What You Need to Know About Childbirth in Canada
Canada is one of the two developed countries, along with the United States, that grants citizenship by birth. According to Article 3(1)(a) of the Canadian Citizenship Act, every person born in Canada is automatically considered a Canadian citizen.
In Canada, citizenship by birth is granted to every newborn baby, regardless of the citizenship status of the parents, and any baby born to a parent who is not a Canadian citizen but is born in Canada is granted Canadian citizenship from birth.
Information on giving birth in Canada, prenatal, birthing process and postnatal care is examined in order under the following subheadings.
Why is it preferable to give birth in Canada?
Giving birth in Canada is preferred because the country grants unconditional citizenship to babies born in Canada. Since Canada is a social state, ensuring the welfare of citizens in the country is the primary duty of the government.
The cities with the best living standards in the world, such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, are located in Canada. According to research by the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), approximately 70% of international students in Canada chose Canada because it is a safe country with a low crime rate.
Canada is a multinational state where many different nationalities live, more than one language is spoken, and many different religions and cultures are home. The benefits of being born in Canada include free health care and education for the child.
Canada ranks third in the world for education according to OECD research. Health insurance is mandatory for all citizens in Canada and healthcare costs are covered by the government.
Going to Canada to give birth is considered birth tourism. Canada is one of the few developed countries that allows birth tourism.
Is It More Advantageous to Give Birth in the USA or Canada?
Giving birth in Canada is seen as more advantageous because it is less expensive than giving birth in the U.S. Canada is a country with a social state approach, which supports the provision of basic services such as health care under state guarantee and at high standards.
Canada provides free healthcare to residents. Canada is a democratic country with political stability and low crime rates that ensure public safety. According to a study by the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), 70% of international students studying in Canada said that Canada’s safety was the main reason they wanted to study there.
When the cost of birth in Canada is compared to the United States, it is seen that birth costs in Canada are more affordable, especially when compared to the American cities of Los Angeles and New York.
Canada has one of the best healthcare standards in the world and is a more preferred place for childbirth than the United States. Canada has better statistics than the United States in terms of access to education and public safety.
Recently, people who enter the US for the purpose of giving birth have been subject to deportation by the passport police, even if they have sponsorship. For this reason, Canada is considered less risky for giving birth.
Canadian cities Toronto and Vancouver are always in the top 10 of the world’s best cities to live in, while Calgary and Montreal are in the top 20. Canada, which has the second largest land area in the world with a surface area of 10 million km², has a low population density and economic growth potential compared to its surface area with a population of 35 million. Canada is a country that stands out with its rich natural resources.
According to a statement made by the Deputy Mayor of Toronto in 2015, 51% of the population of Toronto consists of citizens from outside Canada. The multi-nationality experienced in Canadian cities makes expectant mothers more comfortable giving birth here. Canada does not charge taxes to people who do not have citizenship or residency in the country.
What are the Disadvantages of Giving Birth in Canada?
Below are the disadvantages of giving birth in Canada.
- The healthcare system in Canada lags behind other countries.
- Caesarean section is not preferred in Canada.
- Due to the pandemic, childbirth costs have increased in Canada.
- The fact that the prospective parents do not know English can cause various communication problems.
What to Know Before Giving Birth in Canada?
Below are details on what you need to know before giving birth in Canada and the preparation process you need to do before traveling.
What are the Pre-Birth Travel Preparations in Canada?
In Canada, before giving birth, travel dates are determined by consulting a doctor to find out at what week of pregnancy the latest travel date is possible.
Before traveling to Canada by plane, a doctor’s signed flight permit must be obtained and a suitable time must be in Canada before the birth. Except for exceptional cases, airlines do not allow pregnant women to fly to Canada after the 36th week of pregnancy.
If the pregnant person who will go to Canada to give birth is an employee, permission must be obtained from the workplace in accordance with the period determined for the travel. In Canada, the passport and citizenship procedures for the baby after birth take 1 month if extended, and when calculating the maternity leave period, the period before birth and the citizenship process period after birth must be taken into account.
