Adoption Lawyers & International Adoptions in BC

Deciding to adopt a child internationally is a big decision. Once you choose to adopt, you need to determine where you want to adopt from – Your home country? Another country? Whatever your decision may be, it’s important to know that not all countries allow adoptions from other countries. Fortunately, in Canada, you can adopt a child from another country. This is called international adoption. However, the process of international adoption can be quite long and confusing.  

International adoptions come in 2 steps. The adoptions lawyer is necessary for the second step, after the immigration process.

How does the International Adoption system work?  

The international adoption process occurs in two steps:

• the immigration process, and
• the adoption process.  

 Immigration process:

The child is brought to Canada. The individual or couple wanting to adopt work with an adoption agency to complete the immigration process. This part of the process can take one to several years.  

The Adoption process

This is where you will need an adoptions lawyer. This stage involves applying to the court to legally become the child’s parent. To complete this part of the process, the individual/couple works with an adoption lawyer. This part of the process typically takes a couple of months or longer.  

To find out more about the adoption process and what is involved, click here. 
 

Which countries can I adopt from? 

Not all countries allow international adoption. Each country has its own eligibility requirements regarding who can adopt a child. In Canada, there are certain countries the Canadian government does not permit adoption from. Additionally, an individual or couple in Canada can only apply to adopt from one country at a time.  

Some of the top countries Canadians choose to adopt from are:  

• China 
• India 
• Korea 
• Hong Kong 
• The USA 

Currently, the British Columbia provincial government does not allow adoptions from: 

• Cambodia  
• Georgia  
• Guatemala  
• Liberia 
• Nepal 
• Ukraine 

Since each country has its own rules about who can adopt, there may be restrictions that prevent individuals or couples from adopting a child of a certain nation. During the immigration process, the individual or couple wishing to adopt discusses and determines (with the adoption agency) which countries they can adopt from. More information on the process leading to adoption can be found in the British Columbia Adoption Act. To find a list of countries that have restrictions on international adoptions, click here.  

International Relative Adoption  

International Relative Adoption is the process of adopting a child living in another country that you are related to. Relative adoptions vary slightly from other international adoptions in that the adoptive parents typically have more information on the child’s upbringing and health. If you are internationally adopting a child that you are related to, you still have to go through the immigration process and the adoption process.  

International Adoption Considerations 

Some considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to adopt internationally: 

• The process can be costly 
• The process may take a long time 
• You may receive little to no information about the child’s upbringing 

How an Adoptions Lawyer Can Help

Our adoption lawyers can assist with international adoptions by: 

• Providing guidance and information about the immigration and court processes 
• Recommending adoption agencies 
• Preparing and submitting the adoption application to the court  
• Obtaining an adoption Order.

 The process of international adoption can be challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be impossible. With the right help, the international adoption process can be made easier for you.  

To meet with one of our award-winning adoption lawyers in Vancouver or Surrey, book now or call us at 604-974-9529.