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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Cyprus"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/cy-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Cyprus.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/cy-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/cy-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Cyprus.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/cy-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/cy_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Cyprus.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/cy_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Petra_tou_romiou_beach.jpg/800px-Petra_tou_romiou_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''!!TITLE!!'''<BR/>!!COMMENT!!}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Petra_tou_romiou_beach.jpg/800px-Petra_tou_romiou_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Petra beach.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Lefkara_view.jpg/800px-Lefkara_view.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''!!TITLE!!'''<BR/>!!COMMENT!!}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Lefkara_view.jpg/800px-Lefkara_view.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lefkara.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Classic_aristocratic_houses_in_Nicosia_Republic_of_Cyprus.jpg/400px-Classic_aristocratic_houses_in_Nicosia_Republic_of_Cyprus.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''!!TITLE!!'''<BR/>!!COMMENT!!}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Classic_aristocratic_houses_in_Nicosia_Republic_of_Cyprus.jpg/400px-Classic_aristocratic_houses_in_Nicosia_Republic_of_Cyprus.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old traditional houses in Nicosia old quarters.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Cyprus_European_Union_Presidency_flags_at_top_of_Nicosia_Building.JPG/800px-Cyprus_European_Union_Presidency_flags_at_top_of_Nicosia_Building.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''!!TITLE!!'''<BR/>!!COMMENT!!}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Cyprus_European_Union_Presidency_flags_at_top_of_Nicosia_Building.JPG/800px-Cyprus_European_Union_Presidency_flags_at_top_of_Nicosia_Building.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The [[Cyprus]] European Union Presidency flags atop the Nicosia building.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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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]].'''
  
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Cyprus 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 Cyprus and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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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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Cyprus is not considered a country of origin in intercountry [[adoption]]. There are virtually no children available for [[adoption]] in Cyprus. Cypriot couples who wish to adopt usually look to other countries for [[adoption]] possibilities. No Cypriot orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from Cyprus, including adoptions of Cypriot children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Cyprus.
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=About Cyprus=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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A former British colony, [[Cyprus]] became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island.  To learn more, please read [[About Cyprus]].
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Cyprus is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to adopt from Cyprus, 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.
 
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Cyprus also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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[[Cyprus]] 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 [[Cyprus]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be permanent residents of Cyprus or have resided in Cyprus for at least two years prior to the submission of the application.  
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[[Cyprus]] is not considered a country of origin in intercountry [[adoption]]. There are virtually no children available for [[adoption]] in [[Cyprus]]. Cypriot couples who wish to [[adopt]] usually look to other countries for [[adoption]] possibilities. No Cypriot orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from [[Cyprus]], including adoptions of Cypriot children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in [[Cyprus]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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At least one parent must be 25 years old. If the adopting parents are relatives of the child, one of them must be at least 21 years old.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Marriage==
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Cyprus]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Cyprus]], 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). To learn more, please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Cyprus]].
  
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Married couples must adopt jointly unless one spouse is incapable of giving consent or cannot be located. Unmarried couples may not adopt jointly. The court may approve adoptions by single [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] if that person has applied alone and if the court determines that special reasons exist. "Special reasons" are not listed or defined in the Cypriot [[adoption]] code, but the prevailing view in Cyprus is that a family with two parents is in children's best interests.
 
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==Income==
 
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N/A
 
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==Other==
 
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N/A
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because Cyprus is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Cyprus must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Cyprus attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Cyprus'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 [[Cyprus]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Cyprus]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Cyprus]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Cyprus]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about the Convention's requirements for adoptable children.
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[http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about the Convention's requirements for adoptable children.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
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Because [[Cyprus]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Cyprus]] 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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==Adoption Authority==
 
  
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'''Cypriot [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Cyprus]] 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.   
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Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Labor & Social Insurance
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==The Process==
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Because Cyprus is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from Cyprus 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 Cyprus 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.   
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
 
# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States  
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# Adopt the Child in Cyprus  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Cyprus]]
 
# Bring your Child Home  
 
# Bring your Child Home  
  
  
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'''1.  Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Cyprus]].
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The first step in adopting a child from another country that is party to the Hague Convention 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 other Hague Convention countries. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].  '''There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Cyprus.''' The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia maintains a list of English-speaking lawyers who are licensed to practice in Cyprus. The U.S. Embassy cannot recommend the services of any specific attorney.  
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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].  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 Cyprus. Cyprus's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to adopt under Cypriot law.
 
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'''3.Be Matched with a Child:'''
 
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If both the United States and Cyprus determine that you are eligible to adopt, and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Cyprus 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. 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 ineligibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify Cyprus'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 Cyprus:'''
 
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'''''Remember: Before you adopt (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Cyprus, 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 Cyprus.'''''
 
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Cyprus generally includes the following:
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' The Social Welfare Services΄ main responsibilities during the [[adoption]] process are:
 
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::::1. To investigate whether an individual or a family are eligible to become [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
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::::2. To safeguard the best interests of children as soon as the application for [[adoption]] is submitted to the Court.
 
