Frequently asked questions:
International adoption

How long will the adoption process take?

Canadian families planning to adopt a child in another country should understand that, even under ideal conditions, the adoption and immigration processes will take at least six to eight months from start to finish. Depending on the child’s country of origin, it is not unusual for the process to last for two years or even longer.

Long periods of waiting can seem unreasonable to a family anxious to welcome a new member but, to ensure that the rights of the child are protected, international adoption is by necessity a rigorous process. Adoptions must be approved by the provincial or territorial government in Canada, and the government of the country where the child lives.

The department gives priority treatment to visa applications for these children, but adoptive parents should remember that a visa is not granted automatically once the adoption is finalized. The child must meet a number of immigration requirements before the visa can be issued, including a medical exam.

In addition, CIC must be satisfied that the child has not been sold, trafficked or abducted from their parents and that documentation for the child is valid. While not common, in countries where there is evidence of fraud or trafficking additional investigations may need to be undertaken. These investigations can cause lengthy delays.