International Adoption: How to apply - Citizenship sponsorship
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 complete, you can apply for Canadian citizenship for your child.
Steps to apply
1. Obtain an application package.
There are two parts to the application process for Canadian citizenship:
- Part 1 – The Confirmation of Canadian citizenship of the adoptive parent(s) to confirm that at least one adoptive parent is a Canadian citizen at the time of adoption.
- Part 2 – The Adoptee’s Application to assess the adopted person’s eligibility for Canadian citizenship.
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 citizenship application forms. The fee for processing the form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible before you apply.
3. Complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents.
Read the instructions in the application package, and provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.
If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide a clear and easily readable certified true copy of the originals, a translation of them and an affidavit from the person who did the translation. Translations by family members are not acceptable.
If you are a legal guardian applying on behalf of a child, you must also provide legal documentation proving guardianship.
4. Pay the fees and get the necessary receipts.
The fee is:
- $100 if the adopted child is under 18 years of age
- $200 if the adopted person is 18 years of age and older
You can pay fees at most banks, or online if you are in Canada.
To pay your fees on the internet, you must:
- Have a PDF Reader.
- Have a printer.
- Have a valid email address.
- Pay with a Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express® credit card.
- Print the “receipt of payment” page and include it with your application.
- Pay your fees on the Internet when you are ready.
To pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada, you must:
- Obtain an original payment receipt form (IMM 5401). Order it online or contact the Call Centre.
- Fill the receipt form and bring it with you when you go to pay your fees.
- Include the completed payment receipt form (IMM 5401) with your application.
If you live outside Canada and you do not have access to the Internet, you can make your payment by International bank draft or money order in Canadian funds only. If you send any other form of payment from outside Canada, your application will be returned.
For more detailed payment instructions, read the application package.
5. Mail the application forms and documents.
Mail your completed application forms, along with the required documents and fees, to
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre – Sydney – ADOPTION
P.O. Box 10030
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 7C1
If your application is not signed, dated or the fees are not included, it will be returned to you.
Learn about:
