Immigration process — Intercountry adoption: Who can apply

Eligibility

Requirements to sponsor a child

To sponsor a child from another country for adoption, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (if you do not currently reside in Canada, you must do so when the adopted child becomes a permanent resident);
• live in Canada; and
• be at least 18 years old.

You may not be eligible to sponsor in some cases, such as:

• if you did not meet the requirements of a previous sponsorship agreement;
• if you defaulted on a court-ordered support order, such as alimony or child support;
• if you have been convicted of a violent criminal offence—depending on the nature of the offence, when it occurred and whether a record suspension was granted; or
• if you do not live in Canada now and do not plan to live full-time in Canada when the child becomes a permanent resident.

If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec’s immigration sponsorship requirements.

Not sure which process to use? Read about the differences between the citizenship and the immigration processes for adoption.

Requirements for intercountry adoption

Most intercountry adoptions will take place in the child’s home country. Each country has different laws and procedures covering adoption by foreigners. For instance, some countries allow adoptions outside the child’s home country, while others only permit adoption inside the country. Not all countries allow adoptions.

If you are adopting a child who is related to you, different rules from the provinces and territories and/or the country of origin may apply.

The immigration process allows two types of adoptions of children under 18. Depending on the law of the child’s home country, the intercountry adoption must either:

• be completed outside of Canada; or
• be completed in Canada.

For Canadian immigration purposes, all intercountry adoptions must:

• be legal in the child’s home country and in the province or territory where you live;
• end the legal relationship between your adopted child and his or her biological parents;
• meet the requirements of your province or territory, including a home study;
• create a genuine parent–child relationship between you and the child;
• be in the best interests of the child;
• not be primarily to gain permanent resident status for the child in Canada.

Children adopted outside Canada may be sponsored to come to Canada if:

• informed consent has been given by both of your child’s biological parents (if they are living).
• your child has been legally adopted outside Canada.
• the requirements of the Hague Convention have been met, if they apply.

Medical requirements

Adopted children must complete a medical exam before being issued a permanent resident visa. Your province or territory or a licensed adoption agency will tell you how and when it will take place. You must also sign a statement that you have obtained information regarding any medical conditions the child may have.

Intercountry adoption is complex. Other requirements may apply depending on the country from which you are adopting and your home province or territory. Your provincial or territorial government office will be able to tell you about adoption requirements.