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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/eg-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/eg-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of [[Egypt]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/eg-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/eg-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/eg_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/eg_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Egypt]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/eg/images/EG_052.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of Egypt from space.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/eg/images/EG_052.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of [[Egypt]] from space.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Egypt.Giza.Sphinx.02.jpg/800px-Egypt.Giza.Sphinx.02.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Giza and the Great Sphinx, Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Egypt.Giza.Sphinx.02.jpg/800px-Egypt.Giza.Sphinx.02.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Giza and the Great Sphinx, [[Egypt]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/africa/egypt/egypt-jk8.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: bigfoto.com}}
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Pyramid_of_Menkaure.jpg/800px-Pyramid_of_Menkaure.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Pyramid of Menkaure, Egpyt.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Pyramid_of_Menkaure.jpg/800px-Pyramid_of_Menkaure.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Pyramid of Menkaure, Egpyt.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Mohamed_Ali_Mosque_HDR.jpg/800px-Mohamed_Ali_Mosque_HDR.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mohamed Ali Mosque, Egpyt.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Mohamed_Ali_Mosque_HDR.jpg/800px-Mohamed_Ali_Mosque_HDR.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mohamed Ali Mosque, Egpyt.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/eg/images/EG_044.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Street market scene, Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/eg/images/EG_044.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Street market scene, [[Egypt]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Egipt_383.jpg/800px-Egipt_383.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''City of Giza with pyramid in the background.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Egipt_383.jpg/800px-Egipt_383.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''City of Giza with pyramid in the background.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/eg/images/EG_117.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Camels in the desert, Egypt.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/eg/images/EG_117.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Camels in the desert, [[Egypt]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/View_from_Cairo_Tower_31march2007.jpg/774px-View_from_Cairo_Tower_31march2007.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The view from Cairo Tower.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/View_from_Cairo_Tower_31march2007.jpg/774px-View_from_Cairo_Tower_31march2007.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The view from Cairo Tower.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | | + | '''''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].''''' |
| − | '''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].''' | + | |
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| | =Hague Convention Information= | | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| − | Egypt is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Egypt did not change. | + | [[Egypt]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Egypt]] did not change. To learn more, read about [[Egypt and the Hague Convention]]. |
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| − | Laws in Egypt regarding [[adoption]] are unclear and may vary according to a prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]]'s religious background. Islamic Shari'a law does not allow for full [[adoption]] of a child, as generally understood in the United States. (Please refer to our flyer on [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/adoption_of_children_countries_islamic_sharia_observed.php Islamic Family Law] for more information on this issue.) U.S. citizens wishing to [[adopt]] a non-Muslim child may wish to seek legal advice from a local Egyptian attorney.
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| − | Fostering, which assumes no blood relationship, is sometimes permitted in Egypt through the Ministry of Social Affairs. Most commonly, a [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] will agree to partially or fully support a child who remains in an [[orphanage]]. On occasion, however, a [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] will enter into a contract with the [[orphanage]], and will be permitted to raise the child at home. To begin this process, the foster family submits a request to the Ministry of Social Services. If the Ministry of Social Affairs approves the request, it will grant permission to allow an [[orphanage]] to release a child to be fostered at the home of the foster family.
| + | =About Egypt= |
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| | + | The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in [[Egypt]] for the next three millennia. To learn more, read [[About Egypt]]. |
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| − | Egypt has both Muslim and Christian orphanages, though not all orphanages release orphans to be fostered at one's home. Prospective guardians may only [[Foster Children|foster children]] of their same religion. The Egyptian government assigns names to all orphans of unknown parentage. In some circumstances, an [[orphan]] may be issued a birth certificate that also contains fictitious names for the mother and father. Christians may request that the child's name be changed during the fostering process.
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| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United Stated from Egypt, 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). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more]. | + | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United Stated from [[Egypt]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more about requirements in [[Egypt]] please read [[Who Can Adopt from Egypt]]. |
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| − | In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Egypt also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | There are no residency requirements provided that the prospective parents have satisfied the Egyptian legal requirements and are awarded [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] with the right to remove the child from Egypt for immigration. For guardianship, a lawyer can move the prospective parent's case through the court [[system]] without the guardians being present. However, at least one of the prospective parents applying for guardianship or fostering needs to be able to show proof of Egyptian citizenship (e.g. an Egyptian passport or national ID card).
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
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| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 25 years old and not more than 55 years old.
