If you are considering adopting a relative who is living in a foreign country, there are some essential things you need to know. The process can be complex and confusing, and it is key to have an immigration attorney guide you through it. Our Orange County immigration attorneys explain the process of immigration through the adoption of a relative and provide you with some helpful tips.
Immigration Through Adoption
The first step is to file an I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative petition with The U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is also known as the Petition for Alien Relative. This petition aims to establish that you are related to the person you are trying to adopt and that you meet the requirements for adoption under U.S. law.
The USCIS website provides the two separate processes that apply only to children adopted by U.S. citizens. The child may immigrate immediately after the adoption or may immigrate to the U.S. to be adopted here.
- The Hague Process: if the child habitually resides in a country that is a party to the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention.
- The Orphan Process: (non-Hague): if the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention does not apply.
The Documentation Needed
After filing the I-600 petition, you must submit a series of supporting documents. These documents will prove your relationship with the person you are trying to adopt. This can be in the form of a:
- Birth certificate
- Adoption decree (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if applicable)
You will also need to provide evidence that you meet the requirements for adoption under U.S. law. This includes things like a home study and criminal background check.
Your Next Step
After filing the petition, you will need to wait for it to be approved. Once approved, you can apply for an immigrant visa for your relative. This visa will allow them to travel to the United States and live here permanently. If you are ready to begin adopting a relative living in a foreign country, the first step is to contact an experienced immigration attorney. An immigration attorney will be able to guide you through the process and make sure you have support every step of the way.
How Yekrangi & Associates Can Help You.
If you consider adopting a relative living in a foreign country, Yekrangi & Associates can help you. Our experienced Orange County immigration attorney can guide you through the process and ensure that documents are completed and filed correctly and promptly.
Contact us today by calling (949) 478-4963 or through our website. We can help make adopting your relative as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Contact us today by calling (949) 478-4963 or through our website. We can help make adopting your relative as smooth and stress-free as possible.