How Adopted Children Can Get Canadian Citizenship

Canadian Citizenship by Descent for Adopted Children

Canada has introduced important changes to its citizenship laws through Bill C-3. As a result, some people who were adopted outside Canada may now qualify for Canadian citizenship through their Canadian family members.

However, the process for adopted children is different from the one for biological children. While many biological children receive citizenship automatically under the new rules, adopted children must follow a separate process.

Bill C-3 Expands Citizenship Eligibility

To begin with, Bill C-3 removed the previous first-generation citizenship limit for certain people who were born or adopted before December 15, 2025.

Because of this change, some people who were previously unable to inherit Canadian citizenship through a Canadian ancestor may now become eligible.

However, the new law does not automatically grant Canadian citizenship to every adopted child.

Why Is the Process Different for Adopted Children?

Although Bill C-3 automatically grants Canadian citizenship to many eligible biological children born outside Canada, adopted children must follow a different pathway.

For biological children, Canada recognizes their citizenship automatically if they qualify under the new rules. They simply need to apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate to prove their citizenship.

In contrast, adopted children born outside Canada must first complete a citizenship process before they can receive a Citizenship Certificate.

Two Ways an Adopted Child Can Become a Canadian Citizen

Generally, an adopted child born outside Canada can become a Canadian citizen through one of these two pathways:

• A Direct Grant of Citizenship
• Permanent Residence (PR) followed by Naturalization

Let’s look at each option.

Option 1: Apply for a Direct Grant of Citizenship

Firstly, an adopted child may qualify for a Direct Grant of Canadian Citizenship without becoming a permanent resident.

In most cases, at least one adoptive parent must:

• Be a Canadian citizen when the adoption takes place.
• Be legally eligible to pass Canadian citizenship to the adopted child.

If IRCC approves the application, it grants Canadian citizenship to the adopted person. After receiving citizenship, the adopted person can apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate as official proof of their status.

Option 2: Become a Permanent Resident First

Alternatively, a Canadian adoptive parent can sponsor the adopted child to become a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR).

After Canada grants permanent residence, the child can later apply for Canadian citizenship through the naturalization process.

Depending on the child’s age and circumstances:

• A parent or legal guardian can apply for citizenship on behalf of a minor.
• If the child reaches adulthood first, they can apply after meeting Canada’s citizenship requirements.

This pathway is known as citizenship through naturalization.

How Does IRCC Decide?

Before granting citizenship, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carefully reviews every application.

First, IRCC confirms that the Canadian adoptive parent is legally allowed to pass on Canadian citizenship.

Next, it checks whether the adopted person meets all the legal requirements under Canada’s adoption citizenship provisions.

Finally, IRCC reviews additional factors, including:

• The adopted person’s age.
• Whether the adoption created a genuine parent-child relationship.

Only after reviewing all these factors does IRCC make a final decision.

Requirements for Adopted Children Under 18

If the adopted child is under 18 years of age, the adoption must meet several important conditions.

Specifically, the adoption must:

• Be in the child’s best interests.
• Create a genuine parent-child relationship.
• Follow the adoption laws in both the country where the adoption took place and the country where the adoptive parent lives.
• Not primarily aim to obtain Canadian citizenship or immigration benefits.
• Not bypass the legal requirements that normally apply to international adoptions.

By meeting these requirements, families can show that the adoption is genuine and legally recognized.

Can Adopted Children Apply Directly for a Citizenship Certificate?

This is one of the most common questions.

Unlike eligible biological children, adopted children cannot directly apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

Instead, they must first receive Canadian citizenship through either a Direct Grant of Citizenship or naturalization after becoming a permanent resident.

Once IRCC grants citizenship, the adopted person can apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate to officially prove their status.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Bill C-3 creates new opportunities for some people adopted outside Canada to become Canadian citizens through their Canadian family members.

However, the process remains different from the one for biological children. Rather than receiving citizenship automatically, adopted children generally qualify through either a Direct Grant of Citizenship or Permanent Residence followed by naturalization.

Before approving citizenship, IRCC carefully reviews every application to ensure the adoptive parent can pass on citizenship and that the adoption meets all legal requirements. Understanding these pathways can help families choose the right option and prepare a stronger application.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).