Currently, foreign-born adopted children must first become permanent residents of Canada before citizenship applications are considered.

Immigration Minister Monte Solberg, who introduced the bill amending the Citizenship Act, said the difference in treatment between children adopted abroad and children born abroad of a Canadian parent will be minimized.

“We are supporting Canadian families who adopt foreign-born children by helping them get citizenship without having to go through the immigration process,” Solberg said.

For the adopted child to be granted citizenship, the adoption must conform to the laws of the province or the territory of residence of the adoptive parents.

“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 bill is expected to pass, with the Bloc and NDP both likely to support it.