Immigration Law: Intercountry Adoption of Children

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) is an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions. The United States signed the Convention in 1994, and the Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008.
The Convention applies to all adoptions by U.S. citizens habitually resident in the United States of children habitually resident in any country outside of the United States that is a party to the Convention (Convention countries). Adopting a child from a Convention country is similar in many ways to adopting a child from a country not party to the Convention. However, there are some key differences. In particular, those seeking to adopt may receive greater protections if they adopt from a Convention country.

U.S. law codified at 42 USC 14901, et.seq.

Foreign adoption decrees. Must file a petition to recognize foreign decree, Form PC-A-19.2 in Franklin County Probate Court.

Visas for Convention Adoptees

Accreditation of adoption agencies under the IAA.

Issuance of adoption certificates in Hague Convention adoptions.

Preservation of adoption records.

Reporting requirements for adopted children emigrating from the U.S.

Fees for I-800A and I-800.

Immigrant petitions.

Affidavits of support on behalf of immigrants.

National Council for Adoptions Fact Sheet

from the U.S. Dept. of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.

from U.S. Dept. of State, Office of Children's Issues.