After you apply
Processing your application
Part 1: Confirm your Canadian citizenship
We’ll let you know when we receive Part 1 of your application.
In Part 1, we verify that
- at least 1 parent can pass on Canadian citizenship to the adopted child, or
- for adoptions that took place prior to January 1, 1947
- at least 1 adoptive parent became a Canadian citizen on January 1, 1947 (or April 1, 1949, if the child was adopted in Newfoundland and Labrador before April 1, 1949)
After we assess Part 1, you receive a decision letter.
- If we approve your application, the letter tells you when and where to submit Part 2.
- If we don’t approve, the letter explains why.
Processing times
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Part 2: Check if your adopted child can become a Canadian citizen
Here’s what you can expect once you’ve submitted your application for Part 2.
If we need more information to review your application
We’ll contact you to request additional information or documents.
Adoption order or other supporting document
You must send us a clear, legible colour copy of your supporting adoption document (such as the adoption order) with your application. If you don’t, your application may be delayed or refused.
Check the application guide to find out what supporting documents we accept.
Send us your adoption supporting document.
Tell us if there are any changes to your situation
We need to be aware of any changes to your situation when we’re processing your application.
Changes in your contact information
If any of your contact information (such as your address, email or telephone number) changes while we’re processing your application, update your contact information.
Legal name change
You must tell us if the adopted child’s legal name changes. If your application is approved and you didn’t tell us this changed, we’ll issue the citizenship certificate with the name on the adoption order or supporting document. You’ll need to apply and pay the fee for a replacement certificate.
Check the application guide to find out which documents to include.
Tell us about a change in the adopted child’s legal name.
If your application is approved
If we approve Part 2 of your application, the adopted child is granted citizenship and receives a certificate of Canadian citizenship.
Electronic citizenship certificate (e-certificate)
If you chose to receive an e-certificate, we’ll email the address you gave on your application with instructions on how to access and download the e-certificate.
For help accessing or downloading your e-certificate, learn more about the electronic citizenship certificate.
Paper citizenship certificate
The way you’ll get your paper certificate will depend on where you live.
In Canada or the United States
We’ll mail the certificate to
- the address you gave on the application or
- the most recent address you gave us
Outside Canada and the United States
We’ll mail the certificate to your closest visa office.
Check your application status
You can check your application status online to find out where we are with your application.
Find out what your application status means.
When to contact us
During processing, contact us online through our web form if
- any information on your application changes
- you can’t check your application status online
The adopted child’s passport or travel document
To avoid unnecessary expenses and disappointment, don’t plan to return to Canada with the adopted child until we approve the child’s citizenship application. This is necessary for the adopted child’s protection.
You must have a passport or travel document for the adopted child to travel to Canada.
Leave plenty of time to get the passport or travel document before you bring the child to Canada.
You must show the passport or travel document at the port of entry when the child arrives in Canada. Make sure you have the proper travel documents and identification for you and your child when you travel.
How to apply for a passport
Once citizenship is granted, apply for a Canadian passport at
- the Canadian government office that processed the adopted child’s citizenship application or
- a Canadian government office responsible for issuing passports in the country where the adopted child lives
If you have an e-certificate, you’ll need to print a copy of the certificate to apply for a passport.
Health care, travel health and adoption
- the health needs of adopted children
- travel health for adoptive parents and children
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