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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Tuvalu"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/tv-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/tv-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/tv-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/tv-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/aus/tv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/tv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg/568px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg/568px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Beach on Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg/343px-Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Tuvaluan dancer.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg/343px-Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Tuvaluan dancer.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''School on Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''School on Funafuti Atoll'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Northern_Funafuti.jpg/800px-Northern_Funafuti.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Funafuti in Tuvalu looking south..'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Northern_Funafuti.jpg/800px-Northern_Funafuti.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Funafuti'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Nanumea.jpg/437px-Nanumea.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nanumea atoll, Tuvalu, from space.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Nanumea.jpg/437px-Nanumea.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nanumea atoll from space.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
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Tuvalu is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention  ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Tuvalu did not change.  
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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]].'''
  
 +
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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There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from Tuvalu: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be [[adopted]]; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their adoption.
 
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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=About Tuvalu=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Tuvalu, 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). Learn more.  
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In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of [[Tuvalu]]. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, [[Tuvalu]] negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html.
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Tuvalu also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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[[Tuvalu]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ( Hague [[Adoption]] Convention  ). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Tuvalu]] did not change.
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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There is no formal residency requirement for foreigners seeking to [[adopt]] in Tuvalu. However, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be physically present in court to file an application for adoption and must remain in Tuvalu until the final adoption order is granted
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There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from [[Tuvalu]]: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be [[adopted]]; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their [[adoption]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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One prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be at least 25 years old, and both must be at least 21 years older than the child.
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Tuvalu]], 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). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Tuvalu]].
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==Marriage==
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Applicants for an adoption should be a married husband and wife. The law permits an adoption order in favor of one person in "exceptional circumstances." However, a single male cannot [[adopt]] a female child.
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==Income==
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Income should be above average and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should live in a suitable environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the central adoption authority.  
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==Other==
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The applicants must be of good character and have no adverse criminal record relating to any offense involving violence or [[abuse]] towards a child. The applicants must be mentally and physically fit to fulfill the responsibilities, evidenced by a medical report.  The applicant must be able to provide a secure and stable home environment for the child.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Tuvalu has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Tuvalu unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.  
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[[Tuvalu]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Tuvalu]] unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Tuvalu]].
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.
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'''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.
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'''Age Requirements:''' Only children who have not attained the age of 12 years may be [[adopted]]. There is no provision in the law for adoption of children above the age of 12.  Subject to this Act the Court may make an adoption order only where a child has not attained the age of 12 years before the date on which the application for adoption was filed in the Court.
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'''Sibling Requirements:''' None
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'''Requirements for [[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' The welfare and interests of the child shall be regarded as the paramount consideration.  
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'''Waiting Period:''' Two months or less if all requirements are met.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''Tuvalu 's Adoption Authority'''
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'''[[Tuvalu]] 's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
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There is no support [[system]] or body in Tuvalu which oversees international adoptions. The Senior Magistrate Court handles international adoptions.
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There is no support [[system]] or body in [[Tuvalu]] which oversees [[international]] adoptions. The Senior Magistrate Court handles [[international]] adoptions.
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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The process for adopting a child from Tuvalu generally includes the following steps:  
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The process for adopting a child from [[Tuvalu]] generally includes the following steps:  
  
  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Tuvalu  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Tuvalu]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption  
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Tuvalu]].
  
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Tuvalu is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your adoption. Adoption service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. Learn more about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].
 
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There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] or non-government lawyers in Tuvalu. Attorneys resident in Suva, [[Fiji]], occasionally handle cases in Tuvalu.
 
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There is only one private lawyer practicing in Tuvalu known as the "People's Lawyer" who is a volunteer on contract with the Tuvalu Government. The People's Lawyer may be contacted at:
 
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'''Office of the People's Lawyer'''
 
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Private Mail Bag
 
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Funafuti, Tuvalu
 
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Telephone: (688) 20721
 
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Fax: (688) 20730
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may have to seek the assistance of the People's Lawyer. Alternatively, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may seek assistance from the Attorney General's office.
 
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The Attorney General's office contact information is:
 
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'''Office of the Attorney General'''
 
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Private Mail Bag
 
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Funafuti
 
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Telephone: (+688) 20823
 
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Facsimile: (+688) 20819
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
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To bring an [[adopted]] child from Tuvalu to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn how.
 
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In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Tuvalu as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
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If you are eligible to [[adopt]], you are responsible to identitfy a child below the age of 12 years . Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
 
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The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Tuvalu's requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law. Learn more.
 
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'''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Tuvalu'''
 
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The process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Tuvalu generally includes the following:
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE ADOPTION AUTHORITY:''' There is no support [[system]] or body in Tuvalu which oversees international adoptions. There is one social welfare officer based at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must file an Application for Adoption with the Senior Magistrate Court. The Court will then appoint the Tuvaluan Social Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs as Guardian Ad Litem. The Social Welfare Department will conduct a home-study and investigation that assesses the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' character, financial competence and suitability, and report back to the Court. The Magistrate's Court will then consider whether to grant an Adoption Order based on the report. If the Social Welfare report is favorable, the court grants the Adoption Order.
 
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*'''ADOPTION APPLICATION:''' The best source for information about adoption in Tuvalu would be Tuvalu's Adoption Act, which can be located at this [http://www.paclii.org/tv/legis/consol_act/aoca191/ website].  Tuvalu's Adoption Act states at the outset that: "In all proceedings under this Act the welfare and interests of the child shall be regarded as the paramount consideration." Very generally, and in summary, the process as outlined in the legislation is as follows: 
 
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::::1. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.
 
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::::2. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may then file an Application for Adoption with the Senior Magistrate Court.
 
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::::3. The Court appoints the Tuvaluan Social Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs as Guardian Ad Litem. The Social Welfare Department conducts a home-study and investigation that assesses the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' character, financial competence and suitability, and reports back to the Court.
 
