Adoption of a close relative in one’s country is typically straightforward, with minimal formal process and/or legal complications. However, when a family undertakes to adopt a relative child from overseas, the process is quite different.

There are two major complications. The first is that the family must satisfy the rules and regulations of two countries, the one in which the child resides, and the one in which the family lives. Second, the family must meet the Immigration requirements of the receiving country, in this case, Canada.

Immigration based on adoption is screened closely and carefully. The Immigration officials must be satisfied that it is a legitimate adoption, and not one that is a means to get around Immigration procedures. If you wish to adopt a relative’s child, your motives must be to legitimately add that child as a full member of your family. The child will sever all his/her legal ties to the biological family. The child will receive all of the benefits of the adoptive family, as though born into that family.

Adoption cannot be seen only as a means to bring a child into Canada to further his/her education and economic circumstances. The family that wants to adopt must demonstrate a clear attachment to the child to be adopted. The younger the child is for adoption, the more obvious the intent is for a proper adoption, and the greater the chance of Immigration approval.

The process is open to all children up to the age of 18. Children’s Bridge will support any family wishing to adopt a relative’s child up to the age of eighteen. The chance of success is less if the child to be adopted is older. The younger the child for adoption is, the greater the chance of the immigration process being approved.

For further information on this program please contact Martha Maslen at (613) 226-2112 Ext. 5 or via e-mail at marthamaslen@childrensbridge.com.

General Information

• Program started in 2004
  
• It has a very uncertain outcome as success is contingent on both Canada and China’s agreement on child’s entry to Canada
  
• Canada is very strict on granting of visas for relative adoption
  
• Families must first qualify under Canada’s Immigration Act

Considerations

• Adoption is finalized in China
  
• Relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity may apply. This includes a niece, nephew, grandchild sibling or cousin.
• The younger the child at the time of adoption, the greater the chance of success
  
• Adoptive family must show a clear, close relationship to the child
  
• Processing time with an infant, or very young child, is much quicker than with an older child
  
• If applicants already have more than one child, must consult with CB office first

Requirements

• You must be at least 30 years of age (if a couple, BOTH must be 30) – NO exceptions
  
• Open to singles
  
• No same sex couples permitted to apply
  
• You must be free from criminal record and in good physical and emotional health
  
• Can be either a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant to qualify
  
• Preference for childless couple or with one child only
  
• Must show a close relationship to the child and/or child’s biological family

Process

• Completion of a Sponsorship Application through Canadian Immigration
  
• If accepted completion of a child study report for child and child’s biological family in China
  
• Home study for adoptive family completed in Canada
  
• Approval through provincial adoption unit as well as issuance of a Letter of No Objection (LONO)
  
• Documentation sent to Canadian Embassy in Beijing for review
  
• If file approved by the Embassy, file translated and notarized by Children’s Bridge, sent to China and processed through central adoption service in Beijing (China Centre for Adoption Affairs - CCAA).
  
• If approved by CCAA, Notice Of Coming will be issued by CCAA
  
• Family must travel to China to complete the adoption
  
• If file is rejected by Embassy, case can be appealed
  
• Expected range for adoption services $12,000
  
• travel and in China stay not included

Timelines

• Sponsorship application takes an average of 1 month
  
• Child study report 4-6 weeks
  
• Completion of home study varies but average is 2 – 3 months
  
• Approval in Province from 6-8 weeks
  
• Embassy approval varies from 2 weeks to 4 months depending on the situation
  
• CCAA process averages 3-4 months
  
• Process ranges from 9 –18 months