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::::3. To submit to the Court a report indicating whether the [[adoption]] is in the best interests of a child.
 
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::::4. To act as a temporary [[guardian]] to a child and to submit to the Court the report in order to issue the [[adoption]] order.
 
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::::5. Post [[adoption]] counseling.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:'''  The court with [[jurisdiction]] over the case reviews the application for [[adoption]] and issues the [[adoption]] order provided that the [[adoption]] is in the best interests of the child.
 
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:'''  There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Cyprus. The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia maintains a list of English-speaking lawyers who are licensed to practice in Cyprus. The U.S. Embassy cannot recommend the services of any specific attorney.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' Prospective adopting parents need only to submit a written application signed by both spouses to the District Welfare officer of the district of their habitual residence. During the eligibility study they will be requested to undergo full medical tests.
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' Contact Social Welfare Services directly for list.  '''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. Learn how.
 
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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.  Attorneys in Cyprus provide legal services only when Cypriot families adopt children from abroad. Fees vary from case to case.
 
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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.  Applications for the issue of a new birth certificate are accepted at all District Administration Offices irrespective of the place of residence.  Documents required:
 
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::::::1. A letter addressed to the District Administration requesting a new birth certificate;
 
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::::::2. [[Original Birth Certificate|Original birth certificate]] issued by the Republic of Cyprus;
 
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::::::3. [[Adoption]] degree;
 
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::::::4. Fees: 3.42 euro.
 
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::2. Cypriot 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 Cyprus.  Applications for the issue of a new passport are accepted at all District Administration Offices irrespective of the place of residence.  Documents required:
 
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::::::1. Application (Form M.9E);
 
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::::::2. Birth certificate (original);
 
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::::::3. Two recent photographs;
 
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::::::4. [[Adoption]] degree;
 
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::::::5. Fees: 42.72 euro.
 
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For additional information contact the [http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/moi.nsf/index_gr/index_gr?OpenDocument Cypriot Ministry of Interior].
 
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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. 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" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/visas.php Learn more].
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php 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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Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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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. 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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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 Cyprus]].
  
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'''Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Cyprus'''
 
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you may 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 affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Cyprus, 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 is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country.  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 enroll with the Department of State.  Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary.  Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Cyprus enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
 
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Enrollment is free and can be done online via the [https://step.state.gov/step/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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There are no post [[adoption]] requirements for Cyprus.
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There are no post [[adoption]] requirements for [[Cyprus]].
  
  
Line 213: Line 89:
  
  
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==Contact Information==
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in Cyprus'''
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Embassy of the United States of America, Nicosia
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Metohiou & Ploutarchou Street -
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Engomi - 2407 Nicosia - Cyprus
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or
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P.O.Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia - Cyprus
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Telephone number:357-22-393939
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Fax: 357-22-776841
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email: consularnicosia@state.gov
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Internet: [http://cyprus.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy in Cyprus]
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'''Cypriot [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Social Welfare Services
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Ministry of Labor & Social Insurance
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63 Prodromou Street
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1468 Nicosia
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Cyprus
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Tel: 357-22-406650/406655
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Fax: 357-22-667907
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E-mail: central.sws@sws.mlsi.gov.cy
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Internet: [http://www.mlsi.gov.cy/sws Cypriot Adoption Authority]
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'''Embassy of Cyprus'''
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Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus
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2224 [[Wyoming]] Ave N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
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Tel. 202/232-4517 or -4528
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Internet: [http://www.Cyprusembassy.org Embassy of Cyprus]
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Cyprus also has consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, and [[New York]].
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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Please read [[Contact Information for Adopting from Cyprus]] for more information.
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
 
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 
  
 
==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=cyprus]
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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=cyprus
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:14, 18 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Petra beach.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Lefkara.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Old traditional houses in Nicosia old quarters.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The European Union Presidency flags atop the Nicosia building.
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.


About Cyprus

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. To learn more, please read About Cyprus.


Hague Convention Information

Cyprus 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 Cyprus and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.


Cyprus is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. There are virtually no children available for adoption in Cyprus. Cypriot couples who wish to adopt usually look to other countries for adoption possibilities. No Cypriot orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Cyprus, including adoptions of Cypriot children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Cyprus.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Cyprus is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Cyprus, 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). To learn more, please read about Who Can Adopt from Cyprus.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Cyprus is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Cyprus must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Cyprus attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Cyprus's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about the Convention's requirements for adoptable children.


How to Adopt

Because Cyprus is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Cyprus 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 Cyprus 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.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child in Cyprus
  6. Bring your Child Home


To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Cyprus.


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 Cyprus.


After Adoption

There are no post adoption requirements for Cyprus.


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:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

North American Council on Adoptable Children


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


Contact Information

Please read Contact Information for Adopting from Cyprus for more information.


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=cyprus