Features of having a baby in Canada for those who are not residents, as well as tips for choosing the best hospitals in Canada for visiting mothers.

 by Julia Dikaya • ongoing writer in VisitWorld

Canadian citizenship legislation states that all people born in Canada are Canadian citizens, regardless of the status of their parent in the country. The only exception is that foreign diplomats who give birth to a child in Canada cannot become Canadian citizens. 

Therefore, if you are a temporary resident of Canada (for example, as a worker or tourist) and you give birth to a child in Canada, your child automatically becomes a Canadian citizen.

Read the top 15 myths about immigration to Canada here.

CRS system: how many points do you need to move to Canada under the Express Entry program read here.

What does maternity tourism mean and how is it done in Canada

The act of travelling to another country to give birth and consequently obtain citizenship for the child, even if the parents are neither residents nor citizens, is known as child tourism or birth tourism. Few developed countries allow this, and Canada is one of them. Birth tourism is therefore perfectly legal in this country. 

Find more information about insurance in Canada here.

Childbirth tourism in Canada for non-residents

For temporary stays in the country, there are some rules. For example, you have to prove that the family is financially capable and will return home after the birth. Also, you must provide a letter from your doctor confirming the birth of your child in Canada, and proof of funds for medical services, to make the visa process easier for you.

Also, if you give birth to your baby while in Canada as a tourist, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for medical care. The Canadian health care system will not cover the cost. If you do not want to deal with these costs alone, you must get international health insurance.

Can parents obtain citizenship in Canada after the birth of a child

The parents of a newborn baby cannot get residency or Canadian citizenship because their child is born as a Canadian citizen. However, when the child turns 18, he or she can sponsor his or her parents to live permanently in Canada.

The cost of having a child in Canada 

The decision to have a child in Canada has some associated costs ranging from C$5,000 to C$20,000 if you are a visitor or tourist in the country. 

The cost is based on various factors such as:

-Health care costs in the province in which you choose to have a baby (some provinces have higher health care costs than others).

-Medical facility that handles the care 

-The type of delivery -natural or caesarean section).

It is worth remembering that the parent of a child born in Canada is not eligible for Canadian health care coverage for the birth.

The child's family will have to pay the medical costs and bills associated with the birth. This is mandatory because the parent is not a Canadian resident.

Canadian birthing procedures for foreign nationals

-Think about having your child in Canada 

-Apply for a Temporary Resident of Canada (TRV) visa.

-If your TRV application is approved, then you can come to Canada.

-Notify your hospital doctors about your stay. 

-After the birth of your child, apply for your child's birth certificate and a Canadian passport for your child.

-Return to your home country soon.

Worth considering: Citizens of some countries (like the United States) do not require a TRV to give birth in Canada. However, electronic travel authorisation (eTA) may be required to enter Canada.

What documents do you need to have a child in Canada

You must take certain documents with you when you go to the hospital to have your baby. Copies of these documents are needed:

-Your medical records, if you have them with you.

-Your birth plan.

-Your insurance cards and/or health insurance.

-Your Social Insurance Number (SIN), if applicable.

-Your passport and visa.

The best hospitals for childbirth in Canada

If you are a non-resident (visitor) who is thinking about having a baby in Canada, you may be wondering which is the best hospital to deliver your baby. Each province and territory has different hospitals that offer different levels of care, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Below are the top five hospitals in Canada with the highest number of non-resident births:

-St. Mary's Hospital, Quebec;

-St. Paul's & Mount Saint Joseph, British Columbia;

-Richmond Hospital, British Columbia;

-Mackenzie Richmond Hill, Ontario;

-McGill, Quebec.

Benefits and credits for newborn children with Canadian resident parents

When you register your child's birth, you can use the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) to register for the following benefits and credits:

-Canadian Child Benefit

A tax-free monthly payment to help with child-rearing expenses. You can receive up to $6,400 a year for each child under the age of 6 and $5,400 for each child between the ages of 6 and 17.

-GST/HST Credit

A tax-free quarterly payment of up to $560 a year made to families with modest incomes. If you qualify for the GST/HST credit and have children, you can also receive up to $147 per year for each child under the age of 18.

-Related provincial and territorial programmes

Find out about the relevant programmes available in your province or territory.

-Childhood Disability Benefit

Benefit for families caring for a child under 18 years of age who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit. The Child Disability Benefit is paid monthly along with the Canada Child Benefit.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Canada;

Legal advice on business issues in Canada;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Canada;

Medical insurance all over the world;

Insurance for international students in Canada.

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