Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca
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International adoption: After applying
After you apply for international adoption and sponsorship to bring your child to Canada, there are several more steps.
Application processing times
Sponsorship applications for adoption cases are processed by the Case Processing Centre of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in Mississauga, Ontario within 48 hours of receiving them.
When the application is sent to the Canadian visa office overseas, the Call Centre of CIC no longer has access to the file. If you have questions about the child’s application at that point, you must contact the visa office overseas.
Issuing the permanent resident visa for your child to come to Canada
You will be notified when your child has met the immigration requirements and is ready to be issued a permanent resident visa.
To avoid unnecessary expense and disappointment, you should not plan to return to Canada with the adopted child until you know with certainty that all immigration requirements have been met.
While this process may seem long and complicated, it is necessary for the child’s protection.
Your child’s passport to travel to Canada
Important Information on Canadian Citizenship
For Your Adopted Child
In December 2007, Canadian citizens who adopt a child from a foreign country will be able to apply for Canadian citizenship for their adopted child without first having to apply for permanent residence. This will apply to children adopted after February 14, 1977.
The new citizenship process will contain similar steps as the immigration process.
More information on this change will soon become available.
You must obtain the child’s passport from the child’s home country. You must present the passport to the Canadian visa office in the child’s home country in order for the child to receive a permanent resident visa. The visa and the child’s passport must be shown to Canadian border officers when the child arrives in Canada at the point of entry.
The Canadian visa office in the child’s country or the adoption agency in your province or territory can help you get the child’s passport from her or his home country. Make sure to find out about getting the child’s passport some time before you plan to bring the child to Canada.
