Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption: Eligibility and Required Documents
Adopting a child from abroad or within Canada is a profound and life-changing event for families. For those seeking Canadian citizenship for their adopted child, the process is detailed but highly accessible through Canada’s citizenship pathways. At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we guide families through the requirements to ensure a smooth transition for your new family member.
In order for an international adoption to be recognized in Canada, it must meet certain criteria:
Conformity to Canadian Laws
The adoption must comply with the adoption laws of the child’s country of origin and the Canadian province or territory where the adoptive parents reside. Canadian laws concerning international adoption prioritize the best interests of the child and ensure that the process is 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 Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, the adoption must follow the standards and procedures established by the convention. Canada is a signatory, and IRCC adheres strictly to these guidelines to protect children’s rights and prevent illegal 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)
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship through adoption, the adopted person must:
- not be a Canadian citizen,
- have at least one (1) adoptive parent who, at the time of their adoption, was or is a Canadian citizen.
PLEASE NOTE:
Following a 2023 court ruling that struck down parts of the Citizenship Act as unconstitutional, the federal government introduced Bill C-3 in June 2025. The bill, which is still under consideration in Parliament, would remove the first-generation limit and restore citizenship to many affected individuals
Bill C-3, which replaces the former Bill C-71, proposes significant amendments to the Citizenship Act, especially concerning the controversial first-generation limit. This rule currently restricts citizenship by descent to only the first generation born abroad to a Canadian parent. But under Bill C-3, that limitation would be lifted potentially extending eligibility to second, third, fourth, and even fifth-generation descendants of Canadian citizens.
While the bill is not yet passed, it is widely expected to become law. The government has until November 2025 to enact remedial legislation following the Bjorkquist et al. court decision.
This means there have been interim measures put in place that will now allow applications for Canadian citizenship through second generation and beyond to be accepted and to get approved.
Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption (Canadian Grandparent and Beyond)
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship through a grandparent or beyond via adoption, the adopted person must:
- not be a Canadian citizen,
- have at least one (1) adoptive parent who, at the time of their adoption, had a Grandparent or beyond that was a Canadian citizen.
Required Documents for Canadian Citizenship Through Adoption
To successfully apply for Canadian citizenship for your adopted child, several key documents are required. These documents help establish the child’s identity, adoption status, and eligibility for citizenship.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proof of Legal Custody: If applicable, documents showing that the adoptive parents had legal custody of the child before the adoption may be necessary.
- Photos of the Adopted Child: Passport-sized photos that meet Canadian immigration standards will be required for the citizenship application.
- 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.
- Certified colour copies of government issued ID’s for the parent of the adopted child.
- Certified colour copy of the passport of the adopted child.
- Proof of relationship: These can be photos of the adopted child with the parents; health records of the adopted child; school reports etc
And for Canadian Citizenship Through a Grandparent and Beyond via Adoption these additional documents are required
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship of the Grandparent/s: This must be either birth certificates or naturalization certificates.
- If applicable, marriage certificates or name change documents.
Processing Time and Fees
The application process for Canadian citizenship through adoption can take up to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the documentation submitted.
Processing fees |
|
| Professional Fees | CAD$2,000 to $3,000 |
| Government Fees | CAD$630 (Over 18 yrs) CAD$100 (Under 18 yrs) |
| Courier Fees | CAD $150 |
For applicants outside Canada the professional fees are in USD.
How Doherty Fultz Immigration Can Help
At Doherty Fultz Immigration, 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.