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | Only married couples can foster or obtain guardianship of an [[orphan]] in Egypt.
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | While there are no specific income requirements, the prospective adoptive family's income should be enough to cover the basic needs of the family including the child.
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | At least one of the prospective parents should be of Egyptian nationality. The number of children in the family should not exceed two unless they are old enough to depend on themselves. The family is not allowed to provide care for more than one child until they obtain an approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The foster mother should have enough time to take care of the child as well as the other family members. Egyptian law does not allow for same-sex couples to apply for [[adoption]].
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| − | Egypt has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for fostering and or [[guardian]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Egypt unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below. 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. | + | [[Egypt]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for fostering and or [[guardian]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Egypt]] unless he or she meets specific requirements. To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Egypt]]. |
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| − | Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
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| − | '''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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| − | '''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' A relinquished child is determined by the Ministry of Social Affairs to be a child whose parents are incapable of taking care of them and who do not have any relatives to take the parents' place. In this case the [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] will enter into a contract with the [[orphanage]] and agree to fully support the child. To begin this process, the foster family is asked to submit a fostering request to the Ministry of Social Affairs with all documentation proving that they are capable of supporting the child.
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| − | '''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' Abandoned children include: children born out-of-wedlock who were abandoned by their parents, lost children, and children who were abandoned by their divorced parents. There are two ways to foster these children. The most common way is that a person would benevolently agree to partially or fully support the child who remains in an [[orphanage]]. It is also possible to foster a child in one's home, in which case the [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] will enter into a contract with the [[orphanage]] and agree to fully support the child. To begin this process, the foster family is asked to submit a fostering request to the Ministry of Social Affairs with all documentation and with proof that they are able to support the child.
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| − | '''Age Requirements:''' There are no age requirements.
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| − | '''Sibling Requirements:''' The number of children in a prospective family should not exceed two unless they are old enough to depend on themselves. Prospective parents are not allowed to foster more than one child except after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
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| − | '''Waiting Period:''' Impossible to predict. To satisfy the requirements of the Egyptian family law and be awarded [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] or permission to foster an [[orphan]] at home with an approval to remove the child for immigration is a long and difficult process. However, once a child has been identified, an [[I-600A]] application for advance processing of [[orphan]] petition has been approved by the USCIS office having [[jurisdiction]] over the prospective parents' place of residence, and prospective parents have satisfied Egyptian law and been awarded [[Legal Custody|legal custody]], the immigration process takes between 1-2 weeks.
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| | ==Adoption Authority== | | ==Adoption Authority== |
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| − | '''Egypt's [[Adoption]] Authority:''' | + | '''[[Egypt]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority:''' |
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| | Obtaining permission to foster an Egyptian child is a difficult process. Prospective [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] are required to undergo a pre-qualification process through the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is similar to the U.S. screening process for [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] and includes, among other things, regular visits by a [[Social Worker|social worker]] to determine whether prospective parents are able to care for the child properly. The number of visits is determined by the [[Social Worker|social worker]]. | | Obtaining permission to foster an Egyptian child is a difficult process. Prospective [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] are required to undergo a pre-qualification process through the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is similar to the U.S. screening process for [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] and includes, among other things, regular visits by a [[Social Worker|social worker]] to determine whether prospective parents are able to care for the child properly. The number of visits is determined by the [[Social Worker|social worker]]. |
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| | ==The Process== | | ==The Process== |
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| − | The process for fostering a child from Egypt generally includes the following steps: | + | The process for fostering a child from [[Egypt]] generally includes the following steps: |
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| | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] | | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] |
| | # Be Matched with a Child | | # Be Matched with a Child |
| − | # Foster and or obtain guardianship of a Child in Egypt | + | # Foster and or obtain [[guardianship]] of a Child in [[Egypt]] |
| | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]] | | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]] |
| | # Bring Your Child Home | | # Bring Your Child Home |
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| | + | '''''To read about steps 1-4 please read [[How to Adopt from Egypt]]. To read about steps 5-6 please read [[[[How to Adopt from Egypt Part 2]]].''''' |
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| − | '''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
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| − | The first step in fostering a child from Egypt is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your [[adoption]]. [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more] about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]. Not all orphanages release orphans to be fostered at one's home. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] are encouraged to seek the advice of the Ministry of Social Affairs about orphanages which release orphans to be fostered in the foster family's home.
