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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Canada"

(How to Adopt)
(Traveling Abroad)
 
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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ca-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ca-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
Canada is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between Canada and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/noa/ca_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/OttawaCollage.png/406px-OttawaCollage.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of the capital city of Ottawa.'''<BR/>Wikipedia.org.}}
  
Canada is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. Only 14 Canadian orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in extremely rare adoption cases from Canada, including adoptions of Canada children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Canada.
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Canadian_parliament_MAM.JPG/800px-Canadian_parliament_MAM.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Parliament Hill in Canadian capital city, Ottawa.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
=Who Can Adopt=
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Political_map_of_Canada.png/693px-Political_map_of_Canada.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Canadian provinces and territories.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
Adoption between the United States and Canada is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Canada, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Canada2010WinterOlympicsOTcelebration.jpg/800px-Canada2010WinterOlympicsOTcelebration.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Canadian Hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Toronto_-_ON_-_CN_Tower_bei_Nacht2.jpg/398px-Toronto_-_ON_-_CN_Tower_bei_Nacht2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''CN Tower in Toronto.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Canada also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:
 
  
==Residency==
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
Eligibility and residence requirements vary by province. In general, non-residents of Canada cannot adopt children for emigration from Canada. There are some very limited exceptions, usually involving relatives of the children. Contact the provincial adoption authorities (see Contact Information) for specific information on additional eligibility requirements to adopt, including any age, marriage, and income requirements.
+
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
N/A
+
=About Canada=
  
==Marriage==
+
A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, [[Canada]] became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest unfortified border.  For more information, read [[About Canada]].
  
N/A
 
  
==Income==
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
N/A
+
[[Canada]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between [[Canada]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about [[Canada and the Hague Convention]].
  
==Other==
 
  
N/A
+
=Who Can Adopt=
 +
 
 +
[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Canada]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Canada]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Canada]].
 +
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
 +
Because [[Canada]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Canada]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Canada]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Canada]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
  
Because Canada is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Canada must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Canada attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Canada's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
==Adoption Authority==
+
Because [[Canada]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Canada]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
  
'''Canada's Adoption Authority'''
+
'''NOTE:'''   If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Canada]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html Learn more]0.
  
In Canada, the various provinces are responsible for setting and administering adoption policies and procedures. The following Canadian Government office provides contact information for the provincial adoption authorities (see Contact Information), who can provide specific information on adoption in Canada:
+
# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
 
+
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
'''Intercountry Adoption Services (IAS)'''
+
 
+
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
+
 
+
 
+
==The Process==
+
 
+
Because Canada is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Canada must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.
+
 
+
 
+
'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your I-600a with Canada before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  Learn more  .
+
 
+
 
+
# Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider  
+
# Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt  
+
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States  
# Adopt the Child in Canada  
+
# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Canada]]
 
# Bring your Child Home  
 
# Bring your Child Home  
  
 +
To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Canada]].
  
'''1.Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider:'''
+
=Traveling Abroad=
  
The first step in adopting a child from Canada is to select an adoption service provider in the United States that has been accredited. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide adoption services between the United States and Canada. Learn more.  
+
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
 +
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Canada]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help.html Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place. To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Canada]].
  
'''2.Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt:'''
+
=After Adoption=
+
After you choose an accredited adoption service provider, you apply to be found eligible to adopt (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn how.  Once the U.S. government determines that you are "eligible" and "suitable" to adopt, you or your agency will forward your information to the adoption authority in Canada. Canada's adoption authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to adopt under Canada's law.
+
  
 +
'''What does [[Canada]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
'''3.Be Matched with a Child:'''
 
 
If both the United States and Canada determine that you are eligible to adopt, and a child is available for intercountry adoption, the central adoption authority in Canada may provide you with a referral for a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of the particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
 
  
 +
Information on post-[[adoption]] procedures and requirements for each province and territory can be found on the [http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/international_adoption/links/provincial_territorial.shtml Social Development Canada website].
  
'''4.Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption:'''
+
We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of [[Canada]] and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.
+
After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to adopt that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be adopted and enter the United States. Learn how.  
+
  
After this, your adoption service provider or you will submit a visa application for to a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa ineligibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify the Canadian adoption authority (Article 5 letter). For Convention country adoptions, prospective adoptive parent(s) may not proceed with the adoption or obtain custody for the purpose of adoption until this takes place.
 
  
 +
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
'''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the adoption process.'''''
 
 
  
'''5.Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Canada:'''
+
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
'''''Remember: Before you adopt (or gain legal custody of) a child in Canada, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the adoption or grant of custody for the purposes of adoption in Canada.'''''
 