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::::4. The Magistrate's Court considers whether to grant an Adoption Order based on the report. If the Social Welfare report is favorable, the court grants the Adoption Order.
 
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::::5. The parents take the Adoption Order to the Tuvaluan Registrar General in order to amend the original birth record to reflect the completion of the adoption. The new parents are issued a new birth certificate showing the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] as the child's "Father" and "Mother."
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' The Department of State has been advised that it generally takes about two months to complete an adoption in Tuvalu, from filing the application until issuance of the adoption order.
 
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*'''ADOPTION FEES:''' The U.S. Government 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]]. Such fees have the appearance of "buying" a baby and put all future adoptions in Tuvalu at risk.  Australian currency is used in Tuvalu. A court fee of Australian $6.00 is required to file the motion and receive the Adoption Order.
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' The Social Welfare Officer and the Senior Magistrate Court will require the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to submit the following documents: 
 
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::::1. Written consent of the child and the child's parents or guardians.
 
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::::2. The child's original birth certificate.
 
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::::3. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]]' criminal background, financial documents, employment references, evidence of property, etc.
 
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::::4. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' birth certificates, marriage license, and any divorce decrees from previous marriages.
 
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::::5. Two written character references for the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], preferably from people of high standing, such as church ministers, school principles, or government officials.
 
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::::6. An independent home study report, conducted by their local social welfare agency.
 
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::::7. Any other information tending to show that the adoption is in the best interest of the child. (e.g., a statement as to motives for adoption). '''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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'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption'''
 
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After you finalize the adoption (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Tuvalu, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] (Form [[I-600]]). Learn how.
 
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'''6. Bring 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 several 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 order to do this, you will need to take the Adoption Order to the Tuvaluan Registrar General in order to amend the original birth record to reflect the completion of the adoption. The new birth certificate will show you, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], as the child's "Father" and "Mother."
 
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::2. Tuvaluan 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 Tuvalu.
 
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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-600]] 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. Learn more.
 
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'''NOTE:''' The U.S. Embassy cannot issue visas on the same day of the visa interview. Prospective adopting parents should expect a minimum of two days for the visa to be issued. American families should make their travel plans accordingly, including allowing for the possibility of computer difficulties or other problems that could potentially further delay visa issuance
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
 
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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 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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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Tuvalu. 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 [https://pptform.state.gov/ 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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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Tuvalu]]. 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 Tuvalu]].
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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.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Tuvalu, 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.  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 Tuvalu, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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==Contact Information==
 
==Contact Information==
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in Tuvalu'''  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Tuvalu]]'''  
 
   
 
   
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The United States does not have an Embassy or Mission in Tuvalu. The Embassy that covers Tuvalu is located in [[Fiji]]. That Embassy's Consular Section is located at:  
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The United States does not have an Embassy or Mission in [[Tuvalu]]. The Embassy that covers [[Tuvalu]] is located in [[Fiji]]. That Embassy's Consular Section is located at:  
  
 
The Embassy of the United States, Suva, [[Fiji]]  
 
The Embassy of the United States, Suva, [[Fiji]]  
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'''Tuvalu's Adoption Authority'''
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'''[[Tuvalu]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
 
Magistrate's Court  
 
Magistrate's Court  
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Funafuti, Tuvalu  
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Funafuti, [[Tuvalu]]
 
Tel: (+688) 20837  
 
Tel: (+688) 20837  
  
  
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'''Embassy of Tuvalu'''
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'''Embassy of [[Tuvalu]]'''
 
   
 
   
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Tuvalu does not have an Embassy or Consulate in [[Washington]], D.C. Tuvalu's only official representative in the United States is at the United Nations in [[New York]]:  
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[[Tuvalu]] does not have an Embassy or Consulate in [[Washington]], D.C. [[Tuvalu]]'s only official representative in the United States is at the United Nations in [[New York]]:  
  
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The Permanent Mission of Tuvalu to the United Nations  
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The Permanent Mission of [[Tuvalu]] to the United Nations  
 
800 Second Avenue, Suite 400 B  
 
800 Second Avenue, Suite 400 B  
 
[[New York]], NY 10017  
 
[[New York]], NY 10017  
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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=tuvalu]
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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=tuvalu
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:01, 24 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Tuvaluan dancer.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

School on Funafuti Atoll
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Funafuti
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Nanumea atoll from space.
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 Tuvalu

In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html.

Hague Convention Information

Tuvalu is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Tuvalu did not change.


There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from Tuvalu: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be adopted; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their adoption.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Tuvalu, 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). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Tuvalu.


Who Can Be Adopted

Tuvalu has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Tuvalu unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below. In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Tuvalu.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Tuvalu 's Adoption Authority

There is no support system or body in Tuvalu which oversees international adoptions. The Senior Magistrate Court handles international adoptions.

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Tuvalu 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 (or Gain Legal Custody) in Tuvalu
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Tuvalu

The United States does not have an Embassy or Mission in Tuvalu. The Embassy that covers Tuvalu is located in Fiji. That Embassy's Consular Section is located at:

The Embassy of the United States, Suva, Fiji 31 Loftus Street P.O. Box 218 Suva, Fiji Tel: (679) 331-4466 Fax: (679) 330-2267 Email: consularsuva@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Tuvalu


Tuvalu's Adoption Authority

Magistrate's Court Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: (+688) 20837


Embassy of Tuvalu

Tuvalu does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Washington, D.C. Tuvalu's only official representative in the United States is at the United Nations in New York:

The Permanent Mission of Tuvalu to the United Nations 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400 B New York, NY 10017 Tel: (+1 212) 490-0534 Fax: (+1 212) 808-4975


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=tuvalu