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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Philippines"

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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of the Philippines.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/rp-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/rp-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of the Philippines.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eas/rp_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eas/rp_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of the Philippines.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Pana_Banaue_Rice_Terraces.jpg/800px-Pana_Banaue_Rice_Terraces.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Panaramic View Banaue Rice Terraces.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Pana_Banaue_Rice_Terraces.jpg/800px-Pana_Banaue_Rice_Terraces.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Panaramic View Banaue Rice Terraces, the Philippines.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2673/4121678336_2954e6202e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Filipino girl.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2673/4121678336_2954e6202e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Filipino girl.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Chocolate_Hills_overview.JPG/800px-Chocolate_Hills_overview.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Chocolate_Hills_overview.JPG/800px-Chocolate_Hills_overview.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Chocolate Hills, Bohol.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/5604711640_5800969b5a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two Filipino boys fishing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/5604711640_5800969b5a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two Filipino boys fishing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Montage_of_Manila.png/339px-Montage_of_Manila.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Manila, Philippines.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Montage_of_Manila.png/339px-Montage_of_Manila.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Manila.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2585/4120907347_80d1be2745.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Filipino rice farm and house.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2585/4120907347_80d1be2745.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Filipino rice farm and house.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3161/2633060777_6e2d35224c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Filipino children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3161/2633060777_6e2d35224c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Filipino children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Fort_San_Pedro%2C_Cebu%2C_Philippines.jpg/800px-Fort_San_Pedro%2C_Cebu%2C_Philippines.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fort San Pedro, Cebu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Fort_San_Pedro%2C_Cebu%2C_Philippines.jpg/800px-Fort_San_Pedro%2C_Cebu%2C_Philippines.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fort San Pedro, Cebu, Philippines.'''<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]].'''
  
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=Philippines Adoption Alert=
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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.
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Typhoon Haiyan – Message for U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (November 18, 2013)'''
 
  
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The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens that intercountry adoption processes are functioning in the Philippines at this time. Any U.S. citizen interested in initiating an adoption from the Philippines should contact a U.S. Hague-accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] (ASP) that has also been authorized by the Philippine Central Adoption Authority, the Intercountry Adoption Board, in order to seek information about the intercountry adoption process. The Department of State maintains a list of all currently accredited U.S. ASPs and the Philippine Intercountry Adoption Board maintains a list of those U.S. Hague accredited ASPs that it has authorized.
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=About Philippines=
  
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The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the [[Philippines]] became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. To learn more please read [[About Philippines (The Country)]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] that have already been matched with a child by the Philippine Intercountry Adoption Board should work with their U.S. Hague-accredited ASP and with the Intercountry Adoption Board in order to seek any updates on the welfare of children. The Intercountry Adoption Board and Philippine Department of Social Development and Welfare are working to confirm the welfare and whereabouts of children residing in orphanages in the affected areas. The Intercountry Adoption Board has also indicated that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] awaiting a [[matching]] proposal should not be affected by the typhoon recovery efforts.  
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To learn more about specific facts regarding the [[Philippines]] please read [[Philippines Fact Sheet]].
  
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To learn about the [[Philippines National Anthem]] and its history please read [[Philippines National Anthem]].
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Manila is continuing to process Convention adoption immigrant visa appointments at this time.
 
  
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=Philippines Adoption Alert=
  
