Intercountry adoption: How to apply
Adoptions are the responsibility of the provinces and territories in Canada. You should contact the government office responsible for adoptions in your province or territory for information, but first you should read all the requirements on this website so you will know what to expect.
Once the adoption process is well underway, you can apply to sponsor your child. After that, you will apply for a permanent resident visa for your child.
You may apply for citizenship for the child after he or she has arrived in Canada and has permanent resident status.
Sponsoring your adopted child
If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec immigration sponsorship requirements. For more information about Quebec’s requirements, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
When filling out the sponsorship forms, you may leave the name of the child blank if you have not yet been matched with a child.
When you apply to sponsor a child for adoption, remember that you are committing yourself to provide the necessary care and support for that child. You are bound to this agreement for 10 years or until the child reaches the age of 25—whichever comes first.
Steps to apply
1. Obtain an application package.
Download and print the application package. It includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.
2. Read the guide.
Read the guide carefully before you complete the application forms. You may be able to sponsor a child as soon as you decide to adopt, if you know the country from which you plan to adopt. Please consult your province’s adoption unit before applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
3. Complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents.
Use the guide to help you complete the forms, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.
When you complete the sponsorship forms, you will sign an agreement that commits you to supporting your adopted child for a specific period of time.
4. Pay the fees and get the necessary receipts.
You can pay fees at most banks, or online if you are in Canada.
5. Mail the application forms and documents.
Mail your completed application forms, along with the required documents and fees, to
ADOPTION
Case Processing Centre – Mississauga
P.O. Box 6100, Station A
Mississauga ON L5A 4H4
If your application is not signed, dated or the appropriate fees are not included, it will be returned to you.
How to apply for permanent resident status for your adoptive child
If your application for sponsorship is accepted, the Case Processing Centre will inform the Canadian visa office in your adoptive child’s home country and send you an application for permanent residence.
You can either fill out this application form on the child’s behalf, or send it to the child’s guardian to do so. The completed application form must be sent back to the Canadian visa office.
Use the guide when filling out the application to ensure you give all the information that the visa office needs.
When your child’s application is sent to the visa office, it will be reviewed to verify that the child meets the immigration requirements. If the adoptive child is not an infant, the visa officer may have to interview the child to make a decision.
You must ensure that the visa officer has all the information needed to make a decision. Your quick response to requests for more information will help avoid unnecessary delays.
Learn about:
Related Links
