International or intercountry adoption occurs when an individual or couple becomes the legal and permanent parent(s) of a child (orphan or relative) that is a national of a different country. In most international adoptions, the birth parents are not known.  This type of adoption is considered a closed adoption. The age of children legally available for international adoption varies but usually ranges from one year and older.

(For other options, please link to Relative Adoption,  or Domestic Adoption.)

Law. International adoptions are governed by Canadian provincial law as well as by foreign country’s adoption law.  Canada is a signatory to the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Inter-country Adoption, (known as the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.)  Agencies must be licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Children & Youth Services (MCYS) to handle international adoptions.

World View has been licensed by the Ontario Ministry since 2001 and assists Canadian families in many countries.  If your country is not listed on the left, World View may still be able to assist you by obtaining a one-time license.