Orange County Immigration Attorney
Helping You Through All Steps of the Immigration Process Serving Families in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

ADOPTIONS

Hague vs. Non-Hague Adoption Process

In all adoption processes the U.S. considers two factors:

  • The suitability of prospective adoptive parents
  • Whether the adoption meets U.S. immigration eligibility requirements

There are a few differences between Hague Convention Adoptions and non-Convention adoptions (orphan adoptions), namely that Convention adoptions afford more protections to the adoptive parents.

Requirements of Adoption Process from Convention Countries

  • Adoption Service Provider must be accredited by the Department of State, and licensed in the state where prospective adoptive parents reside
  • Adoption Services Contract must include the agency’s policies, fees, history, relationships with supervised providers, and any other relevant information to the adoption process
  • Prospective adoptive parents must file Form I-800-A before filing Form I-800
  • Home Study is prepared by an accredited agency, meets both state and federal requirements, and is implemented by a supervised provider in such a way that
  • Adoption Fees are detailed in full in the adoption services contract
  • Parent Education is required to a minimum of 10 hours
  • Petition Approval is determined by the country of origin, based on whether child is eligible under Form 1-800 definition of Convention adoptee
  • Adoptee Medical Records are prepared by country of origin and prospective parents have two weeks to review
  • Visa Application: IH-3 or IH-4 Visas, submit before adoption / legal custody process
  • Adoption Records: maintained for 75 years

Requirements of Adoption Process from Non-Convention Countries

  • Adoption Service Provider must be licensed in the state where prospective adoptive parents reside
  • Adoption Services Contract is not required by most state laws to disclose information about its policies or fees
  • Home Study meets both state and federal requirements
  • Prospective adoptive parents can file Form I-800-A and Form I-800 at the same timeParent Education is voluntary unless mandated by state law
  • Petition Approval is determined by whether child meets the Form 1-600 definition of orphan
  • Visa Application: IR-3 or IR-4 Visas, submit after adoption / legal process is completed *except Vietnam and Guatemala

To schedule an initial consultation with us today, don't hesitate to contact us at (949) 478-4963.

Former Clients Share Their Experience

We've Helped Countless Client Achieve the Results They Needed

  • “Definitely gets the job done right!”

    Sam B.

  • “I had a complicated immigration issue and he put me at ease.”

    Alex A.

  • “Ashkan guided us through the process every step of the way.”

    Earl P.

  • “Excellent.”

    Mohammad

  • “TOP NOTCH Immigration Lawyer & most knowledgeable.”

    Nelly

  • “Best lawyer ever!!”

    Grace

  • “He has a gentle and approachable personality which makes it easier to work with him.”

    Lloyd

  • “Ashkan has a passion for helping people!”

    J. S.

  • “Hard working, honest, reliable.”

    Elizabeth

  • “Hardworking, Honest and Professional.”

    Former Client

  • “You really helped my family.”

    Jeff M.

  • “The lawyer you can trust!”

    C.K.

  • “I strongly recommend working with Ashkan.”

    Navid K.

  • “He is really passionate about immigration law and made me feel confident about my case.”

    D.K.

  • “Great immigration lawyer.”

    Farahnaz

Contact Us

Let's Get Started on Your Case Together.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.