Adopting a child locally can be an awfully complex procedure that requires heavy paperwork and various background checks. To ensure that you are a capable provider and pose no risks to the health and safety of a child, intercountry adoption processes are even more rigorous. If you’re considering adopting a child from another country, here’s everything you’ll need to prepare for Canadian Immigration Services.
Requirements for Child Sponsorship
In order to be eligible to sponsor a child from another country, you must:
- Have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status
- Presently live in Canada
- Be at least 18 years of age
However, though you may be eligible for all the above, your application can be withdrawn if:
- You failed to meet the requirements of a previous sponsorship agreement
- You defaulted on alimony or child support or any other court-ordered support order
- You have a criminal record and have committed a violent criminal offence, along with when this occurred and whether you were granted a record suspension
- You don’t currently live in Canada and don’t plan to when the child is granted permanent resident status
Requirements for Permanent Residency
If you are applying for a child’s permanent residency status, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen by birth and applying on behalf of a child that is under 18 years of age
- Be adopted by a Canadian citizen (if adopted) who is at least 18 years of age
- Be a legal guardian adopting a child under the age of 18 with at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen
- Have a spouse who is a Canadian citizen if you are a non-Canadian adoptive parent
Requirements for Intercountry Adoption
Though every country has its own set of laws regarding adoption by a foreign parent, most intercountry adoptions will occur in the child’s home country. If you are adopting a child who is related to you, other laws from the country of origin will apply.
Depending on these laws, the intercountry adoption of a child under the age of 18 must either:
- Be completed outside Canada
- Be completed inside Canada
For the purpose of Canadian immigration, intercountry adoptions must:
- Be legal in the child’s home country and in yours
- End the legal relationship between your adopted child and their biological parents
- Meet the requirements of your home country along with a home study
- Foster a genuine parent-child relationship
- Be in the best interests of the child
- Not be for the primary purpose of gaining permanent residency for the child
If a child is adopted in their home country, they can be sponsored to reside in Canada if:
- There is consent from you and the child’s biological parents
- Your child has been legally adopted outside of Canada
- The Hague Convention requirements have been met (this may not always apply so be sure to consult your immigration advisor)
Medical Requirements for Intercountry Adoption
Before being issued permanent residency, a child must first complete a medical exam as indicated by a licensed adoption agency. You will then have to sign a statement regarding any medical conditions the child may be suffering from.
Conclusion
Intercountry adoption can be incredibly complicated, especially if you have to adhere to any additional requirements from a child’s home country. However, it can also be rewarding if you’re taking the right steps to provide the child with everything they need.
For the best way to immigrate to Canada, we at Bright Immigration provide you with expert assistance that helps streamline your process. We take the time to get to know you, your goals, and where you might be struggling.
If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm please contact our immigration consultants in Toronto at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.