With rsscanadaimmigration.com consultancy, passports of babies born in Canada in the last 3 years were received within an average of 17 days.
The person who will give birth in Canada must obtain a report, test results and ultrasound reports from their doctor. It is recommended that the person who will give birth in Canada open their phone and credit card for international use and obtain Canadian dollars. While round-trip plane tickets are purchased for birth trips to Canada, it is advantageous to purchase a return ticket for the baby in advance.
In Which Cities Can You Give Birth in Canada?
The most preferred city for birth in Canada is Toronto. The reasons why Toronto is the most preferred city for birth are; It has various accommodation options as it is the largest and most developed city in Canada, English is spoken as the native language, there is access to local doctors, direct flights from Other Coutries and the high standards of health services. Toronto hospitals in Canada are the most advanced hospitals in the country.
Vancouver is generally not preferred because it is more expensive. Montreal is another preferred city for birth in Canada because it is affordable in terms of hospital and doctor costs, but French is the native language spoken in Montreal and the number of hospitals accepting births for foreign citizens is quite low.
How to Choose a Hospital and Doctor for Childbirth in Canada
Choosing a Canadian local gynecologist for a hospital and doctor for a birth in Canada may be more expensive than other doctors. For a birth in Canada, if the mother and father know English or French, the doctor options increase and the costs decrease.
Doctors with private clinics in Canada perform deliveries at certain hospitals with which they have agreements.
In Canada, various institutional websites are used to choose an obstetrician and hospital. For Toronto, doctor profiles and affiliated hospitals are reviewed at http://www.cpso.on.ca by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), and detailed doctor profiles and reviews are reviewed at https://www.ratemds.com.
After determining the Canadian obstetrician, contact is made by phone or e-mail, and if foreign patients are accepted, an appointment is made.
The most preferred hospitals for childbirth in Canada are listed below.
- Michael Garron, Toronto East General Hospital
- Rouge Valley Health System
- Toronto Humber River Hospital
- Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto
Are There foreign Gynecologists in Canada?
Yes, there are foreign gynecologists in Canada.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa for Birth?
Applying for a Canadian visa for birth requires the person who will give birth in Canada and each of the family members who will accompany them to Canada to apply for a Canadian temporary resident (visitor) visa.
Applications for birth in Canada are made online by creating a cgKEY account on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In Canada visa application evaluations, the fact that the applicant will give birth does not affect the visa result. Canada birth visa evaluation is made based on financial resources and the applicant’s intention to return to their country.
What to Know About the Birth Process in Canada?
Below are things you need to know about the birth process in Canada and what to do after traveling to Canada to give birth.
What to Do After Arriving in Canada to Give Birth?
After arriving in Canada for the birth, you must go to the hospital where the doctor you have made an appointment with has performed the birth, register and pay a deposit. There are hospitals in Canada that offer expectant mothers a prenatal hospital tour and the opportunity to choose a room.
What Are the Costs of Childbirth in Canada?
For foreign nationals, the cost of giving birth in Canada is not covered by the Canadian health system. The parents must cover all costs of giving birth in Canada or obtain international health insurance to cover the costs.
The cost of giving birth in Canada varies depending on the province, hospital and delivery management.
Canadian birth expenses with and without insurance are given in the table below.
| Services | Cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Antenatal care | 100-150 CAD |
| Prenatal ultrasound | 300-500 CAD |
| Normal birth in hospital | 7,000-29,500 CAD |
| Cesarean birth in hospital | 10,000- 35,000 CAD |
| Home birth with a midwife | 2,500 – 4000 CAD |
rsscanadaimmigration.com insurance unit offers fully comprehensive Canadian travel health insurance with the best price guarantee.
What Are the Costs of Living Like for Pregnant Women in Canada?
Living expenses for expectant mothers in Canada include hotel, apartment or rental accommodation options for before and after birth.
For centrally located 1+1 apartments in Toronto, the lowest price is 1,900 CAD, the highest price is 4,700 CAD and the average price is 2,250 CAD.
