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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Austria"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/au-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Austria.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/au-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/au-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Austria.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/au-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/au_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Austria.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/au_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2827%29-Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2831%29.jpg/800px-Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2827%29-Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2831%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' View from the north tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2827%29-Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2831%29.jpg/800px-Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2827%29-Stephansdom_Vienna_July_2008_%2831%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' View from the north tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/1119_-_Hallstatt.JPG/800px-1119_-_Hallstatt.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Hallstatt, Austria'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/1119_-_Hallstatt.JPG/800px-1119_-_Hallstatt.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Hallstatt.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Mariahilferstrasse1.jpg/800px-Mariahilferstrasse1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Mariahilferstrasse shopping area in Vienna, Austria.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Mariahilferstrasse1.jpg/800px-Mariahilferstrasse1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Mariahilferstrasse shopping area in Vienna.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/1907_-_Salzburg_-_View_from_M%C3%B6nchsberg.JPG/800px-1907_-_Salzburg_-_View_from_M%C3%B6nchsberg.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''View from Monk Hill, Salzburg, Austria'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/1907_-_Salzburg_-_View_from_M%C3%B6nchsberg.JPG/800px-1907_-_Salzburg_-_View_from_M%C3%B6nchsberg.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''View from Monk Hill in Salzburg'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/96/235061441_9b28ca9a31_s.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Austria.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/96/235061441_9b28ca9a31_n.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6495169775_f1372e4bda_n.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Charles Church, Vienna.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3012/3029952919_2a50a46f1a_n.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Vienna Opera House.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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'''Notice: As of J
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uly 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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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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=About Austria=
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, [[Austria]] was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by [[Nazi Germany]] in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, [[Austria]]'s status remained unclear for a decade. To learn more, read [[About Austria]].
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
 
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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]].'''
 
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Austria 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 Austria and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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[[Austria]] 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 [[Austria]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about [[Austria and the Hague Convention]].
  
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Austria is not considered a country of origin in intercountry [[adoption]]. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in extremely rare [[adoption]] cases from Austria, including adoptions of Austrian children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Austria.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Austria is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Austria, 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].  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Austria]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Austria]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Austria]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Austria also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
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==Residency==
 
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The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to be legal residents of Austria.
 
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
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The adopting father must be at least 30 years old and the adopting mother 28 years old. The prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be 18 years older than the [[adoptee]], with limited exceptions. There is no maximum age limit.
 
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==Marriage==
 
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The Austrian government prefers that the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] be married, although the law does not officially specify this. If married, the couple must apply jointly. If not married, only one prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] may apply.
 
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==Income==
 
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N/A
 
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==Other==
 
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If the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] already have children of their own (either biological or [[adopted]]), they may have less of a chance to [[adopt]]. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must also meet certain personal, social, health, and economic conditions determined by the local youth welfare authority,. If they are found to be suitable an extensive [[Home Study|home study]] is prepared by their social workers. In some Austrian Provinces it is obligatory for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to attend a training seminar. Finally, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must have no criminal record.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because Austria is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Austria must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Austria attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Austria'S requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.  
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Because [[Austria]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Austria]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Austria]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. For more information, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Austria]].
  
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'''''Please note: There are very few Austrian children eligible for intercountry [[adoption]].'''''
 
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:'''
 
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If the child is legitimate, the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must enter into a contract with the child's biological father (if contact can be made). This contract must contain certain legal requirements, including both of the birthparents' consents.
 
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'''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:'''
 
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If the child is an [[orphan]] or illegitimate child, his/her [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] must sign the [[adoption]] contract. In addition, the child's mother (again, if contact is possible) must give her written consent to the [[adoption]], unless she herself signed the [[adoption]] contract as [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] of the child. All signatures on the [[adoption]] contract as well as the biological mother's signature on her consent to the [[adoption]] must be notarized either by an Austrian notary public (within Austria) or by a notary public outside of Austria whose signature is authenticated via the "[[apostille]]" procedure. A fact sheet outlining this latter procedure may be accessed on the Internet at [http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=home.splash Hague Legalization Convention].
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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The Bundesministerium für Justiz (Federal Ministry of Justice) in Vienna is the federal Central Authority for [[adoption]] in [[Austria]]. However, the local [[adoption]] authorities in the various provinces are responsible for setting and administering [[adoption]] [[policies]] and procedures. See Contact Information for the provincial [[adoption]] authorities in the nine provinces, including the City of Vienna.  For more information, read about [[How to Adopt from Austria]].
  
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The Bundesministerium für Justiz (Federal Ministry of Justice) in Vienna is the federal Central Authority for [[adoption]] in Austria. However, the local [[adoption]] authorities in the various provinces are responsible for setting and administering [[adoption]] [[policies]] and procedures. See Contact Information for the provincial [[adoption]] authorities in the nine provinces, including the City of Vienna.
 
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==The Process==
 
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Because Austria is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from Austria 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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'''NOTE:''' If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with Austria 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. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more] .
 
