Frequently Asked Questions
What is an international Adoption?Where do I begin?Should we expect a signed contract?What is the difference between an adoption agency and adoption facilitator?Is there a risk in working with non licensed individuals?What is a dossier? What is the Hague Convention? What is a Hague country? What is a Hague approved agency? What is the difference between the USCIS form’s I 600-A, I 600, I 800-A, and I 800?What is a Visa?What is an international adoption?
An international adoption is where a family from one country adopts a child from another country. The adoptive family must comply with the law of their state, federal law and the law of the country.
Where do I begin?
Your first step is to do your homework there are hundreds of agencies and adoption professionals that advertise their services. Check with the licensing office of the adoption professional's home state, the Better Business Bureau, and the adoption boards on the web. Always ask for references and ask those references for other references.
Should we expect to sign a contract?
Absolutely!!!!! Do not enter into a relationship with any adoption professional without an adoption services agreement. This protects you. The contract should address your rights and obligations as adoptive parents as well as the adoption professional's responsibility to you. Fees should be clearly stated.
What is the difference between an adoption agency and an adoption facilitator?
An adoption agency is usually a corporation, either for profit or not for profit that is licensed by its home state to provide adoption services. An adoption facilitator is a person or corporation not licensed by the state but still provides adoption services.
Is there a risk in working with non-licensed individuals?
Yes. Non licensed individuals are not regulated by any government entity. On the other hand, licensed adoption agencies are required to carry malpractice insurance, require a board of directors, minimum continuing education, and qualified staff. Adoption attorneys are licensed by their local bar, usually carry malpractice insurance and must also comply with continuing education requirements.
What is a dossier?
A dossier is a groups of documents that are required to pursue an adoption in a foreign country. The dossier usually includes a home study, criminal background checks, proof of financial solvency, medical letters, letters of reference, proof of marriage and birth certificates. The documents contained in the dossier vary from country to country.
What is the Hague Convention?
The Hague Convention is an international agreement between participating countries that have signed on to and agree to be a part of the Hague Convention. This agreement sets the guide lines and procedures that are set forth for the protection of the children, birth family and adoptive family. It is set up to prevent the abduction, exploitation, sale and trafficking of children.
What is a Hague country?
A Hague country is a country that has signed onto and agrees to abide by the convention rules and procedures on international adoptions.
What is a Hague approved agency?
A Hague approved agency is an agency that has applied to be a part of the Hague Convention and has approval from the Hague Committee to do adoptions in Hague countries.
What is the difference between the USCIS form’s I 600-A, I 600, I 800-A, and I 800?
The I 600-A form is filed with the USCIS if you are adopting from a non Hague country. The I 600 is used later in the adoption process. It is filed with the American Embassy in the country of your adoption to obtain your child’s visa to enter the United States.
The I 800-A form is filed with the USCIS when you are adopting from a Hague country. The I 800 is used later in the adoption process. It is filed with the American Embassy in the country of your adoption to obtain your child’s visa to enter the United States.
What is a Visa?
A Visa is United States approval for your child to enter the United States. It is issued by the American Embassy located in the foreign country. The American Embassy stamps the Visa inside the child’s passport.
There are 4 different Visas that are issued
The IR 3 and IR 4 Visa’s are issued to non Hague country adoptions:
- An IR 3 Visa is issued to the adopted child when that child has been personally seen by the adoptive parent prior to the completion of the adoption in the foreign country. With an IR 3 Visa your child will be an American Citizen once your plane has landed on American soil.
- An IR 4 Visa is issued to the adopted child that has not been personally seen by the adoptive parent prior to the completion of the adoption in the foreign country. It is intended that this child will be re-adopted in the United States after arrival home. With the IR 4 Visa your child is not an American Citizen when you land in the US. After you have completed the re-adoption process then you can apply to the USCIS for your child’s certificate of Citizenship.
The IH 3 and IH 4 Visa’s are issued to Hague country adoptions:
- The IH 3 visa is issued to the adopted children when that child has been personally seen by the adoptive parents prior to the completion of the adoption in the foreign country. With the IH 3 Visa your child will be an American Citizen once your plane has landed on American soil.
- The IH 4 Visa is issued to the adoptive child that has not been personally seen by the adoptive parents prior to the completion of the adoption in the foreign country. It is intended that this child will be re-adopted in the United States after arrival home. With the IH 4 Visa your child is not an American Citizen when you land in the US. After you have completed the re-adoption process then you can apply to the USCIS for your child’s certificate of Citizenship.
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Revised: 9/4/09.