Have you ever wondered why some people prefer their partners/wives to travel to Canada for the sole purpose of child delivery? In Africa, especially Nigeria, the number of people traveling to Canada to give birth is increasing daily. Several reasons this happens, some of which will be highlighted here. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about it, how to apply for the visa, and the type of visa you will need.
About Birth Tourism in Canada.
In simple terms, birth tourism refers to traveling to a foreign country to give birth there. For instance, a woman traveling to Canada from Nigeria when she is 6 months pregnant so she can deliver her baby in Canada. This is often done to obtain citizenship for the child born in that country. In the case of Canada, birth tourism is a controversial topic that has sparked debates about citizenship laws and immigration policies.
While there is no specific law in Canada that explicitly prohibits birth tourism, this practice has still raised concerns among policymakers and the public. It has been argued that birth tourism can put a strain on the country’s healthcare system and lead to abuse of social services. However, others say that these problems are overblown and that birth tourism should be allowed as it provides economic benefits to the country.
Benefits of Traveling to Canada to Give Birth.
1. Access to High-Quality Healthcare:
Canada is known for its excellent healthcare system, which offers top-notch medical care for both mother and child. Many parents choose to give birth in Canada to ensure they receive the best possible care during this significant time.
2. Citizenship and Residency:
By giving birth in Canada, your child will be entitled to Canadian citizenship, which comes with many benefits, including free education and healthcare. Additionally, parents may be able to apply for permanent residency in Canada after their child is born.
3. Safety and Security:
Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with high living standards and a peaceful environment. Many parents choose to give birth in Canada to provide a safe and secure start to their child’s life.
4. Cultural and Educational Opportunities:
Giving birth in Canada allows families to expose their children to a diverse culture and high-quality educational opportunities. Canada is known for its multicultural society and excellent schools, making it an attractive option for many parents.
5. Different System:
Some parents prefer giving birth in Canada for personal reasons, such as wanting to experience a different country’s healthcare system or seeking a new adventure. Whatever the motivation, applying for a Canadian visa to give birth offers families a unique and memorable experience.
Type of Visa Needed For Traveling to Give Birth in Canada
Suppose you want to travel to Canada with the sole purpose of giving birth. In that case, it’s essential to understand which visa is applicable for this. Giving birth in a foreign country can be a stressful experience, but with the correct visa, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process. The Temporary Resident visa is designed for people who wish to travel to Canada for a short period, such as for giving birth. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for a limited time and is usually valid for up to six months. That means before traveling, you should make sure that you are 6 months pregnant already to perfect the timing.
One of the main benefits of the Temporary Resident visa for giving birth in Canada is access to the country’s excellent healthcare system. Canada is known for its high-quality medical care, and by obtaining this visa, you can ensure that you and your baby receive the best possible care . Also, the Temporary Resident visa allows you to stay in Canada legally during your pregnancy and after giving birth. This means you can avoid legal complications and focus on enjoying this particular time with your new family member.
Temporary Resident Visa Eligibility Criteria for Giving Birth in Canada for Non-Residents
Giving birth in Canada as a non-resident is more complex than hopping on a plane and arriving at a healthcare facility. Non-residents must meet specific eligibility criteria to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to give birth in Canada. Some of the essential requirements include:
- Valid Passport: Non-residents must have a valid passport from their home country to apply for a TRV. The passport must have a validity of at least six months beyond the date of their planned departure from Canada.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Non-residents must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Canada, including medical expenses related to childbirth. This could include bank statements, pay slips, or a letter of financial support from a sponsor in Canada.
- Letter of Invitation: Non-residents may also be required to provide a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, stating the purpose of their visit and confirming their accommodation arrangements.
- Medical Insurance: Non-residents must have valid medical insurance that covers the cost of healthcare services in Canada, including childbirth. It is essential to have insurance that includes explicitly maternity care and delivery expenses.
- No Criminal Record: Non-residents must have a clean criminal record and may be required to undergo a background check as part of the TRV application process.
- Proof of Ties to Home Country: Non-residents must demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family relationships, to show that they intend to return after giving birth in Canada.
