As of December 23, 2007, anyone adopted by a Canadian citizen after February 14, 1977 can apply for a grant of Canadian citizenship without first becoming a permanent resident. Some new adoptions will need to use the immigration process. The information below will help you understand both processes and decide which to use.

The Citizenship Process

You can apply for citizenship for an adopted person if:

• at least one adoptive parent is, or was, a Canadian citizen when the adoption took place
• the adoption severs (or severed) all ties with the adopted person’s legal parents
• the adoption was or will be completed outside Canada (except for Quebec).

The adopted person does not meet the requirements for the citizenship process if:

• neither parent was a Canadian citizen when the adoption took place
• the adoption took place before February 15, 1977
• the adoption did not fully sever all ties with the child’s legal parents
• the adoption will be completed in Canada, or
• a probationary period is to be completed in Canada before a final adoption order is issued from the child’s birth country.

The Immigration Process

You can use the immigration process to apply for permanent resident status for the adopted child if:

• the adopted child is going to Canada to live right after the adoption takes place, or
• one or both parents are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

The adopted person does not meet the requirements for the immigration process if:

• the adopted person is not going to Canada to live right after the adoption takes place
• you are an adult adoptee living outside Canada and not returning to Canada to live right after your application is approved.