Adopting a child from the Philippines is a life-changing decision, allowing American families to provide a loving home to a needy child. The process is governed by U.S. and Philippine laws to ensure the child’s well-being and protect the rights of everyone involved. To help make the journey smoother, it’s essential to understand the key requirements and steps, from the eligibility of adoptive parents to immigration processes. This guide provides an overview of what American citizens need to know to adopt a child from the Philippines legally.
Eligibility of Adoptive Parents
Citizenship: At least one adoptive parent must be a U.S. citizen.
Age: Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 27 years old and at least 16 years older than the child to be adopted.
Marital Status:
Married couples must adopt jointly and show evidence of a stable marital relationship (at least 3 years).
Single individuals may adopt under certain conditions.
Background Checks: Must pass criminal background checks and child abuse clearances.
Health: As verified by medical examinations, health must be both physical and mental.
Filipino Adoption Laws (Intercountry)
Certification: Work through an adoption agency accredited by the Intercountry Adoption Board (ICAB) of the Philippines.
Residency Requirement: There is no residency requirement for intercountry adoption, but at least one pre-adoption placement visit is mandatory.
Home Study: Completion of a home study by a licensed social worker or adoption agency in the U.S.
Income: Must demonstrate financial stability to support the child.
Child Eligibility
The child must be under 15 years old (except in cases of adoption by relatives or if adopting siblings).
The child must be cleared for intercountry adoption by ICAB.
The child’s biological parents must have consented to the adoption, or the child must be legally declared abandoned.
U.S. Immigration Requirements
File Form I-800A (Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After matching with a child, file Form I-800 (Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative).
Obtain a Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Declaration.
Secure a U.S. immigrant visa (IR-3 or IR-4) for the child.
Other Requirements
Adoption Fees: Be prepared for fees associated with the home study, agency services, travel, and legal procedures.
Cultural Orientation: Some agencies may require training on Filipino culture and adoption integration.
It is recommended that a licensed adoption agency or attorney be consulted to ensure compliance with all U.S. and Philippine legal requirements.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Adopting a Child from the Philippines as a U.S. Citizen:
1. Research and Choose an Accredited Agency
Select a licensed adoption agency accredited by the Intercountry Adoption Board (ICAB) in the Philippines and authorized to handle intercountry adoptions in the U.S.
2. Complete the Home Study
Work with your agency to undergo a home study conducted by a licensed social worker.
The study evaluates your home, finances, health, and adoption readiness.
3. Submit Form I-800A
File Form I-800A (Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country) with USCIS.
Include the home study report and supporting documents.
4. Get Approval from USCIS
Wait for USCIS approval to confirm you meet the international adoption requirements.
5. Match with a Child
In coordination with ICAB, your agency will match you with a child eligible for adoption.
Review the child’s profile, medical history, and other information.
6. File Form I-800
Submit Form I-800 (Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative) with USCIS to confirm the child’s eligibility for immigration.
7. Obtain a Hague Adoption Certificate
Ensure the adoption is certified as compliant with the Hague Adoption Convention.
8. Travel to the Philippines
Visit the Philippines for a pre-adoption placement visit as required by ICAB.
Bond with the child and complete legal formalities in the Philippines.
9. Secure the Child’s Visa
Apply for the child’s U.S. immigrant visa (IR-3 or IR-4) at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
Attend the visa interview and provide the required documentation.
10. Finalize Adoption in the U.S.
Once in the U.S., finalize the adoption in your state, if necessary, to ensure full recognition.
11. Register the Child’s Citizenship
Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. passport for the child through USCIS.
12. Provide Post-Adoption Reports
Submit regular post-adoption reports to ICAB as required to ensure the child’s well-being.
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