for you.
    3. Based on this I-20, I apply for a student visa (F-1).
  • Features and Precautions:
    • The most notable feature is that there is no separate โ€˜guardianโ€™ document such as a CAAW or a designation of guardian.
    • All responsibility and authority is centralized in **schools**, so which school you choose is very important.
    • Schools often require separate guardians or require dormitory living, depending on their own regulations.

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand: Code of Pastoral Care (International Student Protection Regulations)

  • Document Name: Proof of the schoolโ€™s compliance with the Code of Pastoral Care.
  • Just remember this: โ€œThe โ€˜International Student Safety Rulesโ€™ that all schools in New Zealand must followโ€ no see.
  • How to apply:
    1. The school that the student will be enrolled in must adhere to these regulations in order to accept international students.
    2. Schools are required by regulation to provide safe accommodation and care for the welfare of students.
    3. A letter of admission will be issued on the premise that the school has fulfilled this responsibility, through which a visa application can be made.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • It is very similar in concept to the Australian CAAW, but it is a structure where the **system and the school** are responsible, not the individual student.
    • Parents can rest assured that schools are under strong government regulation.
    • The New Zealand Quality Authority (NZQA) strictly monitors schools' compliance with regulations.


Part 2. 3 Popular Study Abroad Countries in Asia

These are Asian countries that many people choose for short-term language courses or study abroad due to their relatively close distance and low cost. The culture is similar, but the paperwork is just as important as in the West, so be sure to check.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Philippines: WEG (Waiver of Exclusion Ground)

  • Document Name: Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG)
  • Just remember this: Under 15 years old Allowing children to enter the Philippines without their parents 'Special Entry Permit'no see.
  • How to apply:
    1. Designate a local guardian in the Philippines (school principal, training center director, etc.).
    2. Prepare required documents such as parental consent form and family relationship certificate in English. NotarizationReceive.
    3. With notarized documents Go to the Philippine Embassy in Korea and get your โ€˜Red Ribbonโ€™ certificationReceive.
    4. Submit the certified documents and fees to the Immigration Office upon entry to the Philippine airport.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • Under 15 years oldIt is a unique system that applies only to .
    • The embassy certification (red ribbon) process is mandatory and takes time, so you must prepare in advance before leaving the country.
    • You must also obtain a separate study permit called a Special Study Permit (SSP) within a specified period.

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore: Local Guardian

  • Document Name: There is no set format, but you fill out the guardian information when applying for a Student Pass.
  • Just remember this: โ€œA trusted adult living in Singapore is responsible for our childโ€ This is the concept of an official certificate of guarantee.
  • How to apply:
    1. Students under the age of 18 must appoint a local guardian who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident and is at least 21 years of age.
    2. In many cases, you will be introduced to a suitable guardian through your school or study abroad center.
    3. When applying for a student visa, please ensure that you enter your guardian's details accurately into the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) system.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • The qualifications for a guardian (citizenship/permanent residency) are clear and strict.
    • When enrolling in a public school rather than an international school, the mother often receives an accompanying visa.
    • All procedures are carried out through the online system of the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA).

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan: School Identity Verification

  • Document Name: There is no separate document required and it is included in the process of issuing a **Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)**.
  • Just remember this: Similar to the United States, โ€œOur school guarantees this studentโ€™s entire life in Japan.โ€ This is the school's concept of identity assurance.
  • How to apply:
    1. Pass the entrance exam to a Japanese school and begin the admission process.
    2. The school applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on behalf of the student. The school acts as the student's guarantor in this process.
    3. Apply for a student visa at the Japanese Embassy in Korea with the issued CoE.
  • Features and Precautions:
    • Issuance of a student visa is entirely dependent on the **school's credibility and discretion**.
    • Parents must cooperate with the school so that it can successfully apply for the CoE by faithfully submitting the necessary documents, such as financial guarantee, to the school.

 

Part 3. Other European and Major Countries

Other countries also have systems in place to protect minor students. Most of them place the highest priority on 'clear parental consent'.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช Ireland: Letter of Consent (Parental Consent)

  • Just remember this: โ€œOur parents fully consent to their children studying in Irelandโ€ This is a powerful parental confirmation letter.
  • characteristic: We require a consent form signed by both parents in English, clearly stating who will be responsible for the child's accommodation and welfare in Ireland. Similar to the UK, the content is more important than the format.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡น Malta: Parental Declaration

  • Just remember this: Similar to Ireland โ€œEuropean Parental Permissionโ€no see.
  • characteristic: As it is popular as an English language training destination, schools or educational institutions often act as local guardians and help with issuing relevant documents. When applying for a visa, submit a letter of confirmation from the school and a letter of parental consent.

๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ South Africa: Guardian's Letter

  • Just remember this: โ€œI will be this studentโ€™s guardian in South Africaโ€ This is an official letter of acceptance from a local guardian.
  • characteristic: It requires relatively specific documentation, including submitting a parental consent form, a copy of the local guardian's ID, contact information, and a letter of acceptance to act as guardian.

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท Other Europe: Visa Requirements by Country

  • Just remember this: โ€œComprehensive life report that submits the entire plan for your childโ€™s study abroad lifeโ€ It is like this.
  • characteristic: Most non-English speaking European countries, including Germany and France, do not require a separate 'Guardian' document. The National Visa application requirements include provisions for the protection of minors.
    Most European Union (EU) countries require parental consent when applying for a long-term visa, as well as proof of local accommodation and proof of who will supervise and be responsible for the student.
    You will need to convince the visa officer by comprehensively submitting parental consent, financial guarantor, detailed proof of accommodation, and guardian information.

์œ ํ•™

In conclusion

It's really a lot and complicated, right? But all these documents have one thing in common: 'Keeping our precious children safe'It is the most important first step to successful early study abroad, understanding each country's system accurately and preparing the documents thoroughly. I hope this article has helped to relieve some of the confusion and anxiety of parents preparing for their children to study abroad.

 

*Comparison article between exchange students and language training Go see

en_USEN
ko_KRKO en_USEN