Adopting from Venezuela
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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 Venezuela
Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. To learn more please read About Venezuela.
Hague Convention Information
Venezuela 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 Venezuela and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about Venezuela and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
Adoption between the United States and Venezuela is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Venezuela, 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.
Who Can Be Adopted
Because Venezuela is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Venezuela must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Venezuela attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Venezuela's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Venezuela's Adoption Authority
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
The Process
Because Venezuela is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Venezuela 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 with Venezuela before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Learn more .
- Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
- Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
- Be Matched with a Child
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
- Adopt the Child in Venezuela
- Bring your Child Home
To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Venezuela.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Venezuela. 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 Venezuela.
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 Venezuela
Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urb. Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas, Venezuela 1080 Tel: 011-58-212-975-6411 Email: ImmigrantCaracas@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Venezuela
Venezuela's Adoption Authority
Ministerio del Poder Popular de Relaciones Exteriores Oficina de Relaciones Consulares Attn: Carolina Iguaro Piso 15 Avenida Urdaneta con Esquina Carmelitas Caracas 1010 Venezuela Tel: (58-212) 806-4504
Instituto Autónomo Consejo Nacional del Niño, Niña y Adolescente (IDENA)
Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Edificio Mene Grande, Piso 2 Caracas-Venezuela Tel: (58-212) 287-0005/0757 Internet: IDENA
Embassy of Venezuela
1099 30th St., N.W., Washington D.C. 20007 Tel: (202) 342 2214 Fax: (202) 342 6820 Internet: Embassy of Venezuela
Venezuela also has consulates in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan.
Office of Children's Issues
U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=venezuela