In addition to the State Clearances required in the United States, there are additional clearances and documentation needed to adoption internationally from a Hague Convention Country.
Form I-800
To determine the child’s eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The petition is filed by the U.S. Citizen prospective adoptive parent to finalize the immigration process of a child who habitually resides in a Convention country. The petitioner must have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, in order to file the Form I-800.
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See Example of Form I-800 by Clicking Here
View I-800 Instructions by Clicking Here
In addition to the State Clearances required in the United States, there are additional clearances and documentation needed to adoption internationally from a Hague Convention Country.
Form I-800A
Once you have obtained a favorable home study, prospective adoptive parents must submit Form I-800A to USCIS in order to establish their eligibility and suitability. Home studies for Hague adoptions must be submitted to USCIS at the same time of filing your I-800A. If USCIS approves your Form I-800A, then you must submit Form I-800 to determine the child’s eligibility as a Convention Adoptee, before adopting or obtaining legal custody of the child.
Click Here to View Information on Filing Fees, Mailing Addresses, and More
Click Here to View an Example of “Form I-800A”
Click Here to See Form I-800A Instructions
Clearances for The Adoption Process
Most states require by law that criminal record and child abuse record clearances be conducted on all adoptive and foster parent applicants in order for the Adoption Process to move forward without any problems.
These include the following:
FBI Clearance
As of September 2008, it is required that every prospective adoptive parent and any adult family member/co-habitant obtain any FBI clearance, in addition to the Departments of Jusice (DOJ) / Child Abuse Clearance. To obtain FBI Clearances you have must a life scan done.
Other Resources
Request clearance on the FBI website
Clearances for The Adoption Process
Most states require by law that criminal record and child abuse record clearances be conducted on all adoptive and foster parent applicants in order for the Adoption Process to move forward without any problems.
These include the following:
Child Abuse and Neglect Clearances
You must have Child Abuse and Neglect Clearances for every state/county you have resided in for the past 5 years.
Reference Letters
The purpose of a letter of reference for adoption is to give the adoption officials objective information about the parenting abilities of the applicants. Three to four reference letters should be collected and address the following:
The strength and stability of the partnership of the adoption applicants