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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 in Austria
 
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# Bring your Child Home
 
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'''1. Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Austria is to select an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that has been accredited. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide [[adoption]] services between the United States and Austria.  [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
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After you choose an accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], you apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn how].
 
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Once the U.S. government determines that you are "eligible" and "suitable" to [[adopt]], you or your agency will forward your information to the [[adoption]] authority in Austria. Austria's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under Austria's law.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
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If both the United States and Austria determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Austria may provide you with a referral for a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of the particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
 
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'''4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
 
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After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to [[adopt]] that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] and enter the United States.  [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
 
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After this, your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or you will submit a visa application for to a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa inelegibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify the Austria's [[adoption]] authority (Article 5 letter).  ‘’’For Convention country adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) may not proceed with the [[adoption]] or obtain [[custody]] for the purpose of [[adoption]] until this takes place.'''
 
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'''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the [[adoption]] process.'''''
 
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'''5. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Austria'''
 
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'''''Remember:  Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Austria, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the [[adoption]] or grant of [[custody]] for the purposes of [[adoption]] in Austria.'''''
 
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Austria generally includes the following:
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' Investigations and inquiries to assess the eligibility and suitability of prospective parents are performed independently by the local youth welfare authorities acting under the authority and according to the instructions of the competent provincial governments.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' If the court is satisfied that the [[adoption]] would be in the best interest of the child, it issues a decree (Beschluss) certifying the [[adoption]] contract. This decree makes the [[adoption]] final and legally valid, and a new birth certificate for the child giving any new name(s) may be obtained from the appropriate Bureau of Vital Statistics (Standesamt). If the court does not approve the [[adoption]], the contract is void.
 
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' Youth welfare agencies, as well as non-governmental agencies in Oberosterreich, Salzburg, and Vienna, place children eligible for [[adoption]] with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' Austrian adoptions take about 12 months to complete. This includes the 6 months during which the child lives with the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] while under the supervision of provincial [[adoption]] authorities and an additional 6 months needed to complete legal requirements.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' The district court granting the [[adoption]] is the competent authority per [[ART|Art]]. 23 of the Convention.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' In the [[adoption]] services contract that you sign at the beginning of the [[adoption]] process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your [[adoption]] process.  With respect to adopting from Austria, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can expect to pay notary fees and that of any attorney selected. There are court costs and an [[adoption]] contract fee to be paid in connection with an [[adoption]]. The U.S. Embassy in Austria discourages the payment of any fees that are not properly receipted, "donations," or "expediting" fees, that may be requested from prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' The [[adoption]] contract and the mother's release are submitted to the appropriate Austrian court with a petition for [[certification]] (Bestätigung).
 
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The court may require evidence of the adopting parent's financial status. The court may also require a "[[Home Study|home study]]" in the United States or at the place of residence abroad through an appropriate agency.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html Learn how].
 
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'''6. Bringing Your Child Home'''
 
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Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
 
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::1. Birth Certificate
 
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You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
 
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In the case of adoptions from third countries, the appropriate Bureau of Vital Statistics (Standesamt) will issue a new Austrian birth certificate based on the child's [[Original Birth Certificate|original birth certificate]].
 
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::2. Austrian Passport
 
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Austria.
 
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An Austrian passport will be issued on the basis of a new birth certificate and the court [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
 
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child.
 
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'''Applying for a Visa at the US Embassy in Austria:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should contact the U.S. Embassy in Vienna for specific procedures when they are applying for intercountry [[adoption]] in Austria.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Immigrant Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview.
 
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After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S. Embassy for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician's [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
 
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'''''For adoptions to be finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]. We urge your family to finalize the [[adoption]] in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.
 
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
 
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[http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Learn more] about the Child Citizenship Act.
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Austria. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Austria]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Austria]].
  
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Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 
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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.
 
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To find information about obtaining a visa for Austria, see the Department of State's  [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 
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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.
 
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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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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
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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 Austria, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
 
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Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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'''What does [[Austria]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''  
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'''What does Austria require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''  
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==Contact Information==
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=Contact Information=
  
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in Austria'''  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Austria]]'''  
  
 
Address: Boltzmanngasse 16  
 
Address: Boltzmanngasse 16  
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'''Austria's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''[[Austria]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
  
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''For the State of Lower Austria:''
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''For the State of Lower [[Austria]]:''
  
 
Niederösterreichische Landesregierung  
 
Niederösterreichische Landesregierung  
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''For the State of Upper Austria:''
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''For the State of Upper [[Austria]]:''
  
 
Land Oberösterreich  
 
Land Oberösterreich  
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'''Embassy of Austria'''
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'''Embassy of [[Austria]]'''
  
 
Austrian Embassy
 
Austrian Embassy
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Address: 3524 International Court, [[Washington]] D.C. 20008
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Address: 3524 [[International]] Court, [[Washington]] D.C. 20008
 
Tel: 202-895-6711
 
Tel: 202-895-6711
 
Fax: 202-895-6773
 
Fax: 202-895-6773
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Austria also has consulates in: Chicago, Los Angeles, and [[New York]].  
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[[Austria]] also has consulates in: Chicago, Los Angeles, and [[New York]].  
  
