Revision as of 03:01, 11 April 2014 (view source) Admin (Talk | contribs) (→‎Hague Convention Information) ← Older edit		Revision as of 03:02, 11 April 2014 (view source) Admin (Talk | contribs) (→‎Who Can Adopt) Newer edit →
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	=Who Can Adopt=		=Who Can Adopt=
		+	To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Tonga, 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). Learn more.
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		+	In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Tonga also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
	==Residency==		==Residency==
		+
		+	Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must reside with the child for six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. The Supreme Court occasionally waives the residency requirements in exceptional cases.
	==Age of Adopting Parents==		==Age of Adopting Parents==
		+
		+	There is no specific minimum or maximum age requirement for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
	==Marriage==		==Marriage==
		+
		+	Tongan law permits both single and married foreigners to [[adopt]] Tongan children.
	==Income==		==Income==
		+
		+	Income should be above average and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should live in a suitable environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the central adoption authority.
	==Other==		==Other==
		+	Prospective parents must show themselves able to provide adequate emotional and financial support for the child. Under no circumstances are proxy adoptions allowed.
	=Who Can Be Adopted=		=Who Can Be Adopted=

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Revision as of 03:02, 11 April 2014

Hague Convention Information

Tonga 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 Tonga did not change.

Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be adopted.

The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such legislation and update this flyer accordingly.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Tonga, 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). Learn more.

In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Tonga also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:

Residency

Prospective adoptive parents must reside with the child for six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. The Supreme Court occasionally waives the residency requirements in exceptional cases.

Age of Adopting Parents

There is no specific minimum or maximum age requirement for adoptive parents.

Marriage

Tongan law permits both single and married foreigners to adopt Tongan children.

Income

Income should be above average and prospective adoptive parents should live in a suitable environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the central adoption authority.

Other

Prospective parents must show themselves able to provide adequate emotional and financial support for the child. Under no circumstances are proxy adoptions allowed.

Who Can Be Adopted

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Tonga. 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 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.

Obtaining Your Visa

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 Tonga, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your Trip

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 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.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip

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 Tonga, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

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

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information