How to Get a Passport for a Foreign Born Child

International adoption is becoming more common for US parents. After adoption, obtain a US passport as proof of citizenship for the child. After obtaining the passport, US citizenship is final, and the child can travel to foreign countries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Verify that the child meets government criteria for citizenship. The child has to have at least one parent that has permanent US citizenship. He must also be under 18 as of February 27, 2001. A full and final adoption is necessary. Lastly, the child must have entered the US on a permanent resident visa.
2. Gather all necessary documents: the child's foreign visa or green card, and the final adoption decree. Have proof of the parents' identity and their US citizenship.
3. Take the child to get the passport. The US Department of State requires that all minors applying for a passport be present at the time of application.
4. Know who to contact if there are any problems. If it is a problem with the acceptance site, try a different one. It is possible that the site is inexperienced with current passport laws dealing with foreign adoptions. If this doesn't resolve the issue, contact the adoption agency. They can work with the Joint Council to resolve the issue.
5. Find the nearest application site. The best bet is a US Passport Agency. Due to high traffic, they only accept walk-ins if you're travelling outside the country within 14 days. Remote Passport Agencies are easy to locate in libraries and courthouses. Documents have to be handed over and mailed in at these sites; they will be returned after the application is processed.