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| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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| − | To bring a fostered child from Egypt to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how]. In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Egypt as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
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| − | '''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
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| − | If you are eligible to [[adopt]] (foster), and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central fostering authority in Egypt will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child. The child must be eligible to be fostered according to Egypt's requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Learn more.
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| − | '''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Egypt'''
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Egypt generally includes the following:
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| − | *'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' All prospective parents are required to apply to the Ministry of Social Affairs to qualify to become [[Foster Parents|foster parents]]. To begin the process, [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] need to submit the following documents:
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| − | ::::1. A copy of the marriage decree;
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| − | ::::2. Employment status and proof that they will be able to financially support a child (proof of income);
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| − | ::::3. Proof that one of the parents is infertile;
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| − | ::::4. Proof that one of the [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] is an Egyptian citizen.
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| − | A [[Social Worker|social worker]] from the Ministry of Social Affairs will visit the parents to make sure that the foster family will be able to provide all types of support to the child. Once all documents are complete, they will be sent to the Ministry of Social Affairs Committee for adjudication. If all conditions are met, the Ministry of Social Affairs will issue an approval or denial. [[Foster Parents|Foster parents]] are notified and then are free to visit an [[orphanage]] and choose a child.
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| − | The foster family will sign a contract with the [[orphanage]] showing that the [[orphanage]] is officially releasing the child to the foster family and that the foster family will allow a [[Social Worker|social worker]] from the Ministry of Social Affairs to visit the child on a regular basis to determine whether the [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] are able to care for the child properly. (If the parents are planning to move the child permanently to the U.S., they should discuss this in detail with the Ministry of Social Affairs in advance.)
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| − | *'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' Christians wishing to [[adopt]] in Egypt should seek legal counsel from an Egyptian attorney in order to receive the most updated information regarding the proper procedures and documentation for adopting or acquiring [[custody]] of an Egyptian [[orphan]].
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| − | *'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Egypt. Attorneys and/or prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] handle the cases themselves.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' All prospective parents are required to apply to the Ministry of Social Affairs to qualify to become [[Foster Parents|foster parents]]. A [[Social Worker|social worker]] from the Ministry of Social Affairs will visit the parents to make sure that the foster family will be capable to provide all types of support to an infant. Once all documents are complete, they will be sent to the Ministry of Social Affairs Committee for adjudication. If all conditions are met, Ministry of Social Affairs will issue an approval or denial. [[Foster Parents|Foster parents]] are notified and then are free to visit an [[orphanage]] to choose a child. The foster family will sign a contract with the [[orphanage]] showing that the [[orphanage]] is officially releasing the child to the foster family and that the foster family will allow a [[Social Worker|social worker]] from the Ministry of Social Affairs to visit the infant on a regular basis to determine whether the [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] are able to care for the child properly. (This issue should be discussed in detail with the Ministry of Social Affairs in advance, if the parents are planning to move the child permanently to the U.S.). Christians wishing to foster in Egypt should seek legal counsel from an Egyptian attorney in order to receive the most updated information regarding the proper procedures and documentation for fostering or acquiring [[custody]] of an Egyptian [[orphan]].
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| − | *'''TIME FRAME:''' The time frame is typically impossible to predict. To satisfy the requirements of the Egyptian family law and be awarded [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] or permission to foster an [[orphan]] at home with an approval to remove the child for immigration is a long and difficult process. However, once a child has been identified, an [[I-600A]] application for advance processing of [[orphan]] petition has been approved by the U.S Citizenship of Immigration Services (CIS) office having [[jurisdiction]] over the prospective parents' place of residence, and prospective parents have satisfied Egyptian law and been awarded [[Legal Custody|legal custody]], the immigration process takes between 1-2 weeks.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' The U.S. Embassy in Egypt discourages the payment of any fees that are not properly receipted, "donations," or "expediting" fees, that may be requested from prospective fostering parents. Such fees have the appearance of "buying" a baby, this is criminalized by the 2008 Child Law, and may put all future fostering in Egypt at risk.
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| − | *'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' To begin the process, [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] need to submit the following documents:
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| − | ::::::::1. A copy of the marriage decree;
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| − | ::::::::2. Employment status and proof that they will be able financially to support a child (proof of income);
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| − | ::::::::3. Proof that one of the parents is infertile (can not give birth);
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| − | ::::::::4. Proof that one of the [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] is an Egyptian citizen.
