What to Know About “Birth Tourism” in 2024

By Rachel Barrick October 31, 2017 (Updated January 9, 2024) 2 min. read
birth-tourism-canada

Over the years, many foreign nationals were born at Richmond Hospital in Canada to non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This is part of an industry known as “birth tourism”, in which a pregnant woman enters Canada to give birth to a child who will then automatically be given citizenship. They typically travel to Canada as a tourist, and either book hospital rooms, rent apartments, or “baby houses” for the birth. These numbers have been growing in recent years, and hospital officials have found that 98% of these births were to Chinese nationals. Xi An, the founder of the Vancouver Post-natal Care Association and owner of the Richmond-based Icy Consulting firm, attributes the growth in birth tourism to a petition raised against it last year in Richmond. This petition gained media coverage and while before birth tourism had been an underground practice with questionable legality, it became clear to interested parents that the government “seem[ed] to be OK with it” (Wood & Xiong, Richmond News).

The idea behind this practice is that once the baby reaches the age of 18, he or she can decide to be either a Canadian citizen or a citizen of the country in which they reside. In the case of China, for example, the child would have to get a long-term visiting visa to return to China and apply for a Chinese ID. They would renew this visa every two years and renew their Canadian passport every 5 years. Once the child does turn 18, they will be eligible to sponsor their parents to Canada if they so choose and if they meet all requirements—another benefit for those involved.

While this process provides a great deal of opportunity to foreign parents and their Canadian-born children, both the Liberal Canadian government and the Conservatives agree that birth tourism is a problem. Though they have differing opinions on what should be done, overall they see it as an abuse of the immigration system. They hope to convey the message that, if this continues, there will be consequences. Some have advocated for an end to place of birth citizenship rights (a right only provided by the US and Canada), but this has been dismissed. While there is no law stating birth tourism is illegal, immigration consultant Ken Wong sees this “loophole as a threat to the immigration system’s integrity” (Wood &  Xiong). One of the main ways this practice could be stopped, however, is to prove that when the woman enters Canada, she is not declaring her true intention. This kind of misrepresentation is illegal, and though proving it can be difficult, it may become a course of action taken at the border as a reason for inadmissibility.

Are You Interested in Immigrating to Canada in 2022?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.

Domenico Orsi Avatar

Domenico Orsi

Bansuri was great help on the phone today. They were able to swiftly set up an appointment and facilitate all of my needs and questions.