In Canada, a meal for 2 people costs an average of 70 CAD. In Canada, taxis charge 2 CAD per kilometer for transportation. A subway ticket in Canada costs 3.50 CAD and daily car rental prices cost an average of 30-45 CAD.
For birth organizations in Canada organized with the consultancy of rsscanadaimmigration.com, previously rented houses with various facilities for the newborn baby and close to the hospital where the birth will take place can be used.
Which Canadian Hospitals Are Best for Childbirth?
The preferred Canadian hospitals for birth are given in the table below, along with their 2022 average prices.
| Hospital | City | Nightly room rate | Birth fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Toronto | 410 CAD | 8500 CAD |
| Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga Hospital | Mississauga | 290 CAD | 7875 CAD |
| Michael Garron Hospital | Toronto | 295 CAD | 9800 CAD |
| Sunnybrook Health Science Center | Toronto | 475 CAD | 11200 CAD |
| Humber River Hospital | Toronto | 340 CAD | 7560 CAD |
There are no private hospitals in Canada where foreign citizens can give birth.
What Documents Are Required for Birth in Canada?
The documents required for birth in Canada are listed below.
- Birth plan
- Medical records
- Insurance cards or health care
- Social security number, if applicable
- Passport and Canadian visa
The documents listed above must be brought to the hospital together with their originals and photocopies.
What are the Preferred Birth Methods in Canada?
The preferred method of birth in Canada is primarily natural birth, in accordance with the principles of the Canadian health system. In Canada, cesarean birth is performed when necessary for the health of the mother and baby. Pre-planned cesarean birth is rarely used in Canada.
What to Know About Postpartum in Canada?
Below are things you need to know about what to do after giving birth in Canada and obtaining citizenship.
For birth organizations carried out under the consultancy of rsscanadaimmigration.com, the process from birth certificate to passport application is followed by experienced consultants and immigration lawyers registered with the Canadian bar.
What to Do After Leaving the Hospital After Childbirth in Canada?
Below are the things you need to do after leaving the hospital after giving birth in Canada.
- In order for the birth card given by the hospital after birth to be compatible with the passport application and Local Country ID, the baby’s name, surname, mother’s name, father’s name, and date of birth must be written correctly.
- The day after birth, detailed blood test results and vaccination information about the baby should be obtained.
- In Canada, an appointment for circumcision can be made at the hospital where the baby was born, and circumcision is less expensive if the appointment is made within 15 days of birth.
- In Canada, free breastfeeding support is available before leaving the hospital where the baby was born.
- According to Canadian law, it is mandatory to have a baby seat when leaving the hospital, so the seat must be obtained in advance and placed in the vehicle.
How to Get a Canadian Birth Certificate?
The Canadian birth certificate application is made online. There is a separate birth registration process for each province or city in Canada, for example, if a birth is given in Ontario, a record must be created for the baby within 30 days. For those who give birth in Canada, it is useful to get information from the local authorities of the region where the birth took place. While creating an online record for a baby in Canada, child benefits, the baby’s birth certificate and social security number can also be recorded.
After the application is made, the Canadian birth certificate is sent to the declared address within 1 week. Canadian citizenship by birth is granted to the baby as of the date of receipt of the birth certificate. After the Canadian birth certificate is received, a passport application can be made for the baby.
In organizations organized under the consultancy of rsscanadaimmigration.com, the birth certificate application for the baby is made by the relevant consultants.
How to Apply for a Passport for a Baby Born in Canada?
A passport application for a baby born in Canada is made after the baby’s birth certificate is obtained. The Canadian passport application form can be obtained from the Canadian government website or from your local post office. Canadian passport applications can be made by mail or in person.
Citizens who want to receive a Canadian passport within a maximum of 25 business days must apply in person. In case of a chance application for a Canadian passport, an appointment is made and the process is carried out by going to the appointment with the baby.
