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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Kosovo"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/kv-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/flags/large/kv-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/kv-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/kv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/kv-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Pristina_photo_montage_2013.png/427px-Pristina_photo_montage_2013.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of capital city Pristina.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/%C5%9Ead%C4%B1rvan_-_Prizren_01.jpg/800px-%C5%9Ead%C4%B1rvan_-_Prizren_01.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sadirvan (Shadirvan): Prizren's symbolic place. This area is old bazaars square.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/kv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Bogorodica_Ljeviska1.jpg/800px-Bogorodica_Ljeviska1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''UNESCO-protected 14th century Serbian orthodox monastery Our Lady of Ljevis.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Ferizaj.jpg/800px-Ferizaj.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Ferizaj.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Pristina_photo_montage_2013.png/427px-Pristina_photo_montage_2013.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of capital city Pristina, Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Parku_i_Liri%C3%AB.jpg/800px-Parku_i_Liri%C3%AB.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Forest in Ferizaj.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/06_Gjakov%C3%AB_-_%C3%87arshia_e_Madhe_-_Big_Baazar.JPG/800px-06_Gjakov%C3%AB_-_%C3%87arshia_e_Madhe_-_Big_Baazar.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Big Bazaar, Gjakova.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/05_Gjakova_Harmoni_Kulturore_-_Cultural_Harmony.jpg/633px-05_Gjakova_Harmoni_Kulturore_-_Cultural_Harmony.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Gajakova.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/%C5%9Ead%C4%B1rvan_-_Prizren_01.jpg/800px-%C5%9Ead%C4%B1rvan_-_Prizren_01.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sadirvan (Shadirvan): Prizren's symbolic place. This area is old bazaars square.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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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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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Bogorodica_Ljeviska1.jpg/800px-Bogorodica_Ljeviska1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''UNESCO-protected 14th century Serbian orthodox monastery Our Lady of Ljevis, Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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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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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Ferizaj.jpg/800px-Ferizaj.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Ferizaj, Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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=About Kosovo=
  
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The central Balkans were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern [[Kosovo]] in the 7th century. During the medieval period, [[Kosovo]] became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of [[Kosovo]] in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to [[Kosovo]]. To learn more please read [[About Kosovo]].
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Parku_i_Liri%C3%AB.jpg/800px-Parku_i_Liri%C3%AB.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Forest in Ferizaj, Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/06_Gjakov%C3%AB_-_%C3%87arshia_e_Madhe_-_Big_Baazar.JPG/800px-06_Gjakov%C3%AB_-_%C3%87arshia_e_Madhe_-_Big_Baazar.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Big Bazaar, Gjakova, Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/05_Gjakova_Harmoni_Kulturore_-_Cultural_Harmony.jpg/633px-05_Gjakova_Harmoni_Kulturore_-_Cultural_Harmony.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Gajakova,Kosovo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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[[Kosovo]] is not 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]). To learn more please read about [[Kosovo and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Kosovo is not 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, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Kosovo did not change.  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Kosovo]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please aread about [[Who Can Adopt from Kosovo]].
  
  
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'''PLEASE NOTE:''' The United States has an Embassy in Pristina that provides limited services to U.S.citizens in Kosovo. Immigrant visa applications for Kosovo citizens are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, [[Macedonia]].
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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The following is intended as a very general guide to assist U.S. citizens who plan to [[adopt]] achild in Kosovo and apply for an immigrant visa for the child to come to the United States.
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'''[[Kosovo]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare
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Social Services Division
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[[Adoption]] Coordinator
  
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Two sets of laws are particularly relevant:
 
  
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# The laws of Kosovo govern all activity in Kosovo including the adoptability of individual children as well as the [[adoption]] of children in country.
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==The Process==
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# U.S. federal immigration law governs the immigration of the child to the United States.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Kosovo]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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The information in this flier relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign areas is based on public sources and our current understanding. It does not necessarily reflect the actual state of the laws of Kosovo and is provided for general information only. Moreover, U.S. immigration law, including regulations and interpretation, changes from time to time. This flyer reflects our current understanding of the law as of this date and is not legally authoritative. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.
 
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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# Choose an [[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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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Kosovo]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Kosovo, you must 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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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Kosovo]].
  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Kosovo also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Residency==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Kosovo]]. 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 Kosovo]].
  
