To apply for a U.S. visa for your adopted child, you’ll need to go through a multi-step process. The specific steps can vary depending on whether the child is being adopted from abroad (intercountry adoption) or domestically. Here’s an overview of the general process for obtaining a U.S. visa for your adopted child:
Intercountry Adoption Process:
- Choose an Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider (ASP):
- Work with an accredited or approved ASP to guide you through the adoption process. These organizations help ensure that intercountry adoptions are conducted in compliance with U.S. and international laws.
- Complete the Adoption Process: This typically includes the following steps:
- Adoption home study: An evaluation of your suitability to adopt.
- Finding a child: Work with your ASP to identify a suitable child for adoption.
- Apply to USCIS: File Form I-600A or Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Obtain a Visa Petition Approval:
- USCIS will review your petition and, if approved, forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- The NVC will notify you when your petition is forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country.
- Apply for a U.S. Visa for the Child:
- Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the child’s home country to schedule an appointment for an immigrant visa interview.
- Complete the required forms, provide supporting documents, and pay the visa application fee.
- Immigrant Visa Interview:
- Attend the visa interview with the adopted child at the U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, the consular officer will assess the child’s eligibility for an immigrant visa.
- Visa Approval and Travel:
- If the visa is approved, you will receive the child’s visa. This allows the child to travel to the United States.
- Admission to the U.S.: Upon arrival in the U.S., the child will be inspected and admitted as a U.S. citizen.
Domestic Adoption Process:
If you are adopting a child domestically within the United States, you will not need to apply for a visa for the child. Instead, the child’s legal status and citizenship will be handled through the adoption process within the U.S. legal system. In most domestic adoptions, the child will become a U.S. citizen upon finalization of the adoption.
Keep in mind that adoption processes can be complex, and the specific requirements and documentation may vary depending on the country of origin and the type of adoption. It’s essential to work closely with an experienced adoption attorney and follow the guidelines provided by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State. Consulting with an adoption service provider that specializes in intercountry adoptions can help ensure that you navigate the process correctly and that your adopted child receives the appropriate immigration status and U.S. visa.