Post adoption legal documentation can feel overwhelming, especially as you are trying to bond and care for your new child. However, it is essential that you are organized and meet the required deadlines. What do you need and when? The most up to date information can be found at the following links:

General Overview and information:

• State Recognition of Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad (Child Welfare)

• Post-Adoption paperwork for International Adoptions (Adoptive Families): Readoption, Certificate of Citizenship, Birth Certificate, Passport, Name Change, and Social Security Numbers

Post Adoption Reporting (PAR):

Vigilant and thorough post adoption reports are essential for your family and the whole adoption community. Country requirements vary regarding the number of reports required, the time the reports are due and the content in the post adoption reports. Please talk to your adoption service provider for requirements. Be sure to send your AAPA caseworker the requirements of your agency prior to the post adoption visits. At the post adoption visits, your AAPA caseworker is there to not only gain the information necessary to complete the report, but even more importantly, she is there to provide you with professional support, information and guidance to ensure that you feel listened to, understood and advised on any issues for which you may be feeling uncertain. Please, do not hesitate to openly discuss any concerns or questions you may have – no matter how conflicted you may feel discussing them. We are here to help you in every way possible.

• What to Expect for Post Adoption Reporting (Department of State)

Immigration:

• Your New Child’s Immigrant Visa (USCIS)

• With Your Child at the United States Port of Entry (USCIS)

• After Your Child Enters the United States (USCIS)

• U.S. Citizenship for an Adopted Child (USCIS): It is critical that you read all the subcategories in this link, especially “obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship”. It addresses general eligibility for children who will reside OUTSIDE the U.S.

Passport:

• Application process for children under 16

• Citizenship Evidence Requirements

• Get a Passport in a Hurry-EXPEDITE

Passports vs. Immigration-What is the difference? HUGE:

• Passports fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State

• Immigration and approval of citizenship falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Department of State clarification

It is of the utmost importance that you follow the proper immigration procedures to ensure that your newly adopted child can become a citizen of United States of America. As these procedures are different for everyone (families living in the USA, Military families living abroad, Department of State families living abroad, expatriates, missionaries, etc.), it is important to discuss this with your home study provider PRIOR to adopting your future child!

Re-adoption:

• 5 Reasons to Re-Adopt Your Internationally Adopted Child

• Reasons to Pursue Re-Adoption