Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption

Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption: Eligibility, Documents, and Process

Adopting a child whether from within Canada or abroad is a life-changing milestone for any family. If you’re a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible to secure Canadian citizenship for your adopted child through well-defined pathways. At Immigroup, we work closely with families to simplify the process and ensure a smooth transition for your child into Canadian life.

For an international adoption to be recognized in Canada, it must meet specific criteria:

Conformity to Canadian Laws

The adoption must comply with the legal requirements of both the child’s country of origin and the Canadian province or territory where the adoptive parents live. Canadian law prioritizes the child’s best interests and requires that all adoptions be ethical, transparent, and free from exploitation.

Hague Convention on Adoption

If the child’s country of origin is a signatory to the Hague Convention on Adoption, the adoption must follow its international standards. As a signatory, Canada strictly enforces these rules through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to protect children and prevent unlawful adoptions.

Key Considerations:

Provincial/Territorial Adoption Authorities: In most cases, adoption agencies and provincial authorities play a key role in facilitating international adoptions and ensuring compliance with Canadian adoption laws.

Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption (Canadian Parent)

An adopted person may be eligible if:

• They are not already a Canadian citizen, and
• At least one adoptive parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the adoption.

PLEASE NOTE:

In 2023, a court ruling declared parts of the Citizenship Act unconstitutional, prompting the federal government to introduce Bill C-3 in June 2025. Although the bill is still under review in Parliament, it is designed to remove the first-generation limit and restore citizenship rights for many affected individuals.

Bill C-3, which replaces the earlier Bill C-71, proposes major reforms to the Citizenship Act. Currently, citizenship by descent is restricted to the first generation born abroad to a Canadian parent. Under Bill C-3, this restriction would be eliminated, potentially extending citizenship eligibility to the second, third, fourth, and even fifth generations of Canadians born outside the country.

While the bill has not yet been passed, it is widely expected to become law. The government has until November 2025 to enact new legislation in response to the Bjorkquist et al. court decision.

In the meantime, interim measures are already in place, allowing applications for Canadian citizenship beyond the first generation to be submitted and approved.

Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption (Canadian Grandparent and Beyond)

Following recent legal and legislative changes, adopted children may also qualify for citizenship through a Canadian grandparent or even further generations, provided that:

• They are not already a Canadian citizen, and
• At least one adoptive parent had a Canadian ancestor who was a citizen.

Required Documents for Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption

When applying for Canadian citizenship through adoption, you must provide complete and accurate documentation, including:

1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship of the Parent: The adoptive parent must provide proof of Canadian citizenship. This could be a Birth certificate (Long Form) or citizenship certificate.
2. Adoption Order or Certificate: A certified copy of the adoption order or adoption certificate is crucial. This document must confirm the legal adoption of the child under local laws.

 

1. Birth Certificate: If available, the child’s birth certificate will be required. This will be the certificate issued at the time of birth and the birth certificate issued or annotated at the point of adoption.

 

1. Proof of Legal Custody: If applicable, documents showing that the adoptive parents had legal custody of the child before the adoption may be necessary.

 

1. Photos of the Adopted Child: Passport-sized photos that meet Canadian immigration standards will be required for the citizenship application.

 

1. Proof of Home Study: A home study is a critical step in the adoption process, designed to assess the suitability of prospective adoptive parents and their home environment. It’s essentially an in-depth evaluation that helps ensure the child will be placed in a safe, loving, and stable home. All adoption processes should have the final assessment issued for the Home study of the child.

 

1. Certified colour copies of government issued ID’s for the parent of the adopted child.

 

1. Certified colour copy of the passport of the adopted child.

 

1. Proof of relationship: These can be photos of the adopted child with the parents; health records of the adopted child; school reports etc

Additional Documents for Citizenship Through a Grandparent or Beyond

• Proof of Canadian citizenship of the grandparent(s) (birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
• Marriage certificates or name change documents, if applicable.

Processing Time and Fees

The application for Canadian citizenship through adoption is detailed and may take up to 3 years, depending on the case’s complexity and the completeness of documentation.

Processing Fees:

• Professional Fees: CAD $1,800 – $2,800
• Government Fees: CAD $630 (age 18+), CAD $100 (under 18)
• Courier Fees: CAD $150
  (For applicants outside Canada, professional fees are in USD.)

How Immigroup Can Help?

At Immigroup, we specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of Canadian citizenship through adoption. Our experienced team will guide you through each step of the process, from determining eligibility to preparing and submitting all necessary documents.

We understand that adoption is not just a legal process but a deeply personal journey. Let us help ensure that your adopted child can enjoy all the rights and privileges of Canadian citizenship, including access to healthcare, education, and a bright future.

 

To book a consultation to find out eligibility please click below.