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According to the law, there are no residency requirements to complete an international [[adoption]] in Kosovo. However, there is a fostering period of 2 to 3 months prior to the final [[adoption]] of the child, where the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to live with the child in Kosovo, before the final approval for [[adoption]] is given to the parents.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=After Adoption=
  
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According to the applicable law in Kosovo, the minimum age for prospective parents is 21. If spouses intend to [[adopt]] a child, one of the spouses must have reached 25 years of age and the other spouse must have reached 21 years of age. The law has not established an age limit or civil status requirement(single, married or divorced) and how old the prospective parents must be in order to [[adopt]], although it is preferred that at least one of the prospective parents be not older than 55 years.
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'''What does [[Kosovo]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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==Marriage==
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We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of [[Kosovo]] and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|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.
  
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Marriage certificate (not older than six months)
 
  
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==Income==
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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Letter of employment with salary or income information (for both spouses, if applicable)
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
  
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==Other==
 
  
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# Written request for [[adoption]] - signed by both spouses;
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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# Birth certificate - for each spouse;
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# Identification document (true copy of photo ID and passport, issued by State or Federal government agency) for both spouses;
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# Proof of Nationality;
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# Medical certificate regarding health condition and [[adoption]] capability - for both spouses, i.e., general health, illnesses that might impact on ones ability to care for a child, etc.;
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# Evidence of economic condition (i.e., property ownership, bank statements);
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# Statement from local police authorities that applicants have no criminal record;
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# Certificate from a competent authority certifying that [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] have never been taken away from either spouse;
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# [[Home Study]] by competent [[adoption]] authority in the parents' place of residence.
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'''NOTE:''' All documents must be translated into Albanian or Serbian depending on the child's nationality. The documentation noted above should be original and issued in the past 6 months. All documents must be translated into Albanian or Serbian (depending on the place of origin for the child). If a child's nationality is unknown, then documents only need to be translated into Albanian. (Include information about gay and lesbian [[adoption]], and/or [[adoption]] by same-sex couples, if available.)
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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N/A
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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=Contact Information=
  
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==The Process==
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Macedonia]]'''
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Address: Samoilova Street, No.21, 1000 Skopje, [[Macedonia]]
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Tel: (02) 310 2000
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Fax: (02) 310 2299
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Email: SkopjeACSmailbox@state.gov
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Internet: [http://macedonia.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Macedonia] 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''[[Kosovo]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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=After Adoption=
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Tel: +381-38-200-26-052 or +381-38-212-503
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Fax: +381-38-211-940
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Email:Fitore.s.rexhaj@ks-gov.net
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'''Embassy of [[Kosovo]]'''
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Embassy of the Republic of [[Kosovo]]
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Presidential Plaza
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900 19th Street, NW, Suite 400
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[[Washington]] DC, 20006
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Tel: +1 202 380 3581
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Fax: +1 202 380 36 28
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E-mail: embassy.usa@ks-gov.net
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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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'''
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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=kosovo
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:11, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Collage of capital city Pristina.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sadirvan (Shadirvan): Prizren's symbolic place. This area is old bazaars square.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

UNESCO-protected 14th century Serbian orthodox monastery Our Lady of Ljevis.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Ferizaj.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Forest in Ferizaj.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Big Bazaar, Gjakova.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Gajakova.
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 Kosovo

The central Balkans were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. To learn more please read About Kosovo.


Hague Convention Information

Kosovo 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 Kosovo and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Kosovo, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please aread about Who Can Adopt from Kosovo.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Kosovo's Adoption Authority

Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Social Services Division Adoption Coordinator


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Kosovo generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child in Kosovo
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Kosovo. 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 Kosovo.


After Adoption

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

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Kosovo 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 Macedonia

Address: Samoilova Street, No.21, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia Tel: (02) 310 2000 Fax: (02) 310 2299 Email: SkopjeACSmailbox@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Macedonia


Kosovo's Adoption Authority

Tel: +381-38-200-26-052 or +381-38-212-503 Fax: +381-38-211-940 Email:Fitore.s.rexhaj@ks-gov.net


Embassy of Kosovo

Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo Presidential Plaza 900 19th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington DC, 20006 Tel: +1 202 380 3581 Fax: +1 202 380 36 28 E-mail: embassy.usa@ks-gov.net


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=kosovo