Canada’s birthright citizenship laws are under pressure as a growing number of expectant mothers from abroad travel here with the sole purpose of giving birth — a practice known as birth tourism. While the Canadian Citizenship Act grants automatic citizenship to all babies born on Canadian soil, critics argue this unconditional system is being exploited, creating strain on the country’s healthcare and immigration systems.
This blog explores what birth tourism in Canada really means, the global shift away from automatic citizenship, and how immigration experts like ICC Immigration can help families pursue genuine, long-term residency pathways legally and ethically.
🇨🇦 What Is Birth Tourism?
Birth tourism involves foreign nationals — typically on temporary visas like visitor permits — coming to Canada late in pregnancy to give birth. Their babies automatically receive Canadian citizenship under Section 3(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, even if the parents are neither citizens nor permanent residents.
While this practice is not illegal under current law, it is increasingly viewed as unfair and exploitative, especially as organized birth houses emerge in cities like Vancouver and Richmond, offering maternity packages, hospital access, and postnatal care for non-residents.
📊 The Numbers Behind the Concern
Although birth tourism accounts for less than 2% of total births, the numbers are climbing quickly:
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In 2019, Canada saw 5,800 non-resident births
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This dropped to 2,433 during the pandemic (2020–2021)
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By 2023–2024, that number rebounded to 5,219, or 1.5% of all births
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British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec remain hotspots
Studies show that up to 50% of these births are strategic, aimed at acquiring citizenship-linked benefits such as free public education, healthcare, and future family sponsorship.
In just one year, Richmond Hospital in B.C. generated $6.2 million in maternity fees from non-resident mothers — but $1.1 million remains unpaid, putting a financial burden on taxpayers.
🌍 How Other Countries Are Responding
Canada is one of the few developed nations still offering unconditional birthright citizenship. Countries like the UK, Germany, and Australia have all introduced conditional citizenship laws, requiring at least one parent to be a citizen or permanent resident.
The United States — often cited alongside Canada for jus soli policies — has also moved toward restricting citizenship-by-birth for children of undocumented or temporary-status parents, following executive action and judicial review.
Without reform, Canada risks becoming an outlier — and a target destination for organized birth tourism.
🔍 Why Reform Is Needed
A 2022 poll found that 64% of Canadians believe birth tourism undermines the integrity of Canadian citizenship. In fact:
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73% support a federal inquiry into the practice
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77% of surveyed non-resident mothers admitted their primary reason for giving birth in Canada was to obtain automatic citizenship
Critics argue that the practice not only strains healthcare systems, but also delays deportations and creates loopholes for future family immigration — bypassing the intent of Canada’s immigration laws.
What’s missing? A national data collection system. Without clear tracking of parental immigration status, the scale and cost of birth tourism remain hard to measure.
✅ A Smarter Path: Legal Immigration Through ICC Immigration
Rather than relying on uncertain tactics like birth tourism or asylum claims, there are proven, legal pathways to secure permanent residency in Canada — and ICC Immigration is here to help.
Here’s how we can support your journey:
🛂 Permanent Residency Applications
We help you apply through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other economic immigration streams, ensuring your application is accurate and optimized for faster processing.
🎓 Study & Work Permits
Looking to study or work in Canada? Our experts will guide you through temporary resident visas that can lead to PR eligibility, giving you a firm foothold in Canada’s economy and society.
👨👩👧 Family Sponsorships
If you have close relatives in Canada, we help you legally reunite with them through the Family Class Sponsorship Program, including spouse, child, or parent sponsorships.
⚖️ Expert Legal Advice
Navigating Canada’s immigration law can be complex. ICC Immigration offers personalized legal support, helping you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
🔐 Choose Legal, Long-Term Immigration Over Shortcuts
While birth tourism may seem like a shortcut, it poses legal, ethical, and financial risks — and it could lead to future restrictions as public and political pressure grows.
Instead, choose security, legality, and peace of mind with ICC Immigration’s professional services. Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in Canada, we’re here to ensure your path to Permanent Residency is clear, compliant, and stress-free.