International adoption costs

Moratorium on new international adoption files

A moratorium on international adoptions with certified bodies is in force. The opening of new files is suspended.

However, files submitted without certified bodies, in the circumstances expressly provided for by regulation, as well as files with certified bodies that are already open are exempt from this measure and will continue to be processed as planned. For more information on cases where adoption without an accredited agency is possible, see the page International adoption without a certified body.

Before any adoption procedures are undertaken, they must be authorized by the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l’enfant (SASIE). Without this authorization, they will not be recognized: no adoption or immigration approval will be granted, and the child will not be able to obtain the right to live permanently in Canada. These rules exist to ensure that every adoption takes place within a legal and safe framework and, above all, in the best interests of the child.

Adopting a child from a foreign country is very expensive. People who are interested in international adoption must be aware of this in order to make an informed decision.

The estimated cost of an adoption, depending on the country where it takes place, is presented in the Requirements and procedures by country.

Breakdown of the costs

The anticipated cost of the adoption is indicated in the contract the person signs with their certified body.

Examples of fees payable in Quebec:

The certified body’s administration fees
The psychosocial assessment fee
The fee to prepare the adoption file depending on the number of documents required by the country of origin
The fee to have the documents translated and authenticated

Examples of fees payable for an international adoption:

The fees for legal and administrative procedures abroad
The fees of the certified body’s foreign representative
The cost of travel and accommodation abroad
The fees for keeping the child in an institution and the fees to prepare the child’s personal and medical files for the adoption
The financial contribution requested by the authorities in the country of origin

Tax credit for adoption expenses

Anyone who has incurred expenses to adopt a child may claim a tax credit from the provincial and federal governments.

Provincial government

The tax credit for adoption expenses is granted under certain conditions.

For more information, visit the Revenu Québec website.

Federal government

An amount may be claimed for eligible expenses related to the adoption of a child under 18 years of age.

For more information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Last update: June 11, 2024