How to apply

Adoptions are the responsibility of the provinces and territories in Canada. Before starting a citizenship application for your adopted child, you must contact your provincial or territorial adoption authority for information on eligibility and the requirements you must meet.

What you can expect from the citizenship application process

Once the adoption process is complete, you can apply for Canadian citizenship for your child.

On this page

• Get the application package
• Get your documents ready
• Pay your fees
• Submit your application

1. Get the application package

   What the package includes

   The Application for Canadian citizenship for a person adopted by a Canadian citizen has two parts:

   • Part 1: Confirmation of Canadian citizenship of the adoptive parent(s)

     This part confirms that at least one adoptive parent is or was a Canadian citizen at the time of adoption and can pass on Canadian citizenship to the adopted person.

     • For adoptions before January 1, 1947, at least one adoptive parent became a Canadian citizen on January 1, 1947.
     • For adoptions in Newfoundland and Labrador before April 1, 1949, the adoptive parent must have become a Canadian citizen on April 1, 1949.
   • Part 2: Adoptee’s application

     This part assesses whether the adopted person is eligible for Canadian citizenship.

   Download the application package

   The package includes

   • the instruction guide
   • the document checklist
   • all the forms you need to fill out

   Download and print the application package

2. Get your documents ready

   Read the guide carefully before you complete the forms.

   • Application fees are non-refundable, so make sure the adoptee is eligible for Canadian citizenship before you apply.
   • Submit all required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.

   If your documents are not in English or French

   All supporting documents must be in English or French. If they are not, you must provide

   • clear and legible copies of the original documents
   • the English or French translation
   • a sworn affidavit from the translator confirming that the contents of the translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original documents
     • Translations by family members are not accepted.

   If you’re a legal guardian

   If you’re a legal guardian applying for a child, you must provide official proof of guardianship.

3. Pay your application fees

   Fees depend on your adopted child’s age when you submit the application. Your fees may include

   • the processing fee
   • the right of citizenship fee

   Pay your fees online (opens in a new tab) 

4. Submit your application

   Where to send your application

   Mail your completed and signed application forms, required documents and proof of payment to the following address:

   IRCC Digitization Centre – Adoptions
   3050 Wilson Avenue
   New Waterford, NS  B1H 5V8
   Canada

   If anything is missing, especially signatures or fees, we’ll return your application.