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There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for the [[Philippines]] over the years. To learn more please read [[Philippines Adoption Alert]].
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: ICAB Announces Temporary Moratorium (January 31, 2011)'''
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The Philippine [[Inter-Country Adoption]] Board (ICAB) has announced a moratorium on accepting new applications from Adoption Service Providers (ASPs) who submitted more than 10 adoption cases per year for the last three years. This moratorium is designed to allow ICAB to focus its efforts on applications already filed and "enable ICAB to address the protracted waiting period for child placement." ICAB has indicated that the moratorium will be lifted once it has determined that it has been able to meet the needs of at least 50 percent of those currently waiting for a child. We will post more information on the effective end date of the moratorium as soon as it becomes available to us.
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This moratorium does not apply to the following cases:
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::1. applications to be matched with [[Special Needs|special needs]] children;
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::2. intra-familial adoptions;
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::3. applications submitted by families who received their approval for suitability to [[adopt]] prior to January 31, 2011; and
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::4. applications submitted by ASPs that have not reached the cap of 10 adoption cases per year for the last three years. ICAB has provided the names of three U.S. ASPs affected by this suspension to the Department of State, and the Department has notified those ASPs. Please contact your ASP directly to understand whether your case is affected by the moratorium.
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If you have any questions about this announcement, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Children's Issues by phone at 1-888-407-4747 or e-mail at adoptionUSCA@state.gov. You may also find further information on ICAB's [http://www.icab.gov.ph/ website].  
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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The Philippines is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between the Philippines and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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The [[Philippines]] is 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 all adoptions between the [[Philippines]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Philippines and the Hague Convention]].
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.  
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As of May 1, 2009 The [[Inter-Country Adoption]] Board (ICAB) has announced a moratorium on accepting new applications from prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] seeking to [[adopt]] a child between of 0-2 years of age with or without medical/developmental concerns. "Due to the large number of unmatched approved adoption applications for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] wanting to [[adopt]] children" in this age group and the limited number of children currently available for [[Inter-Country Adoption|inter-country adoption]], ICAB has indicated that the moratorium will be lifted after it has processed at least 50% of these current cases. For further information please visit ICAB's[http://www.icab.gov.ph/ website].
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Adoption between the United States and the Philippines is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from the Philippines, you must first 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). Learn more.  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and the [[Philippines]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from the [[Philippines]], you must first 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 learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Philippines]].
  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], the Philippines also has the following requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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Because the [[Philippines]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from the [[Philippines]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Philippines]].
  
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U.S. citizens interested in completing a full and final adoption of a Filipino child while they are living in the Philippines must be residents of the Philippines for at least three years prior to the filing of the adoption petition, and maintain such residence until the adoption is finalized. U.S. citizens living in the Philippines do not need to possess a certificate of legal capacity to adopt. However, prospective adoptive parents must obtain a letter from the U.S. Embassy's American Citizens Services section stating that they do not issue certificates of legal capacity. Prospective adoptive parents who meet these residency requirements should file a petition for adoption with the Philippine Court to begin the adoption process and submit the letter from the American Citizen Services in lieu of certificates of legal capacity.
 
  
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The Philippine Government may waive these requirements if the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] (or parents) is a former Filipino citizen who seeks to [[adopt]] a relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity as defined by Philippine law, or the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] is a person who seeks to [[adopt]] the legitimate child of his/her Filipino spouse.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Please see the below information provided in " Visa categories under the Hague Convention Adoption" which explains the difference between completing a full and final adoption in the Philippines and obtaining [[custody]] for the purpose of adoption in the United States.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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'''The Philippine's [[Adoption]] Authority''' 
  
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Based on the [[Inter-Country Adoption]] Law of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8043), the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be at least 27 years of age and at least 16 years older than the child to be [[adopted]] at the time of application, unless the adopter/adoptive parent is the biological parent of the child to be [[adopted]] or the spouse of such parent. The maximum age gap between the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] and the child to be [[adopted]] must not exceed 45 years.
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The [[Inter-Country Adoption]] Board
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
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If prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are married, they must file jointly for adoption.
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==The Process==
  
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==Income==
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Because the [[Philippines]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from the [[Philippines]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
  
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There are no minimum income requirements set by the Philippines. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents]] must however prove financial stability.
 
  
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==Other==
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'''NOTE:''' If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] to [[adopt]] a child in the [[Philippines]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention was not in effect for the United States and may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the U.S. immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must not have ever been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Parents must be in a position to provide proper care and support and to give necessary moral values to all his/her children, including the child to be [[adopted]]. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must agree to uphold the basic rights of the child as embodied under the Philippine laws and the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child.
 
  
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'''NOTE:''' Since May 1, 2009, the [[Inter-Country Adoption]] Board (ICAB) in the Philippines has set a moratorium on accepting new applicants wanting to [[adopt]] children within the age range of 0-2 years old with or without medical/developmental concerns. For more information, please visit the website of ICAB: http://www.icab.gov.ph/.
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in the [[Philippines]]
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# Bring your Child to the United States
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Philippines]].
  
  
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'''Visa categories under the Hague Convention Adoption'''
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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::::1. The IH3 visa classification is appropriate for a Convention adoptee who was the subject of a full, final, and legal adoption abroad by the petitioner (and spouse, if married) and who will reside in the United States with the Prospective [[Adoptive Parents]]. For IH3 visa cases in the Philippines, there should be a certificate of finality of the [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] issued by the court.  Upon residing in the United States with the citizen parent, after having been lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence, and assuming the IH3 visa classification was appropriate and the Convention adoptee is under the age of 18, the child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship as of the date of admission to the United States.  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Philippines]]. 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 read about [[Traveling Abroad in Philippines]].
  
