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A concise guide to becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada through International Adoption

International Adoption

If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, Canadian law allows you to adopt a child from another country and bring them to Canada. To begin the process you must sponsor the child. You may sponsor the child as soon as you have made the decision to adopt, or you can wait until after you have found a child, and then begin the adoption process.

When adopting a child from another country you must go through two different processes: the immigration process and the adoption process. You need to know about both processes, as they are equally important.

Immigration Process

As the parent of an adopted child from another country, you must apply to sponsor the child for permanent residence in Canada. When the child arrives in Canada and has permanent residence status you may then apply for citizenship.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada will request a letter of consent from your province showing that the province agrees to the adoption. The immigration visa will be issued only after the immigration mission in the child's country of origin receives this letter of consent.

Adoption Process

The provinces of Canada are responsible for adoptions that take place in Canada. A Home Study must be done, usually conducted by your province, before your application will be processed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

You will have to be familiar with the adoption laws of both the child's country of origin as well as the laws of your province, as you will have to comply with both. Make sure you are familiar with all of the legal requirements relevant to you before you begin the adoption process.

Please note: Certified translation may be necessary. Click here to get your free quote on certified translation.

The Hague Convention governs international adoptions in some cases. To find out more information about The Hague Conventions visit here.

For more information on Permanent Residency in Canada, select one of the following:

• Skilled Worker Class
• Business Class
• Family Sponsorship
• Provincial Nomination

Click here for our Guide to Canadian Immigration & Citizenship Information & Resources