International adoption refers to the process of adopting children from other countries, with families in Canada typically adopting children from countries like Haiti, China, Vietnam, and Ethiopia.
The process involves several legal and procedural steps, including meeting the requirements for adoption and ensuring the child’s citizenship and residency status in Canada.
Many Canadians are choosing to start or expand their family through international adoption.
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Canadians adopted 2,127Â children from abroad in 2009
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From 1999 to 2009, international adoptions represented a small proportion (less than 1%) of total immigration into Canada. During this period, annual levels ranged from 1,500 to 2,200 children—a total of nearly 21,000 children.
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About 8,000 of these international adoptions were from China. After peaking at 53% of Canadians' international adoptions in 2005, China remains the primary source country. It accounted for close to 22% of Canadians' international adoptions in 2009. Other source countries that year included:
The United States of America - 12%
Ethiopia - 8%
Vietnam - 8%
Haiti - 7%
Adopting a Child Abroad involves meeting criteria set by both the child’s home country and Canadian immigration authorities. The requirements include:
Eligibility
Prospective adoptive parents must meet specific eligibility criteria set by both the country of origin and Canadian authorities.
Home Study
An extensive and comprehensive home study is required to assess the suitability of the adoptive family. The family must pass the home study to continue with the adoption process.
Legal Process
Adoptions must meet both Canadian and international legal requirements, and children must be deemed eligible for adoption by both the Canadian government and the child’s home country.
Immigration
The child must apply for citizenship, or a permanent resident visa to immigrate to Canada. This process involves submitting adoption documents and proving the adoption’s legality.
When a child is adopted internationally, they are typically granted permanent resident status in Canada, provided that they meet specific criteria (including a legal adoption process and a valid immigration application). After residing in Canada for a required period, the child can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Detailed information on adopting children from abroad, including guides, legal forms, and steps to gain citizenship, can be found on the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee website: Adopt a child abroad.