What Happens if a Child Is Born in Canada to Foreigners?

When expectant parents from other countries give birth in Canada, their child automatically gains Canadian citizenship. But what does this mean for the family? This guide explains the legal implications, costs, and long-term opportunities for families considering this important decision.

Key Takeaways → Automatic citizenship: Children born in Canada to foreign parents automatically become Canadian citizens (except children of foreign diplomats) → Parents' status unchanged: Having a Canadian child doesn't change parents' immigration status or provide immediate benefits → Significant costs: Budget CAD $25,000-$50,000 for delivery, hospital stay, and living expenses during 6-8 week stay → Future sponsorship: Canadian children can sponsor parents for permanent residence once they turn 18 and meet income requirements → Dual citizenship allowed: Canada permits dual citizenship, but home country laws determine if child can hold both → Birth tourism legal: No Canadian laws prevent foreigners from traveling to Canada specifically to give birth → Medical exams required: All future immigration pathways for parents require immigration medical examinations by approved panel physicians

What Legal Status Does Your Child Receive?

If a child is born in Canada to foreign parents, that child automatically becomes a Canadian citizen at birth. This occurs under Canada's jus soli principle (right of the soil), established by the Citizenship Act.

Your child receives:

• Canadian citizenship from birth
• Canadian passport eligibility
• Universal healthcare access
• Free education through grade 12
• Unrestricted rights to live and work in Canada

Who Is Excluded From Birthright Citizenship?

Children born to accredited foreign diplomats and certain international organization officials do not automatically receive Canadian citizenship.

According to official government guidance, children born in Canada may not be Canadian citizens at birth if their parent was "a foreign diplomat, a representative or employee in Canada of a foreign government" or "an officer or employee of a specialized agency of the United Nations or another international organization," unless the other parent was a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.

How Does This Affect the Parents?

Giving birth in Canada as a foreigner grants your child citizenship but doesn't change your immigration status.

Here's what you need to know:

Does Your Status Change?

No. You keep your original citizenship and visa status. You must follow your current temporary resident visa conditions, and you need separate applications for permanent residence. Your child cannot immediately sponsor you for immigration.

When Can Your Child Sponsor You?

When your child becomes an adult and meets specific requirements, they can sponsor you for permanent residency through the Parent and Grandparent Program. According to current eligibility requirements, sponsors must be at least 18 years old and meet substantial income requirements.

Healthcare Costs for Foreign Nationals

Understanding medical expenses helps you budget appropriately. According to the Government of Canada policy, "Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors."

How Much Does Delivery Cost by Region?

Based on current hospital fee schedules and self-pay rates, foreign nationals typically pay these estimated ranges:

• Ontario: CAD $6,000–$18,000 (vaginal to cesarean)
• British Columbia: CAD $5,500–$16,000
• Alberta: CAD $5,000–$15,000

Note: These are estimates based on typical private/self-pay rates. Individual hospitals may charge significantly different amounts, and some private maternity services may exceed these ranges.

What Other Medical Expenses Should You Expect?

• Prenatal Care: CAD $2,000–$5,000 total
• Hospital Stay: CAD $1,500–$4,000 per day
• Routine Newborn Care: CAD $500–$1,200 per day for standard postnatal care
• Specialized Newborn Care: CAD $1,200–$3,600 per day if complications arise
• Emergency Situations: Can exceed CAD $50,000 for serious complications requiring intensive care

Government guidance emphasizes that ethical standards require providing emergency treatment regardless of insurance status, though fees can be collected subsequently.

How Much Should You Budget Overall?

Plan for CAD $20,000–$30,000 for uncomplicated delivery, plus living expenses during your 6-8 week stay. These estimates can vary significantly based on hospital choice, complications, and individual circumstances.

How Do You Enter Canada Legally?

Documents You Need for a Temporary Resident Visa

Apply through the IRCC website with these essential documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Proof of funds covering all expenses
• Healthcare provider's pregnancy confirmation letter
• Return travel arrangements
• Strong ties to your home country

According to official policy, "Those travelling to Canada on a temporary resident visa who indicate they are visiting Canada to give birth must demonstrate that they are able to pay for the cost of giving birth."

What Steps Are Required After Birth?

1. Register the birth with provincial vital statistics (within 30 days)
2. Obtain a birth certificate (official citizenship proof)
3. Apply for a Canadian passport for your child
4. Register with your consulate (if required by your country)

Can Your Child Have Dual Citizenship?

Canada allows dual citizenship, but your home country's laws determine if your child can hold both. According to the Government of Canada guidance, many countries permit this, including the US, UK, Australia, and most EU nations.

Some countries, like Japan and Singapore, require choosing one citizenship. Consider consulting legal experts familiar with both Canadian and your home country's laws to understand implications for taxes, military service, and inheritance rights.

When Should You Plan Your Trip?

