Intercountry adoption: Differences between the processes
In most cases, a child adopted from a foreign country may not enter Canada until the adoption process is complete and they are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
| Citizenship Process | Immigration Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply? | a Canadian citizen adoptive parent, born or naturalized in Canada, on behalf of an adopted minor child a Canadian citizen adoptive parent who was working outside Canada as an employee of the Canadian government, a province, or serving with the Canadian Forces at the time of the adoption, irrespective of how they acquired their Canadian citizenship, on behalf of an adopted minor child. an adult (18 and older) who was adopted by a Canadian parent who was a citizen through birth or naturalization or who was working outside Canada as an employee of the Canadian government, a province, or serving with the Canadian Forces at the time of the adoption, irrespective of how they acquired citizenship, on their own behalf a legal guardian or a non-Canadian adoptive parent, on behalf of an adopted minor child, if the adopted child had at least one Canadian parent who was a citizen through birth or naturalized in Canada at the time of adoption |
a Canadian citizen adoptive parent, on behalf of an adopted person a permanent resident of Canada on behalf of an adopted person |
| Application | Application for Canadian citizenship for a person adopted by a Canadian citizen (on or after January 1, 1947) | Application for sponsorship and application to obtain permanent residence for the adopted person |
| Fees | If, when applying, the adopted person is a minor (under 18 years):
an adult (18 years and over):
|
If, when applying, the adopted person is under 22 years: sponsorship fee of $75 22 years and over: sponsorship fee of $75 |
| Will the adopted person lose their foreign nationality or citizenship after the process? | In some countries, the adopted person could lose their foreign nationality or citizenship once they become a Canadian citizen. For more information, contact the embassy, High Commission or consulate of the country of the adopted person’s foreign nationality or citizenship. | The adopted person will not lose their foreign nationality or citizenship once they become a permanent resident of Canada. |
| Is a medical exam needed? | No. However, without a medical exam, you could adopt a seriously sick child. It is voluntary to do so, but Citizenship and Immigration Canada recommends parents considering adopting have children medically examined by a reliable doctor. The doctor should examine the child and provide a comprehensive report to prospective adoptive parents. | Yes. |
| Status at end of the process? | Canadian citizen. | Permanent resident. |
| What documents will be issued? | The adopted person will be mailed a certificate of Canadian citizenship. | The adopted person will be issued a Permanent Resident card after they enter Canada. |
| What travel document can be issued for travel or to return to Canada? | Adopted people may apply for a Canadian passport once citizenship has been granted or they may apply for a facilitation visa to be placed in their home country’s passport. | A permanent resident visa is issued and placed in the passport or travel document from the adopted person’s country of citizenship. A confirmation of permanent residence document is also issued to the applicant. |
| How will the adopted person’s children be affected by the new law limiting citizenship by descent? | Adoptee’s children would be Canadian at birth if born in Canada. Adoptee’s children would not be Canadian if born or adopted outside Canada (unless other parent was born in Canada or immigrated to Canada and then became a citizen) and would need to be sponsored as permanent residents before gaining citizenship. |
Assuming the adoptee acquires citizenship, their children would be Canadian at birth if born outside Canada. Their children born in Canada will be citizens at birth. |
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