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::::2. The IH4 visa classification is appropriate for a Convention adoptee who will be [[adopted]] by the petitioner (and spouse, if applicable) after being admitted to the United States (requires both petitioner intent to [[adopt]] and satisfaction of any applicable pre-adoption requirements of the home state). The petitioning U,S. citizen parent must have [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the Convention adoptee and authorization for the emigration and final adoption of the child.  For IH 4 visa cases in the Philippines, the ICAB issues a Placement Authority. It is a document that grants [[custody]] of the adoptee to the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] or parents.  Convention adoptees entering on an IH4 visa become Legal Permanent Residents upon admission to the United States, but do not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship. A Convention adoptee who enters the United States on an IH4 visa acquires U.S. citizenship as of the date of a full and final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] in the United States as long as the child is under age 18 at the time of adoption and is residing in the United States in the physical and [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the U.S. citizen parent or parents.
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=How to Adopt=
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Philippines. 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 [https://pptform.state.gov/ 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.
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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=Contact Information=
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you 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 attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Philippines, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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'''U.S. Embassy in The [[Philippines]]'''
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Embassy of the United States of America, Manila, [[Philippines]]
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1201 Roxas Boulevard
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Ermita, Metro Manila - 1000
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Tel: (632) 528-6300
  
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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'''The Philippine's [[Adoption]] Authority''' 
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. 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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'''The [[Inter-Country Adoption]] Board'''
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P.O. Box 1622
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2 Chicago corner Ermin Garcia Streets
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Cubao, Quezon City, [[Philippines]]
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Tel: (632) 721-9781/82; (632) 726-4551/68
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Fax: (632) 727-2026
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E-mail: adoption@icab.gov.ph
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Internet: [http://www.icab.gov.ph/ ICAB]
  
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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'''Embassy of The [[Philippines]]'''
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1600 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, NW
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20036
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Tel: (202) 467-9300
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Fax: (202) 467-9417
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Email: consular@philippineembassy-usa.org
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Internet: [http://philippineembassy-usa.org Embassy of the Philippines]
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Philippines, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
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=After Adoption=
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The [[Philippines]] also has consulates in Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, [[New York]], and San Francisco.
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
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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
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov or [[Adoption]] USCA@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
 +
  
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=philippines
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:16, 21 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Panaramic View Banaue Rice Terraces.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Filipino girl.
Source: flickr.com.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Two Filipino boys fishing.
Source: flickr.com.

Collage of Manila.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Filipino rice farm and house.
Source: flickr.com.

Filipino children.
Source: flickr.com.

Fort San Pedro, Cebu.
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 Philippines

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. To learn more please read About Philippines (The Country).

To learn more about specific facts regarding the Philippines please read Philippines Fact Sheet.

To learn about the Philippines National Anthem and its history please read Philippines National Anthem.


Philippines Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts for the Philippines over the years. To learn more please read Philippines Adoption Alert.


Hague Convention Information

The Philippines is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between the Philippines and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about Philippines and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and the Philippines is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from the Philippines, you must first 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). Learn more. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Philippines.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because the Philippines is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from the Philippines must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read Who Can Be Adopted from Philippines.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Philippine's Adoption Authority

The Inter-Country Adoption Board


The Process

Because the Philippines is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from the Philippines must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.


NOTE: If you filed your I-600a to adopt a child in the Philippines before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention was not in effect for the United States and may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the U.S. immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in the Philippines
  6. Bring your Child to the United States

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Philippines. 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 read about Traveling Abroad in Philippines.


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 in The Philippines

Embassy of the United States of America, Manila, Philippines 1201 Roxas Boulevard Ermita, Metro Manila - 1000 Tel: (632) 528-6300


The Philippine's Adoption Authority

The Inter-Country Adoption Board

P.O. Box 1622 2 Chicago corner Ermin Garcia Streets Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines Tel: (632) 721-9781/82; (632) 726-4551/68 Fax: (632) 727-2026 E-mail: adoption@icab.gov.ph Internet: ICAB


Embassy of The Philippines

1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 467-9300 Fax: (202) 467-9417 Email: consular@philippineembassy-usa.org Internet: Embassy of the Philippines


The Philippines also has consulates in Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.


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 or Adoption USCA@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=philippines