  
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=austria]
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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=austria
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:14, 17 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

View from the north tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hallstatt.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Mariahilferstrasse shopping area in Vienna.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

View from Monk Hill in Salzburg
Source: Wikipedia.org

'
Source: flickr.com.

St. Charles Church, Vienna.
Source: flickr.com.

Vienna Opera House.
Source: flickr.com.

Notice: As of J uly 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 Austria

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. To learn more, read About Austria.


Hague Convention Information

Austria 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 Austria and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about Austria and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Austria is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Austria, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Austria.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Austria is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Austria must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Austria attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. For more information, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Austria.


How to Adopt

The Bundesministerium für Justiz (Federal Ministry of Justice) in Vienna is the federal Central Authority for adoption in Austria. However, the local adoption authorities in the various provinces are responsible for setting and administering adoption policies and procedures. See Contact Information for the provincial adoption authorities in the nine provinces, including the City of Vienna. For more information, read about How to Adopt from Austria.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport


A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Austria. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more, read about Traveling Abroad in Austria.


After Adoption

What does Austria require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?


Post-adoption services are provided by the youth welfare authorities. If requested by states of origin post-adoption reports can be made a social worker or by a private organisation entrusted to do so by the competent youth welfare authority.

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of the country of origin and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.


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


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Austria

Address: Boltzmanngasse 16 A-1090 Vienna Tel.: (+43-1) 31339-0 Fax: (+43-1) 310 06 82 E-mail: embassy@usembassy.at Internet: U.S. Embassy Austria


Austria's Adoption Authority


For the Federal Government:

Bundesministerium für Justiz (Federal Ministry of Justice) Abteilung I 10 Postfach 63 1016 WIEN Telephone number: +43 (1) 52152 2731 telefax number: +43 (1) 52152 2829 e-mail: robert.fucik@bmj.gv.at


For the State of Burgenland:’’

Burgenländische Landesregierung Abteilung 6 - Soziales Landhaus Europaplatz 1 7001 EISENSTADT Telephone number: +43 (2682) 600 2330 or 600 2325 telefax number: +43 (2682) 600 2865 E-mail: post.soziales@bgld.gv.at


For the State of Carynthia:

Kärntner Landesregierung Abteilung 13 - Soziales, Jugend, Familie und Frau Völkermarkt Ring 31 9021 KLAGENFURT Telephone number: +43 (463) 5363 1301 telefax number: +43 (463) 5364 1300 e-mail: post.abt13@ktn.gv.at


For the State of Lower Austria:

Niederösterreichische Landesregierung Abteilung GS 6 Landhausplatz 1, Haus 14 3109 ST. PÖLTEN Telephone number: +43 (2742) 9005 16371 or 16412 telefax number: +43 (2742) 9005 16120 e-mail: post.gs6@noel.gv.at


For the State of Upper Austria:

Land Oberösterreich Abteilung Jugendwohlfahrt Bahnhofsplatz 1 4020 LINZ Telephone number: +43 (732) 7720 15214 or 14962 telefax number: +43 (732) 7720 15328 e-mail: jw.post@ooe.gv.at


For the State of Salzburg:

Salzburger Landesregierung Abteilung 3 - Soziales Fanny-von-Lehnert-Strasse 1 Postfach 527 5010 SALZBURG Telephone number: +43 (662) 8042 3578 telefax number: +43 (662) 8042 3883 e-mail: soziales@salzburg.gv.at


For the State of Styria:

Steiermärkische Landesregierung Referat Jugendwohlfahrt Körblergasse 110 8010 GRAZ Telephone number: +43 (316) 877 3090 telefax number: +43 (316) 877 5457 e-mail: bettina.strasser@stmk.gv.at


For the State of Tyrol:

Tiroler Landesregierung Abteilung Jugendwohlfahrt Wilhelm Greil Strasse 25 6020 INNSBRUCK Telephone number: +43 (512) 508 2642 telefax number: +43 (512) 508 2645 e-mail: juwo@tirol.gv.at


For the State of Vorarlberg:

Amt der Vorarlberger Landesregierung Abteilung Gesellschaft und Soziales - IVa Landhaus 6901 BREGENZ Telephone number: +43 (5574) 5112 4119 telefax number: +43 (5574) 5112 4195 e-mail: werner.grabher2@vorarlberg.at


For the State of Vienna:

Wiener Landesregierung Magistratsabteilung 11 Referat für Adoptiv- und Pflegekinder - Dezernat II Lustkandlgasse 50 1090 WIEN Telephone number: +43 (1) 4000 90770 telefax number: +43 (1) 4000 99 90770 e-mail: rem-rap@m11.magwien.gv.at


Embassy of Austria

Austrian Embassy Address: 3524 International Court, Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-895-6711 Fax: 202-895-6773 Internet: Austrian Embassy


Austria also has consulates in: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.


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 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=austria