Easily obtainable Canadian Citizenship for Adopted Children

On May 15th, 2006, Ottawa celebrated International Day of Families. The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, introduced a new bill which will allow children adopted abroad by Canadian citizens to obtain Canadian citizenship and foregoing the first step which would have been permanent residency.

“We are supporting Canadian families who adopt foreign-born children by helping them get citizenship without having to go through the immigration process,” Minister Solberg said. “It is fitting that the introduction of this important bill occurs on the International Day of Families.”

Children born abroad to Canadian citizens and children adopted abroad by Canadians will be treated in similar procedure.
The adoption must conform to the laws of the province or the territory of residence of the adoptive parents. Adopted children will be granted Canadian citizenship upon completion of the adoption process. A simple application for citizenship must be submitted in their name.

“This is a major step forward for foreign-born adopted children and their adoptive families,” said Sandra Scarth, President of the Adoption Council of Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working to welcome these young new Canadians and enhance fairness,” said Minister Solberg.

ADOPTION FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT

Alice Daghavarian, Director of Immigration Services.

Canada Immigration will drop Right of Permanent Resident Fee to $490, effective immediately

The 2006 Federal Budget includes a 50 percent reduction in the $975 Right of Permanent Residence Fee. The new Right of Permanent Residence Fee is $490 for immigrants who become permanent residents under all social, humanitarian and economic classes. The change is effective as of 12:00 a.m. EDT on May 3, 2006.

If you paid the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, but did not become a permanent resident until after 12:00 a.m. EDT on May 3, 2006, you are entitled to a refund.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resid-fee/index.html

Stephan Duval, Attorney at Law.