In light of recent global events, more and more families want to give children who have lost their parents a new life.
Canada allows international adoption and grants Canadian citizenship to adopted children through their adoptive parents.
Although the process can be quite bureaucratic, the end result is always worth it.
I won't go into all the details of the process — it's just too complex — but I would like to draw your attention to some important points.
Not all countries allow international adoption.
Here’s a list of countries from which it is not possible to adopt a child (unless you are a citizen of that country):
Russia, Tajikistan, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Ethiopia, Maldives, Mozambique, Paraguay, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania.
And here are countries from which adoption is currently temporarily suspended:
Ukraine (due to ongoing military conflict), Georgia, Guatemala, Liberia, and Cambodia.
(BUT! If you live in Quebec, adoption from Cambodia is allowed.)
The standard international adoption process takes about a year, sometimes more. While the paperwork is being processed, a special visa can be issued for the child to enter Canada.
However, keep in mind: until Canadian citizenship is confirmed for the child, all medical expenses will be your responsibility. Sometimes this process can take up to two years, and during that time, you will be covering all costs out of pocket.
Adoption is a difficult and costly process, both emotionally and financially. I strongly recommend not trying to handle everything on your own. At the very least, schedule a few consultations with a qualified professional.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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