International adoption is a process that allows you to adopt a child from a foreign country. It is also known as intercountry adoption in some places. However, is it really possible in Canada?
If you have the same question, no need to look any further. Today, our expert adoption lawyer Ontario will cover all your concerns about international adoption in Canada.
Does Canada Allow International Adoption?
Canada allows people in different states, including Ontario, to adopt kids from abroad. The international adoption process allows you to adopt someone else’s child abroad.
You can also adopt your relative’s foreign child if they’re giving up a child for adoption. For example, you may want to adopt your niece who is a resident of the US after your family members’ bankruptcy.
Whatever the reason, you’re allowed to adopt kids under the age of 18 from other countries.
Countries That Allow International Adoption To Canada
It is important to know the countries that allow international adoption to Canada. This will save you the trouble of application rejection and repeating the paperwork process.
Some popular countries that allow international adoption to Canada include:
Other countries such as Thailand, Haiti, and India also allow international adoption to Canada. Always consult with an adoption lawyer Scarborough to learn the currently allowed countries for adoption.
International Adoption Canada Requirements
International adoption Canada requirements include mainly three things:
Approval From The Ministry Of Children, Community, And Social Services
Before you can start the international adoption process, you must get approval from your province’s Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.
Under Ontario’s Intercountry Adoption Act, you cannot leave the province for international adoption without ministry approval. Violation of the rule can lead to a fine of up to $5,000.
Keep in mind it is a requirement to meet the child you’re adopting in their country of origin before bringing them to Canada. That’s why you need approval to leave your home country to adopt a child.
Collaboration With A Licensed International Adoption Agency
Every person who wants to adopt a foreign child must connect with a licensed international adoption agency in Canada. This can include:
- Children’s Aid Society in Ontario
- Private licensed international adoption organization
Only a licensed entity is allowed to place an international child with Canadian citizens. If you use a non-licensed agency for the process, you may end up losing your adopted child due to legal complexities.
Homestudy Assessments And Parent Training
A Homestudy Assessment is a prerequisite before starting the international adoption process. If you and your partner fail this official test conducted by a practitioner, you cannot adopt a child from another country.
Other international adoption requirements include participating in and completing a parent training program. It is a mandatory program to prepare people for the responsibilities of adopting a child.
The main purpose of both these international adoption requirements is to prove you’re a suitable parent.
What Is The Process Of International Adoption Canada?
The process of international adoption Canada includes six main steps:
1. Contact Your Licensed International Adoption Agency
Whether you’re adopting a child within or outside Canada, the first step is connecting with a licensed adoption agency. The agency or individual can facilitate the process by helping you understand:
You will use the assistance of the agency to decide from which country you want to adopt a child. They will also ensure your adoption process adheres to family law rules.
2. Choose A Private International Adoption Practitioner
An adoption practitioner is necessary before moving on to the next step. The person will help you:
- Complete your homestudy assessment
- Participate in a parent training program
- By explaining to you the international adoption cost
- Understand the estimated process timeline
Consulting an adoption lawyer may help you connect with a reliable international adoption practitioner.
3. Complete Homestudy Assessment And Parent Training Program
A Homestudy Assessment is mandatory before you can adopt a child. The evaluation is performed to:
- Assess your skills and preparedness to raise a child
- Check your home environment
- Help you understand the changes that come with adopting a child
The assessment is conducted over four to six months. You’ll have to give multiple interviews to show you’re suitable for adopting a child.
Another mandatory task is to complete the parent training program in Canada. It is a 27-hour curriculum that helps you navigate the international adoption process.
4. Submit Application For International Adoption Match
Once you have your completion certificates and approval from the Ministry, you can file paperwork for international adoption. The application will be sent to a licensed adoption agency in the country you want to adopt from.
They will review your documents and try to match you with a list of children you can adopt. If you don’t receive a match within two years, you’ll have to repeat the earlier steps and resubmit paperwork for the match.
5. Receive Proposal For Adopting The Matched Child
If a child is available for international adoption, the foreign agency will send you a proposal. You can discuss the details with your own licensed adoption lawyer or practitioner.
Upon accepting the proposal, your practitioner will develop a consent form. You’ll have to sign that in front of an international adoption lawyer Ontario. A proposal by your agency will also be sent to the Ministry for approval.
6. Finalize The International Adoption
When you get the ministry’s approval for international adoption, you can travel to the child’s origin country. Some countries require you to meet the child at least two times, while others require more visits.
The licensed international adoption agency in the child’s country of origin will prepare a final order while you bond with the child. After you receive the order, you can bring the child to your home country by citizenship or immigration clearance.
Citizenship Vs Immigration Approach For International Adoption Canada
Citizenship vs immigration are two approaches that allow you to bring your internationally adopted child to Canada.
Most people only fulfill one of the criteria: citizenship or immigration. You will have no choice but to bring your adopted kid using the approach whose criteria you legally meet.
A few do have a choice of opting for either process, depending on their preference, if:
- At least 1 adoptive parent was a Canadian citizen during the adoption time
- The adoptive parent can pass Canadian citizenship to their child by descent
Your international adoption lawyer can help you understand which path you should choose.
International Adoption Canada Fees
Licensed agencies or people for international adoption charge $20,000 to $50,000 in Ontario. The exact amount will depend on how lengthy your adoption process is.
You can also face additional international adoption Canada fees for:
- Homestudy assessments
- Parent training program
- Travel costs
- Accommodation costs in an international country
An international adoption lawyer may help you understand the international adoption costs for specific countries.
How Can Child Adoption Lawyers Assist With International Adoptions?
Child adoption lawyers such as Barnett Law have decades of experience in handling international adoptions. They can offer you sound guidance on which country is easiest for Canadians to adopt from. Other services you can benefit from include:
- Navigate complex legal procedures between different countries
- Manage extensive documentation required for international adoption
- Facilitate communication between birth parents and adopting families
- Represent adoptive parents in court proceedings
- Ensure compliance with each country’s adoption regulations
A child adoption lawyer will always have your best interests when adopting a foreign child.
FAQs
How Long Does International Adoption Take?
International adoption takes from two years to more, depending on the country of origin of the adopted child.
What Country Is Easiest For Canadians To Adopt From?
Thailand is the easiest country to adopt from because of its less strictness and well-developed adoption programs.
What Countries Can Canada Not Adopt From?
Countries that Canadians cannot adopt from include Argentina, some parts of China, Russia, Pakistan, and Kenya.
Why Is International Adoption Bad During Times Of Crisis?
International adoption is bad during times of crisis, such as war or natural disasters, because the first priority is to always reunite the child with their parent. It is also difficult to confirm whether a child’s parents have passed away or not.
Want To Start The International Adoption Process In Canada: Connect With A Child Adoption Lawyer
Starting a family with international adoption can be complex if you don’t understand Ontario’s legal requirements. Consulting a child adoption lawyer Scarborough will help you navigate challenges, file paperwork, and more.
Contact Barnett Law today to meet experienced child adoption lawyers in Ontario.
Author Profile
- Barnett Law is a trusted and knowledgeable lawyer in Scarborough. Her expertise spans real estate law, family law, adoptions and fertility law. A lawyer by profession and a humanitarian by heart, Athena Narsingh Barnett wants to help people become more familiar with the legal system and be well-informed to make important legal decisions.
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