How to Adopt a Child in Japan

Rates of Japanese adoption by foreigners are quite low compared to many other countries. One reason for this is that Japanese law requires at least one parent to be a Japanese citizen who can prove that they are long-term residents of the country. While United States residents are eligible to adopt a child from Japan, there are strict guidelines for adopting children who are not blood-related to the adoptive parents. So-called "special" adoptions can allow non-relatives who meet specific criteria to adopt a child under the age of six .

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure that you meet the requirements for adopting a child from Japan. It is often difficult for American citizens to adopt a Japanese child because Japanese law stipulates that at least one parent must be a Japanese citizen who is capable of providing proof of residency over an extended period of time. Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old. Married couples may adopt. Single people wishing to adopt are taken on a case-by-case basis. Proof of employment and the ability to provide for the child financially is also required.

2. Determine the type of adoption that meets your particular situation. If you are a blood relative who wishes to adopt a child whose parents are no longer able to care for him or her, this type of adoption is considered a "regular" adoption. Regular adoptions do not completely cut off contact with the parent or parents of the child; however, they grant full-time custody to the adoptive parents. Situations where the adoptive parents have no blood relation to the child who they wish to adopt are called "special" adoptions.

3. Decide on an adoption agency that specializes in adopting children from Japan. They will be able to show you child photo listings and history and will help you to determine which child is the best match for your family. They will then provide you with all of the required paperwork, forms and home studies. You will also be assigned a Japanese attorney who will petition the court on your behalf to begin the adoption proceedings. Typically, it will take at least six to nine months before a judge determines if the adoption will go through. During that time, home visits and interviews will take place.

4. Wait for the Japanese family courts to determine that the child is adoptable and that your family is a suitable match. If the adoption is approved, you will also need to follow United States guidelines for Japanese adoption and apply to be eligible to adopt using Form I-600A. This form is available from the U.S. State Department Eligibility to Adopt forms online. The adoption agency you are working with will be able to assist you in filing the necessary forms and paperwork to finalize the inter-country adoption. Once the adoption is approved, you will be able to bring your child back to the United States with you.

5. Make arrangements to travel back to the United States with your adopted child. There are a few steps that need to be taken before doing so. First, be sure to obtain a Japanese passport for your child as well as a birth certificate. At this point, since the adoption took place in Japan, your adopted child is still not a United States citizen. Therefore, a visa will also be required. You can apply for the visa at a United States Embassy in Japan--just be sure to bring proof of health from the child's doctor. Upon arriving on American soil, the child is considered an American citizen under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

Resources

• US State Department Eligibility to Adopt Forms