Sponsor Your Adopted Child

When sponsoring an adopted child from another country, there are two key processes: the adoption process and the immigration process.

The immigration process includes two parts:

1. Application for sponsorship
2. Application for permanent residence for the child

Once your child becomes a permanent resident in Canada, you can apply for their citizenship, but the adoption must be finalized before citizenship can be granted.

Check your Eligibility

Requirements to Sponsor a Child for Adoption (Outside Quebec)

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

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (and plan to reside in Canada when the child becomes a permanent resident).
• Live in Canada.
• Be at least 18 years old.

You may not be eligible to sponsor if:

• You failed to meet the requirements of a previous sponsorship agreement.
• You defaulted on court-ordered support payments (e.g., alimony, child support).
• You’ve been convicted of a violent criminal offence (depending on the nature, timing, and record suspension).
• You don’t live in Canada and don’t plan to live here when the child becomes a permanent resident.

Requirements for Intercountry Adoption

• Intercountry adoptions typically occur in the child’s home country, with varying laws and procedures depending on the country.
• Adoptions must be legal in both the child’s home country and your province/territory.
• The adoption must sever the legal relationship between the child and their biological parents.
• A genuine parent-child relationship must be established.
• The adoption should be in the best interest of the child.

Children can be sponsored if:

• Informed consent is given by both biological parents (if alive).
• The adoption is legal and finalized outside Canada.
• Hague Convention requirements, if applicable, are met.

Medical Requirements

Adopted children must undergo a medical exam before receiving a permanent resident visa. The adoption agency or provincial/territorial authority will guide you on the process.

Note: Other specific requirements may apply depending on the adoption country and your province or territory. Check with your local government or adoption agency for more information.

Provincial and Territorial Requirements

In Canada, provinces and territories handle the adoption process. To determine your eligibility and the specific requirements, you should contact the adoption authority in your province or territory.

You can apply to sponsor your child once:

• The adoption process is underway.
• You have received a Letter of Agreement, Letter of No Objection, or Letter of No Involvement from your province or territory.

Afterward, you can apply for a permanent resident visa for your child.

Once your child arrives in Canada and obtains permanent resident status, you can apply for citizenship on their behalf. However, the adoption must be finalized before citizenship can be granted.

Check application processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html