How to Adopt a Child From Cambodia

Many American families struggle with the ability to have children. Some turn to adoption to fulfill their desire to have a family. However, American adoptions can take years, and the process can often end in heartbreak. Considering adoption from another country like Cambodia can be a solution. Although this type of adoption experience has its own set of challenges, the process can be much quicker. Read on to learn how to adopt a child from Cambodia.

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Apply to the INS agency. The application form, USCIS Form I-600A, can be downloaded from the INS website. Mail in the form with your payment in the form of a check or money order. The INS will then make an appointment for you to be fingerprinted.

2. Get a passport. If your current passport is due to expire within the next 14 months, it will need to be renewed. Passport applications and instructions can be downloaded from the web.

3. Request certified copies of your birth, marriage and divorce certificates. They do not have to be authenticated for the country of Cambodia. You'll need two copies of each.

4. Pick an agency. You can adopt independently or semi-independently in Cambodia, but going through an agency is a good idea.

5. Read and understand the rules and regulations for an orphaned child from Cambodia to be adopted abroad.

The Adoption Process

1. Assemble your dossier and submit it to your agency. This includes INS forms, fingerprinting, home study, birth, marriage and divorce certificates and reference letters. Your agency will provide you with a list of all necessary paperwork.

2. Wait for INS approval and your referral. Your referral, which comes from your agency, will include a photo of your child and a medical report. After reviewing your report, notify your agency that you officially accept the referral.

3. Send your dossier to your facilitator in Cambodia. This is done by your agency.

4. Be sure your facilitator goes to the embassy to obtain a release letter issued by the embassy. This letter states they have received your INS approval to adopt.

5. Wait while the facilitator takes your dossier and release letter to the Cambodian Ministers. The facilitator then takes your translated dossier with the release letter to the Cambodian Ministers. One minister considers you, while the other considers the referred child.

6. Receive approval for the complete adoption and attend the receiving ceremony after traveling to Cambodia for the adoption.

Tips & Warnings

• It takes approximately one month to receive approval for adoption from Cambodia. Make an appointment with the American Embassy for your child's visa after Cambodian approval. Make travel plans after your child's visa appointment.