Adopting from Singapore
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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 Singapore
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.
Hague Convention Information
Singapore is not 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 about Singapore and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
To bring an adopted child to the United States from Singapore, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Singapore.
Who Can Be Adopted
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Singapore has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more about these requirements please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Singapore.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Singapore’s Adoption Authority
Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Singapore generally includes the following steps:
- Attend pre-adoption briefing
- Choose an adoption service provider
- Apply to be found eligible to adopt
- Be matched with a child
- Adopt the child in Singapore
- Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
- Bring your child home
To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Singapore.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Singapore. 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 Singapore.
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 Singapore
Embassy of the United States 27 Napier Road Singapore 258508 Tel: 011-65-6476-9100 Fax: 011-65-6476-9232 Email: SingaporeCON@state.gov (Attn: IV Unit)
Singapore’s Adoption Authority
Ministry of Social and Family Development Adoption Services 512A Thomson Road 02-01/09 SLF Podium Singapore 298137 Tel: 6355-6388 Fax: 6258-4823 Email: msf_adoption@msf.gov.sg Website: MSFD Also See: Procedural Guidance on Adoptions - Singapore Family Court
Embassy of Singapore
3501 International Place, N.W. Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 537-3100 Fax: (202) 537-0876 Email: singemb_con_was@sgmfa.gov.sg
Singapore also has Consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami.
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@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=singapore