Optimal Timing

• Recommended Arrival: 28-32 weeks of gestation for practical planning purposes
• Minimum Stay: 6-8 weeks for recovery and documentation
• Airline Policies: Most airlines restrict travel after 36 weeks, but policies vary by carrier - always verify specific airline requirements before booking
• Medical Considerations: Consult with your healthcare provider about the safest travel window for your specific situation

Location You Should Choose

• Ontario (Toronto/GTA): Most services, higher costs, diverse communities, extensive healthcare options
• British Columbia (Vancouver): Large international community, mild climate, premium pricing
• Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton): Lower costs, quality healthcare, harsh winters

Consider proximity to international airports, cultural communities, and total living expenses when choosing.

How Do You Select Healthcare Providers?

Choose providers with:

• Experience with international patients
• Clear payment policies and transparent pricing
• Cultural sensitivity and language support
• Good reputation and proper hospital privileges

Long-Term Benefits Your Child Receives

Educational Advantages

Your Canadian citizen child enjoys:

• Free public education (K-12)
• Domestic tuition rates (often 50-70% less than international rates)
• Student financial aid eligibility
• Unrestricted program access at all education levels

Healthcare and Social Benefits

• Universal healthcare through provincial health insurance
• Canada Child Benefit (tax-free monthly payments)
• Employment Insurance and social safety net programs
• Retirement benefits (Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan)

Travel Benefits That Come With Canadian Citizenship

A Canadian passport provides visa-free access to 185+ countries, making international travel, education, and business opportunities more accessible.

What Immigration Options Exist for Parents?

While your baby born in Canada to foreign parents doesn't provide immediate immigration benefits, several pathways exist:

Express Entry System

Canada's main economic immigration program considers age, education, language skills, and work experience. Having a Canadian child may provide some additional consideration under adaptability factors, though this alone does not guarantee a significant point increase or selection.

Requirements include:

• Language proficiency testing
• Educational credential assessment
• Immigration medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician
• Police clearance certificates
• Proof of funds

Provincial Nominee Programs

Each province nominates candidates based on local labor market needs and may value family connections to Canada.

Requirements typically include:

• Meeting provincial selection criteria
• Immigration medical examination
• Language testing
• Educational credentials assessment
• Work experience documentation

Family Sponsorship Requirements

Once your child meets eligibility requirements, they can apply to sponsor you under the Parent and Grandparent Program. According to current requirements, sponsors must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Status Indian living in Canada
• Meet income requirements 30% above the Low Income Cut-off for 3 consecutive years
• Sign a 20-year undertaking to support sponsored parents financially
• Pass health and security checks

Applicants must also complete:

• Immigration medical examination
• Background and security checks
• Biometrics collection
• Interview (if required)

Working with an immigration specialist can help identify the best pathway for your specific situation and ensure proper preparation for all requirements, including medical examinations.

Working with an immigration specialist helps identify the best pathway for your specific situation and ensures proper application preparation.

How Do You Stay Legally Compliant?

Immigration Requirements

• Be truthful about your visit purpose to CBSA officers
• Maintain adequate financial resources
• Keep detailed records of expenses and documentation
• Comply with all visa conditions and departure timelines

How Can You Avoid Common Issues?

• Don't misrepresent pregnancy status to immigration officers
• Budget generously for unexpected complications
• Understand both Canadian and home country tax implications
• Maintain valid travel documents throughout your stay

Recent Policy Changes You Should Know

Expanding Citizenship Access

Bill C-3 (2025) expands citizenship eligibility for children born outside Canada to Canadian parents, demonstrating Canada's commitment to family-friendly immigration policies. This legislation would automatically confer Canadian citizenship to persons born abroad to a Canadian parent who is also born abroad and would extend access to direct grants of citizenship for adopted children beyond the first generation. This reinforces the stability of birthright citizenship for children born on Canadian soil.

Immigration Program Changes

Regular updates to Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family sponsorship affect parents' future options. Stay informed through official government sources or qualified professionals.

Understanding Birth Tourism in Canada

According to official government research, hospital deliveries under the "Other country resident self-pay" category have shown an increasing trend, accounting for 0.5% of deliveries in 2010 and 1.3% in 2017. The estimated deliveries by short-term visitors increased from around 800 annually in 2010 to around 2,500 in 2017.

The government confirms that birth tourism represents a small percentage of Canada's approximately 380,000 annual births, that "there are no inadmissibility provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that would prevent foreign nationals from travelling to Canada to give birth," and that "non-residents giving birth in Canada is not considered fraud under the Citizenship Act."

Complete Your Canadian Immigration Journey

Proper medical documentation is essential for planning your family's future in Canada. Complete Immigration Medical Centre in Brampton specializes in immigration medical exams for families pursuing Canadian permanent residence.

As Brampton's only IRCC-approved Panel Physicians, we provide professional medical exams with Hindi and Punjabi language support. Our modern facility features on-site X-ray services, same-day blood and urine testing, and efficient e-processing to complete your medical requirements quickly.

Ready to take the next step? Book your immigration medical exam today and move closer to making Canada your permanent home.

Note: This information is for general guidance only. Immigration and citizenship laws change frequently. Consult qualified legal professionals for advice specific to your situation.