Applications for a Canadian passport are made by mail by sending the necessary documents via courier or post to the address “Government of Canada, Passport Program, Gatineau, QC K1A 0G3 Canada”.
How to Fill Out the Canadian Passport Application Form?
The Canadian passport application form is filled out digitally or with a blue/black ballpoint pen in capital letters. The Canadian passport application form must be signed by both parents. All information and documents for the Canadian passport application form must be completed completely and accurately, and existing documents must not be stored.
For Canadian passport procedures, the doctor who witnessed the birth of the baby or someone who has known the family for at least 2 years and has a Canadian passport must testify that the family is having a baby. For Canadian passports, the person who testifies that the family is having a baby must sign the baby’s photo and declare it on the passport application form.
The visual of the Canadian passport application form is given below.
What are the other documents required for passport application?
The documents required for a Canadian passport are listed below.
- Baby birth certificate
- 2 photos for passport
- A Canadian representative observes the baby after its birth
- Payment receipt of the specified fees
How Much Is the Canadian Passport Application Fee?
The Canadian passport application fee is 57 CAD. Expedited processing fees are charged for Canadian passport applications made in person. Canadian passport application fees cannot be paid online or in cash.
Canadian passport application fees are paid by credit card, debit card, and certified check or money order for applications made in person. For Canadian passport applications made by mail, fees are paid by credit card, certified check or money order, or a prepaid card with embossed letters and numbers.
What to Do If Passport Delays?
If your passport is delayed and you plan to leave Canada within 30 days of the application date, you can contact www.canada.ca to update your email address.
How to Apply for Canadian Dual Citizenship After Birth in Canada?
Applications for Canadian dual citizenship after birth in Canada must be made within 60 days of birth. For Canadian dual citizenship applications, appointments are made at their country’s foreign missions in Canada (Ottawa, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver).
Application documents for Canadian dual citizenship are provided below.
- Birth registration petition
- Mother and father’s identity cards
- Marriage (family) certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Dual citizenship application form
What are the rights of babies born in Canada?
The rights of a baby born in Canada are listed below.
- Can receive free education in Canada.
- Healthcare services are free in Canada.
- When a Canadian citizen reaches the age of 18, he or she can sponsor his or her immediate family to obtain permanent residence.
- With a Canadian passport, you can travel to 97 countries without a visa.
- With a Canadian passport, one can enter 45 countries by obtaining a visa at the border gate.
Countries that can be visited without a visa with a Canadian passport include the USA, Australia and European Union countries. Among the rights gained with Canadian citizenship, the Canadian passport is ranked 8th among the 10 most powerful passports in the world.
How to Get Birth Counseling Services in Canada?
Birth consultancy services for Canada can be obtained through rsscanadaimmigration.com.
rsscanadaimmigration.com provides consultancy services to families who want to give birth in Canada by organizing the process up to the date of birth and obtaining the necessary permissions. Visa application, hospital registration appointment, accommodation near the hospital and companion opportunities are provided through Canadian birth consultancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about childbirth in Canada.
What is the Total Cost of Giving Birth in Canada?
The total cost of giving birth in Canada in 2022; accommodation, hospital, doctor, lawyer and counseling costs are an average of 28,000 CAD for births completed in their normal course.
In Canadian birth organizations organized under the consultancy of rsscanadaimmigration.com, all expense items are presented to the applicant in detail.
When Is Maternity Pay Paid in Canada?
In Canada, the birth fee is paid at the first appointment for the doctor and after the birth for the hospital. Canadian hospital payments can be made by credit card.
Is Birth Tourism Legal in Canada?
There is no tourism model called Canadian birth tourism, but the citizenship rights of babies born in Canada are protected by law.
What Services Does the Canada Birth Package Include?
Canada birth package can benefit from the following services according to the person’s needs
- Visa application and follow-up procedures
- Determination of doctor and hospital
- Determining the accommodation house
- Airport transfers in Canada
- Transfers within Canada
- Accompaniment to doctor’s examination
- Birth accompaniment
- Obtaining a birth certificate
- Getting a Canadian passport
