Adoption Immigration in Whittier: Bringing Your Adopted Child to America
Immigration pathways for international adoptions and immigrant orphan petitions in Los Angeles County
Quick Answer
Whittier, a historic city in Los Angeles County, is home to many families who have expanded through international adoption. The immigration process for adopted children involves specific visa categories and requirements that vary based on the adoption circumstances and country of origin.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Whittier, a historic city in Los Angeles County, is home to many families who have expanded through international adoption. The immigration process for adopted children involves specific visa categories and requirements that vary based on the adoption circumstances and country of origin.
Immigration Options for Adopted Children
Immediate Relative Categories:
• IR-2: Child adopted before age 16, in custody 2+ years
• IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by U.S. citizen
• IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in U.S. by citizen
• IH-3: Hague Convention adoption completed abroad
• IH-4: Hague Convention adoption to be completed in U.S.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Adoptions
| Feature | Hague Convention Countries | Non-Hague Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Hague Adoption Convention | Immigration & Nationality Act |
| Forms Required | I-800A, I-800 | I-600A, I-600 |
| Home Study | Hague-accredited agency | Licensed agency |
| Examples | China, India, Philippines | Ethiopia, Lebanon, Jordan |
| Visa Type | IH-3 or IH-4 | IR-3 or IR-4 |
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- •Adoptive parent must be U.S. citizen (at least one if married)
- •Married couples must adopt jointly
- •Single parents may adopt (some countries restrict)
- •Child must be under 16 at time of adoption (under 18 for siblings)
- •Must meet definition of 'orphan' or 'Convention adoptee'
- •Home study approval required before adoption
The Adoption Immigration Process
- 1Home Study
Complete home study with licensed/accredited agency
- 2I-600A or I-800A
File advance processing application with USCIS
- 3USCIS Approval
Receive approval to adopt internationally
- 4Foreign Adoption
Complete adoption in child's country of origin
- 5I-600 or I-800
File immigrant petition for adopted child
- 6Visa Issuance
Child receives immigrant visa at U.S. consulate
- 7U.S. Entry
Child enters as lawful permanent resident
Documentation Requirements
- •Birth certificates of adoptive parents
- •Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- •Evidence of U.S. citizenship
- •Home study report from accredited agency
- •Child's birth certificate
- •Death certificates of biological parents (if applicable)
- •Adoption decree from foreign country
- •Photos of child and family
- •Financial evidence (income, assets)
- •Criminal background checks
Citizenship for Adopted Children
• At least one adoptive parent is a U.S. citizen
• Child is admitted as lawful permanent resident
• Child is in legal and physical custody of citizen parent
• Child is under 18 years old
For IR-3 and IH-3 visas (full adoption abroad), citizenship is automatic upon U.S. entry. For IR-4 and IH-4 cases, the adoption must be finalized in the U.S. first.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I adopt a child from an Arab country?
A: Yes, but it varies by country. Some Arab countries allow certain types of adoption or guardianship (kafala). Lebanon and Jordan permit some adoptions. Countries like Saudi Arabia follow Islamic law which may limit traditional adoption but allow kafala guardianship.
Q:How long does the adoption immigration process take?
A: The entire process typically takes 2-4 years, depending on the country of origin, wait times for children, and USCIS processing. Some countries have specific timelines and quotas.
Q:Does my adopted child automatically become a citizen?
A: If the adoption is completed abroad (IR-3/IH-3 visa), the child becomes a citizen upon admission to the U.S. For adoptions completed in the U.S. (IR-4/IH-4), citizenship occurs when the adoption is finalized.
Q:What is a home study?
A: A home study is an evaluation by a licensed agency that assesses your suitability to adopt. It includes interviews, home visits, background checks, and financial review. It's required before you can be approved to adopt internationally.
Q:Can I adopt my relative's child from overseas?
A: Adopting a relative may be possible but has specific requirements. The child must meet the orphan definition, and you must demonstrate the adoption is not solely for immigration purposes.
Adopting a Child from Overseas?
Our team helps families in Whittier navigate the complex paperwork of international adoption immigration.
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