How to Finalize an International Adoption Once the Child Is in the United States
You've navigated the maze that is the international adoption process -- filled out forms and filed the necessary paperwork -- and your new son or daughter is finally stateside. Don't breath a sigh of relief just yet, there's still one more hurdle ahead. Depending on the state you reside in, and the type of visa your child was admitted into the country on, you will have to finalize the adoption -- or in some cases, re-adopt your child.
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Instructions
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Research state's requirements for the finalization of your child's adoption; this will likely be through validation, or re-adoption.
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File your petition for recognition, or validation of a foreign adoption, as soon as possible.
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Gather all the necessary documents and their certified translations, if necessary. Typically, you will have to provide a certified translated copy of adoption -- or custody bestowed for adoption decrees -- proof of the date and place of the child's birth -- and proof of the child's IR-3 or IR-4 visa status.
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Make copies of all important documents and have them certified by a Notary, as true copies. Keep the originals in a safe place.
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Submit any name change requests with your petition. You should also request any changes in birth date, as recommended by a physician, at this time.
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Check to make sure you've included all necessary documents, and made copies your petition.
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Submit the paperwork as instructed, per your state's laws.
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Attend any hearings, or home studies that are requested.
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Tips & Warnings
Children that enter the U.S. with an IR-3 Visa are automatically bestowed citizenship upon entry into the country, and have been fully adopted in their country of origin. No further paperwork is required to finalize their adoption and secure their American citizenship.
Most states require that children entering the country on IR-4 visas have their adoptions finalized through domestic adoption law in that state.
When your child's adoption is finalized, obtain a certificate of U.S. citizenship for her as soon as possible, and have her Social Security status updated from resident alien to citizen.
If you do not finalize your child's adoption and that child entered the country on an IR-4 visa, your child is not considered a citizen under U.S. law.
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- Photo Credit Happy mother with her son series image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com