How to Apply for a Visa for Giving Birth in Canada
You can proceed with the application process if you meet the eligibility criteria above. The following are the steps to apply for a visa to give birth in Canada.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To apply for a TRV to give birth in Canada, you will need to gather the following documents:
- A completed Temporary Resident Visa application form
- A valid passport
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of funds to cover your stay in Canada
- A letter from your doctor confirming your pregnancy and estimated due date
- Proof of ties to your home country (such as a job, property, or family)
- A letter of invitation from a Canadian hospital or healthcare provider
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application for a TRV. You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or at a visa application center.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable fee is associated with applying for a TRV, which must be paid at the time of application. The fees required to be paid are as follows:
- Application fee of CAD$ 100.
- Biometrics fees of CAD$ 85 per person (if required).
- Passport processing fees of around CAD$ 45.
Step 4: Attend a Visa Interview (if required)
Sometimes, you may be required to attend a visa interview at a Canadian consulate or embassy. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your reason for visiting Canada, your ties to your home country, and your plans for returning after your stay.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application and attending any required interviews, you must wait for a decision on your TRV application. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications being processed.
Processing Time for the TRV Visa
The processing time for the TRV visa to give birth in Canada typically ranges from 5 to 6 weeks. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the volume of applications received by the immigration authorities and the case’s complexity. It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays in processing.
What is the Cost of Having a Child in Canada?
Having a child in Canada as a visitor or tourist incurs expenses ranging from CAD$5,000 to CAD$20,000. These costs vary based on factors like healthcare expenses in the chosen province, the medical facility, and the type of delivery. Notably, parents of such children are ineligible for Canadian healthcare coverage for the birth, and this requires the family to cover all associated medical bills as non-residents.
Do I have to Cover the Healthcare Expenses for Childbirth in Canada?
As a non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you are responsible for all related medical bills and expenses and are not eligible for the medical and social benefits offered to Canadian women during childbirth.
If my child is born in Canada, will I automatically become a Canadian citizen?
No, your child will gain Canadian citizenship automatically, but you won’t. Giving birth in Canada doesn’t grant you citizenship or permanent resident status, nor does it allow you to apply for social benefits or government documents. Typically, foreign national mothers return to their home country with the child if they don’t have permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. However, your child, being born in Canada, can return to Canada after turning 18 and enjoy all the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
5 Hospitals to Give Birth in Canada
As earlier stated, Canada has the one of the best health systems in the world. Hence, it is a good choice for anyone planning to deliver a baby. However, here are some hospitals you can consider:
1. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario
Sunnybrook has one of the largest maternity units in Canada, with over 4,000 deliveries annually. It offers specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, including a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The hospital provides comprehensive prenatal education and support services for expectant parents.
2. Mount Sinai Hospital
Toronto, Ontario
Mount Sinai is renowned for its expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, offering personalized care and support throughout pregnancy and childbirth. It has a Level III NICU for babies requiring specialized care and a maternal-fetal medicine unit for high-risk pregnancies. The hospital also provides various childbirth education classes and support groups for new parents.
3. BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia
BC Women’s Hospital is the only facility in British Columbia dedicated exclusively to women’s health, including maternity care.It offers various services, from prenatal care to labor and delivery, including specialized care for high-risk pregnancies and neonatal care. The hospital emphasizes family-centered care and provides resources such as breastfeeding support and postpartum mental health services.
4. St. Joseph’s Health Centre
Toronto, Ontario
St. Joseph’s Health Centre offers comprehensive maternity care in a supportive and family-friendly environment. It has a Level II NICU for babies requiring specialized care and a dedicated obstetric triage unit. The hospital also provides prenatal classes, breastfeeding support, and postpartum care services to help families transition to parenthood.
5. IWK Health Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The IWK Health Centre is a leading academic health sciences center specializing in women’s and children’s health. It offers comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal screening, labor and delivery services, and postpartum care.
The hospital has a Level III NICU and provides family-centered care, focusing on supporting parents and newborns during their hospital stays.
These hospitals are recognized for their expertise, facilities, and commitment to providing exceptional care to expectant parents and newborns.
Conclusion
Birth tourism refers to when a person travels to another country with the sole purpose of childbirth. Many people travel to Canada daily for this reason. This is because Canada is one country that offers excellent healthcare services to mothers and children. Besides good mother and child healthcare support, several benefits are attached to delivering your child in Canada. One such benefit is that your child can obtain permanent citizenship status quickly. This article has done justice to the discussed topic and has shown you all you need to know about giving birth in Canada in 2024.
