Government Resources
Dealing with Immigration (INS) and state and federal government regulations cannot be avoided, but it can be made easier when you know what to expect. Information includes free forms downloads, citizenship details, and specialists.
2002 Conference on International AdoptionInformation included at the June 2002 conference included laws, Hague Convention materials, forms, and training materials for INS personnel.
(USCIS - formerly INS) A listing of forms and associated fee information. Check carefully to be sure downloaded forms will be accepted. In some cases, you may need to snail mail the USCIS for actual forms printed on their paper.
Immigration Offices
Find locations and contact information for regional and state offices of the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (formerly INS).
US State Department - Immediate Relative Petitions
Only US citizens can apply for the immediate immigration of foreign adopted children. Those with long term resident permits (green cards) are not covered by adoption provisions.
US State Department - International Adoption
What the government does and does not do, preventing adoption fraud, and more. A wealth of information presented in the government's usual dry delivery.
US State Department - Authentications Office
Official guidelines on how to get your immigration and adoption documents properly authenticated, and explanations of apostilles, and the types of certifications required.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000
The new Act became effective on February 27, 2001 and it still frequently misunderstood. The Act allows for automatic citizenship for many foreign-born adoptees. Read about the Act and how it works.
Obtain U. S. Citizenship For Your Minor Child
Under current US law, some internationally adopted children automatically receive citizenship, others do not. For those who do not meet the automatic citizenship criteria (generally, those who enter on an IR-4 visa), parent(s) must apply for them.
The Oath of Allegiance
When your child becomes a citizen of the U.S., he/she will recite the Oath of Allegiance, or, you will recite it for him/her. Here are the words.
Obtain Proof of U.S. Citizenship
In international adoptions, if your child has not received a Certificate of Citizenship, you will want to obtain this proof for your child. Here's what you need to do, and the forms to do it.
Free Downloads
Download free forms for international adoptions. Forms for visas, petitions, passports, social security numbers, and more.
State Adoption Specialists
Every state has a specialist who is a resource for information about licensed agencies in the state, homestudy preparers, laws, subsidies, and more. State by state listing.
State Licensing Specialists
Licensing specialists are responsible for maintaining current information on all those involved with child welfare in any way. This includes adoption agencies, foster homes, and group homes. The licensing specialist can help with disputes, legal reference
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