An intercountry adoption (also called international adoption) is the legal process by which a person or couple adopts a child or youth from a country other than their own. It is regulated under the NWT Adoption Act, the Intercountry Adoption Act (Hague Convention), federal immigration laws, and the adoption laws of the child or youth’s country of origin.

Request an Adoption Application

The adoption application is not available online.

To request a copy:

• Email cfs_info@gov.nt.ca
• Or contact your local Health and Social Services Authority

Start the intercountry adoption process

1. Choose a country
2. Complete an Adoption Application
3. Submit required documents (medical, criminal record check, child protection check, references, etc.)
4. Director of Adoptions approves your application
5. Work in partnership with a licensed provincial adoption agency
6. Pay $536 for the preparation of the Pre-Placement Report
7. Child or youth is identified and matched for adoption
8. Complete immigration and travel requirements
9. Travel to the child or youth’s country to finalize the adoption

What to do after you return to the NWT

• Notify Department of Health and Social Services - Adoption Services when you return to the NWT.
• Provide a copy of the Adoption Order

If required by the child’s country, an Adoption Worker will prepare a Post-Placement Report. The fee is $108

Costs and Timelines

• Total cost: $20,000–$50,000
• Stay in country: five (5) days to five (5) weeks

How to Prepare for an Intercountry Adoption

• Read books and articles on Intercountry Adoption
• Speak with adoptive parents who have adopted children from other countries
• Citizenship & Immigration Canada -  http://www.cic.gc.ca
• Family Helper - http://www.familyhelper.net/index.html

Contact

• Email cfs_info@gov.nt.ca or contact your local Health and Social Services Authority for more information.