Canada Updates Travel Document Policy for Adopted Children Granted Citizenship 2025

🔍 WHAT’S NEW?
IRCC has released updated guidelines regarding entry documents for children who acquire Canadian citizenship under section 5.1 of the Citizenship Act—that is, children adopted by Canadian citizens.

Starting July 4, 2025, the following changes will take effect:

1. Facilitation Visa Discontinued

Previously, children who had not yet received their citizenship certificate could enter Canada using a Facilitation Visa.
➡️ IRCC has now completely eliminated this option.

2. New “Special Authorization” – Not Available for Adopted Children

IRCC is introducing a new type of entry clearance called Special Authorization.
❗However, children granted citizenship under the adoption provision (section 5.1) are not eligible for this new authorization.
➡️ In other words, neither the facilitation visa nor the special authorization can be used for internationally adopted children.

3. Emergency Travel: Temporary Passport May Be Issued

If a child has been granted citizenship but:

• Has not yet received the physical citizenship certificate,

• And there is an urgent need to travel to Canada (e.g. for medical or compassionate reasons),
  ➡️ IRCC may issue a Limited Validity Passport (LVP) to allow the child to enter Canada.

🛑 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PARENTS
If you are sponsoring an adopted child from abroad, note:

• Your child will no longer receive a temporary entry visa after being granted citizenship.

• In urgent travel situations, you must be prepared to apply for a Limited Validity Passport (LVP). Do not wait until the last minute.

✅ WHAT TO DO NOW
If you are:

• In the process of international adoption, and

• Applying for citizenship for your child under section 5.1 of the Citizenship Act,

👉 Contact SICON now for tailored advice and a clear action plan. Staying ahead of these policy changes is essential to avoid delays or complications with your family reunification plans.

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