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International Adoptions - FAQ

1. How can I adopt a child from another country?
   
   
2. Where can I get more information about international child adoptions?
   
   

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1.   How can I adopt a child from another country?

International adoption is a delicate process due to a number of factors, including the laws of the child's country, immigration laws, and social welfare laws. First, you must contact the authorities of the province or territory where the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for allowing the child you have adopted, or intend to adopt, to come to Canada.

According to an amendment to the Citizenship Act effective December 23, 2007, a child who is adopted abroad after February 14, 1977, by a Canadian citizen, could be granted Canadian citizenship without having to go through the immigration process if certain criteria are met. Currently, entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied even if the adoption has already been completed.

Intercountry Adoption Services (IAS) represents Human Resources and Social Development Canada in its capacity as the lead federal department for intercountry adoption. IAS coordinates intercountry adoption information among the provinces and territories, other federal departments, foreign authorities, and non-governmental organizations. IAS also acts as the federal central authority under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoptions.

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2.   Where can I get more information about international child adoptions?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides important information on the basic procedures that must be followed to bring adopted children into Canada. Further information is available from the Citizenship and Immigration Call Centre and international adoption authorities in Canada.