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Adopting from Kazakhstan
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: flickr.com.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Kazakhstan
Ethnic Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated to the region by the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures. To learn more please read About Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan Adoption Alert
There have been several adoption alerts for Kazakhstan. To learn more please read Kazakhstan Adoption Alert.
Hague Convention Information
Kazakhstan is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read Kazakhstan and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
In addition to the U.S. requirements, Kazakhstan obliges prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) to meet numerous requirements in order to adopt a child from Kazakhstan. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Kazakhstan.
Who Can Be Adopted
Because Kazakhstan is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Kazakhstan must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Kazakhstan.
How to Adopt
WARNING: Kazakhstan is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Kazakhstan before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.
Adoption Authority
Kazakhstan’s Adoption Authority
Children Rights Protection Committee Ministry of Education and Science
The Process
Because Kazakhstan is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Kazakhstan 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. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.
- Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
- Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
- Be matched with a child by authorities in Kazakhstan
- Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the adoption
- Bond with the child for four weeks.
- Adopt the child in Kazakhstan
- Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Kazakhstan.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
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. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Kazakhstan.
After Adoption
POST-ADOPTION/POST-PLACEMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
We strongly urge you to comply with Kazakhstan's post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to Kazakhstan's history of positive experiences with American parents.
According to Kazakhstani family law, parents who adopt Kazakhstani children must provide post-placement reports every six months for the first three years after the court decision was put into force and then once a year until the child is 18 years old. You must submit the report to the Kazakhstani diplomatic mission in the country of the child's residence.
POST-ADOPTION RESOURCES
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Adoption Services Support Groups for adopting Persons
NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
Contact Information
U.S. Consulate General Almaty
97 Zholdasbekov St. Samal-2 Almaty, Kazakhstan 480099 Tel: +7 (7272) 50-76-12 Fax: +7 (7272) 50-48-67 Email: USAKZ@state.gov Internet:U.S. Consulate General Almaty
Kazakhstan's Adoption Authority
Children Rights Protection Committee Ministry of Education and Science 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA CITY Government House 11th Entrance 939, 941 Rooms Tel: + 10 (7172) 742343 / 742154 / 742341 / 742033 Fax:N/A Email:N/A
Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
1401 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 232-5488 Fax: (202) 232-5845 Email: washington@kazakhembus.com Internet: Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan also has a consulate in New York City.
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 Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS
For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition:
National Benefits Center
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
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=kazakhstan