International Adoption

• What is it? Adopting a child or youth from another country.

• Where do they come from? Often from foster families or orphanages abroad.

• The Goal: To become the legal and permanent parent(s) of a child from another country.

• Governing Laws: International adoptions must follow the laws of both the child's home country and Canada.

• Your First Step: Prospective parents must meet their own provincial/territorial adoption requirements.

• Provincial Approval: Your provincial Central Adoption Authority will approve your family for international adoption. (See sources below)

• Bringing Your Child to Canada: You'll need to apply for Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency for your adopted child through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

 

Prospective adoptive parents are advised to research the international adoption agency they are working with and to speak with other adoptive families who have used the services of the adoption agency.