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Adopting from Vanuatu

(Redirected from Vanuatu)

The official flag
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Eratap Beach
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A women's dance using bamboo stamping tubes.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Cinder plain of Mount Yasur on Tanna island.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Vanuatu

Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nh.html

Hague Convention Information

Vanuatu is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Vanuatu did not change. The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has responsibility for the well-being of U.S. citizens in Vanuatu.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Vanuatu, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Vanuatu.


Who Can Be Adopted

Vanuatu has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Vanuatu unless he or she meets these requirements.


In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Vanuatu's Adoption Authority

Ni-Vanuatu Courts


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Vanuatu generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child in Vanuatu
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Vanuatu.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Vanuatu. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Vanuatu.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Douglas Street P.O. Box 1492 Port Moresby, N.C.D. 121 Papua New Guinea Telephone: (675) 321-1455 Fax: (675) 321-1593 Email: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov


The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has responsibility for the well-being of U.S. citizens in Vanuatu.


Ni-Vanuatu Adoption Authority

Vanuatu Courts Courthouse in Port Vila Private Mail Bag 9041 Port Vila, Vanuatu Tel: (678) 22420


Vanuatu Mission to the United Nations

42 Broadway Suite 1200-18 New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 425-9600 Fax: (212) 425-9652 Email: vmsnyc@attglobal.net


Vanuatu does not have an embassy in Washington, D.C.


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=vanuatu