  
The process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining legal custody) in Canada varies according to the province. Contact the provincial adoption authorities for specific information on the process for adoption, including application instructions and fees, and documents required. (See Contact Information)
+
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. Learn how.  
+
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
 +
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
 
 
 
Now that your adoption is complete (or you have obtained legal custody of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
 
  
 +
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents
  
::1. Birth Certificate
 
 
You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.  Please follow [http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/subjects/cards/birth_certificate.shtml this link] for more information on how to do this in Canada.
 
  
::2. Canadian Passport
+
=Contact Information=
  
Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Canada. Please follow [http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/16-.aspx this link] for more information on how to do this in Canada
 
  
::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
+
The U.S. Embassy in [[Canada]] does not issue Immigrant Visas. All Immigrant Visas for [[Canada]] are issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal:
  
After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the adoption (or custody for purpose of adoption) is granted, visit the U.S Embassy for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the "Panel Physician's" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
 
  
 +
'''United States Consulate General Montreal'''
  
'''NOTE:''' The U.S. Embassy in Canada does not issue Immigrant Visas. All Immigrant Visas for Canada are issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal. (See Contact Information)
+
1155 rue Saint-Alexandre
 +
Montreal, Quebec H3B 3Z1
 +
[[Canada]]
 +
Tel: (514) 398-9695
 +
Fax: (514) 398-0973
 +
Internet: [http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/index.asp U.S. Consulate General Montreal]
 +
  
 +
'''[[Canada]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
'''Child Citizenship Act'''
+
In [[Canada]], the various provinces are responsible for setting and administering [[adoption]] [[policies]] and procedures. The following Canadian Government office and website provide contact information for the provincial central [[adoption]] authorities, who can provide specific information on [[adoption]] in [[Canada]]:
  
  
'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.  
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]] Services (IAS)'''
 +
 +
Human Resources and Social Development [[Canada]]
 +
333 North River Road/
 +
Place Vanier, Tower A / 2nd floor
 +
OTTAWA, Ontario
 +
[[Canada]]
 +
K1A 0L1
 +
Tel.: (613)-954-0880
 +
Fax: (613)-948-7537
 +
Internet: [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/adoption/authorities.asp Human Resources Social Development Canada]
  
'''''For adoptions to be finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final adoption decree. We urge your family to finalize the adoption in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.
 
  
 +
This [http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/international_adoption/links/provincial_territorial.shtml link] lists the provincial [[adoption]] authorities of [[Canada]]:
 +
  
'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
+
'''Embassy of [[Canada]]'''
 +
 +
Canadian Embassy
 +
501 [[Pennsylvania]] Ave., NW
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20001
 +
202-682-1740; Fax: 202-682-7701
 +
Internet: [http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington/ Canadian Embassy]
  
  
Learn more about the Child Citizenship Act.
+
[[Canada]] also has consulates in: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, [[New York]], Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.
  
=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
 +
'''Office of Children's Issues'''
 +
 +
U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 +
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
 +
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
=After Adoption=
 
  
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
 +
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 +
 +
==Source==
  
==SOURCE==
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=[[canada]]
  
'''Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 13:38, 18 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Collage of the capital city of Ottawa.
Wikipedia.org.

Parliament Hill in Canadian capital city, Ottawa.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map of Canadian provinces and territories.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Canadian Hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

CN Tower in Toronto.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Canada

A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest unfortified border. For more information, read About Canada.


Hague Convention Information

Canada is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between Canada and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about Canada and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Canada is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Canada, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Canada.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Canada is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Canada must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Canada attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Canada's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.


How to Adopt

Because Canada is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Canada must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.

NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Canada before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Learn more0.

  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child in Canada
  6. Bring your Child Home

To learn more, read about How to Adopt from Canada.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Canada. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place. To learn more, read about Traveling Abroad in Canada.

After Adoption

What does Canada require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?


Information on post-adoption procedures and requirements for each province and territory can be found on the Social Development Canada website.

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Canada and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.


What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?


Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents


Contact Information

The U.S. Embassy in Canada does not issue Immigrant Visas. All Immigrant Visas for Canada are issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal:


United States Consulate General Montreal

1155 rue Saint-Alexandre Montreal, Quebec H3B 3Z1 Canada Tel: (514) 398-9695 Fax: (514) 398-0973 Internet: U.S. Consulate General Montreal


Canada's Adoption Authority

In Canada, the various provinces are responsible for setting and administering adoption policies and procedures. The following Canadian Government office and website provide contact information for the provincial central adoption authorities, who can provide specific information on adoption in Canada:


Intercountry Adoption Services (IAS)

Human Resources and Social Development Canada 333 North River Road/ Place Vanier, Tower A / 2nd floor OTTAWA, Ontario Canada K1A 0L1 Tel.: (613)-954-0880 Fax: (613)-948-7537 Internet: Human Resources Social Development Canada


This link lists the provincial adoption authorities of Canada:


Embassy of Canada

Canadian Embassy 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001 202-682-1740; Fax: 202-682-7701 Internet: Canadian Embassy


Canada also has consulates in: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

Source

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=canada