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
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| − | '''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
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| − | After you finalize the fostering process (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Egypt, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] (Form [[I-600]]). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
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| − | '''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
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| − | Now that your fostering process is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
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| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
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| − | You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. '''''Please note: Sharia's law does not allow for an [[orphan]] to take the family name of a non-biological parent.''''' Christians may request that the child's name be changed during the fostering process. However, we strongly advise the prospective [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] to seek legal advice from an Egyptian Attorney before trying to change the child's name in Egypt. Foster families can obtain a birth certificate for the child from the Egyptian Passport Office.
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| − | ::2 Egyptian Passport
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| − | Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Egypt. Once prospective parents have satisfied the requirements of Egyptian law and are awarded [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] with the right to remove the child from Egypt for immigration from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the prospective parent may apply for an Egyptian passport for the child from the Egyptian Passport Authority.
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| − | ::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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| − | After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S. Embassy for final review and approval of the child's [[I-600]] petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the "Panel Physician's" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Learn more].
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| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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| − | '''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
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| − | Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
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| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
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| | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' | | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' |
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| − | U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. 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. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print—all in one place. | + | U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more, please read [[Traveling Abroad in Egypt]]. |
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| − | '''Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Egypt'''
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| − | In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Egypt, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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| − | '''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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| − | Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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| − | '''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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| − | When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State. Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Egypt enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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| − | Enrollment is free and can be done online via the [https://step.state.gov/step/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)].
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| | =After Adoption= | | =After Adoption= |
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| − | '''What does Egypt require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' | + | '''What does [[Egypt]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' |
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| | The Ministry of Social Affairs conducts regularly scheduled visits after the fostering of the child to determine whether the [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] are able to care for the child properly. However, if parents are planning to travel to the United States, they should discuss the possibility of waiving the visit requirements. | | The Ministry of Social Affairs conducts regularly scheduled visits after the fostering of the child to determine whether the [[Foster Parents|foster parents]] are able to care for the child properly. However, if parents are planning to travel to the United States, they should discuss the possibility of waiving the visit requirements. |
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| − | We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Egypt and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents. | + | We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of [[Egypt]] and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents. |
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| | ==Contact Information== | | ==Contact Information== |
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| − | '''U.S. Embassy in Egypt'''
| + | For contact information regarding Egyptian adoptions please read [[Contact Information for Egypt]]. |
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| − | Address: Consular Section, IV Unit
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| − | Embassy of the United States of America
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| − | 5 Tawfik Diab Street
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| − | Garden City, Cairo
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| − | Egypt
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| − | Tel: +(202) 2797-2200 or +(202) 2797-2201
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| − | Fax: +(202) 2797-2472
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| − | Email: ConsularCairoIV@state.gov
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| − | ConsularCairoACS@state.gov
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| − | Internet: [http://cairo.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy in Egypt]
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| − | '''Egypt's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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| − | Address: Ministry of Social Affairs
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| − | Main office: 19, AlMarghani Street, Agouza
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| − | Cairo, Egypt
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| − | Tel: +202-3761-8183 / +202-3337-5404
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| − | '''Embassy of Egypt'''
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| − | Address: 3521 International Ct. N.W. [[Washington]] DC 20008
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| − | Tel: 202.895.5400
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| − | Fax: 202.244.4319 / 202.244.5131
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| − | Email:Embassy@egyptembassy.net
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| − | Internet: [http://www.egyptembassy.net Embassy of Egypt]
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| − | | + | |
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| − | EGYPT also has consulates in: [[New York]], Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston.
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| − | '''Office of Children's Issues'''
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| − | U.S. Department of State
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| − | CA/OCS/CI
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| − | SA-17, 9th Floor
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| − | [[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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| − | Tel: 1-888-407-4747
| + | |
| − | E-mail: AskCI@state.gov http://adoption.state.gov
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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| − | 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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| | ==SOURCE== | | ==SOURCE== |
The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. To learn more, read About Egypt.
Obtaining permission to foster an Egyptian child is a difficult process. Prospective foster parents are required to undergo a pre-qualification process through the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is similar to the U.S. screening process for foster parents and includes, among other things, regular visits by a social worker to determine whether prospective parents are able to care for the child properly. The number of visits is determined by the social worker.
U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more, please read Traveling Abroad in Egypt.
The Ministry of Social Affairs conducts regularly scheduled visits after the fostering of the child to determine whether the foster parents are able to care for the child properly. However, if parents are planning to travel to the United States, they should discuss the possibility of waiving the visit requirements.
