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Adopt a child from abroad
The process to adopt a child internationally and bring them back to Canada.
International adoption process
The steps to follow when adopting internationally
Contact an adoption authority
How to contact the provincial or territorial adoption authorities to begin the international adoption process
Restrictions on adoptions
Countries you are not able to adopt from
How to bring your adopted child to Canada
How the immigration and citizenship processes work, and which one to choose
Apply for citizenship for your adopted child
Eligibility, how to apply, forms, fees and processing times
Apply for permanent residency for your adopted child
Eligibility, how to apply, forms, fees and processing times
Check processing times
How long it takes to process your application
Check your application status
Online updates for sponsorship, permanent resident and citizenship applications using your identification number, name, date and place of birth
Help Centre - Questions about adoption?
Find quick and direct answers to your questions about adoption, including how to adopt, the fees involved, and how long the process will take.
Travelling abroad
Find information and tips on destinations, travel documents, travel health, returning to Canada and more.
Tips for taking passport photos of toddlers
Find out how to take good Canadian passport photos for toddlers.