International adoption
Selection criteria for international adoption according to Québec legislation and that of the child's country of origin
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.
Criteria in Québec
According to Québec legislation, adopters must:
- be domiciled in Québec;
- be of full age;
- be at least 18 years older than the child they want to adopt.
The criteria of the child's country of origin are added to these.
Criteria of the child’s country of origin
Countries of origin establish their own selection criteria for adopters.
Those criteria are established according to their laws and practices. They reflect:
- their culture;
- their customs;
- their spiritual values;
- their vision of the parent-child relationship.
Some countries have conditions regarding the age limit, conjugal status and socioeconomic situation of adopters. Criteria, such as the weight and health status of the adopters, are interpreted differently depending on the country's culture.
To find out more about the psychosocial assessment, see the conditions and procedures by country page.
Last update: June 11, 2024