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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Nicaragua"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/nu-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/nu-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/nu-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/nu-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/cam/nu_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/nu_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Coat_of_arms_of_Nicaragua.svg/600px-Coat_of_arms_of_Nicaragua.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Coat_of_arms_of_Nicaragua.svg/600px-Coat_of_arms_of_Nicaragua.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/a/ac/Mombacho.JPG/800px-Mombacho.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mombacho Vulcano, Granada Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Mombacho.JPG/800px-Mombacho.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mombacho Vulcano.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Kathedrale_Leon_2.JPG/800px-Kathedrale_Leon_2.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Cathedral of León, Nicaragua, biggest Cathedral in Central America.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Kathedrale_Leon_2.JPG/800px-Kathedrale_Leon_2.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Cathedral of León, biggest Cathedral in Central America.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4013/4678380875_614c6de689.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Nicaraguan boy.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4013/4678380875_614c6de689.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Nicaraguan boy.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/8873025734_241c7d1bed.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Granada, Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/8873025734_241c7d1bed.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Granada.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4065/4679044562_9a7cb61f13.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Granada, Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4065/4679044562_9a7cb61f13.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Granada.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/CarnavalNica.jpg/800px-CarnavalNica.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Annual Carnival in Nicaragua.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/CarnavalNica.jpg/800px-CarnavalNica.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Annual Carnival.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4030/4678383321_2f21a03ef6.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nicaraguan children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4030/4678383321_2f21a03ef6.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nicaraguan children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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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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Nicaragua 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 Nicaragua did not change.  
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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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Nicaraguan law does not allow for a Nicaraguan child to travel to the United States to be [[adopted]]. Therefore, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain a full and final adoption under Nicaraguan law before the child can immigrate to the United States. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can expect a lengthy process to [[adopt]] a child in Nicaragua.
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=About Nicaragua=
  
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The Pacific coast of [[Nicaragua]] was settled as a Spanish colony from [[Panama]] in the early 16th century. Independence from [[Spain]] was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. To learn more please read [[About Nicaragua]].
  
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'''Important Notice: The adoption process in Nicaragua is lengthy and fraught with delays and uncertainty. The entire adoption process - when successful - can take two to three years, with twelve to eighteen months of that processing requiring the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]]'s physical presence in Nicaragua.'''
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Nicaraguan law does not allow for a Nicaraguan child to travel to the United States to be [[adopted]]. Therefore, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must obtain a full and final adoption under Nicaraguan law before the child can immigrate to the United States.  
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[[Nicaragua]] 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 [[Nicaragua]] did not change. To learn more please read about [[Nicaragua and the Hague Convention]].
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Please note that Nicaraguan adoption law requires a three- to six-month fostering period that must take place in Nicaragua. During this time, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) are expected to live with and care for the child in Nicaragua. Nicaraguan law prioritizes adoptions by Nicaraguan citizens, meaning that Nicaraguan parent(s) willing and eligible to [[adopt]] a child might jump to the head of the queue in front of non-Nicaraguans who may have already been waiting months to [[adopt]] a child. If adopting more than one child, be sure all paperwork is filed simultaneously. If not, delays will occur.
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The Nicaraguan Ministry of the Family has a history of abrupt staffing changes and requesting documents from [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] not initially required as part of the process. It is strongly suggested that prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) hire a Nicaraguan attorney to assist them in keeping their adoption case on track. Few Nicaraguan government officials speak English. Please see below for a list of attorneys registered with the U.S. Embassy in Managua.
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Nicaragua, you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from [[Nicaragua]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Nicaragua]].
  
  
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In addition to U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s), Nicaragua also has the following eligibility requirements:
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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[[Nicaragua]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. Generally, the child must not have living parent(s) or [[Extended Family|extended family]] members willing to provide care. For example, if a child is living with an aunt and uncle, no matter how dire the financial situation, that child is not an orphan under Nicaraguan law and may not be an orphan under U.S. law either. Please contact [[Nicaragua]]'s Ministry of the Family should you require more details on what qualifies a child as an orphan under Nicaraguan law. In addition to Nicaraguan requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan  under U.S. law for you to bring him or her to the United States.
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must either be Nicaraguan citizens, have a permanent residence in Nicaragua and plan to remain in Nicaragua until the child reaches 21 years of age, or be U.S. citizens with approved [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] forms.  
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Under Nicaraguan law, adoptions must be completed before the child turns 15 years old. However, if the child has been under the care of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] for at least three years the [[adoption]] can be completed up until the time the child turns 21.  
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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Under U.S. law, the final [[Adoption Petition|adoption petition]] must be filed before the child turns 16 years old unless the child has a biological sibling under age 16 that is also being [[adopted]].
  
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Officially, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must be between 25 and 40 years of age. However, the Ministry of the Family has been known to be flexible on this requirement on a case-by-case basis.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Both singles and married couples are eligible to [[adopt]]. However, the process can be significantly longer for single parent(s).
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==Income==
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'''[[Nicaragua]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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N/A
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Ministry of the Family (MiFamilia) - their guidelines (Spanish)
  
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==Other==
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[[Adoption]] Law (Ley de Adopción) - guiding document (Spanish)
  
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N/A
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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==The Process==
  
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Nicaragua has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. Generally, the child must not have living parent(s) or [[Extended Family|extended family]] members willing to provide care. For example, if a child is living with an aunt and uncle, no matter how dire the financial situation, that child is not an orphan under Nicaraguan law and may not be an orphan under U.S. law either. Please contact Nicaragua's Ministry of the Family should you require more details on what qualifies a child as an orphan under Nicaraguan law. In addition to Nicaraguan requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan  under U.S. law for you to bring him or her to the United States.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Nicaragua]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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Under Nicaraguan law, adoptions must be completed before the child turns 15 years old. However, if the child has been under the care of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] for at least three years the adoption can be completed up until the time the child turns 21.  
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): file an [[I-600A]]
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# Be matched with a child  
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Nicaragua]] (expected time frame in country: 12-18 months)
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# Apply to find your child eligible for [[adoption]]: [[I-600]]
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# Apply at the U.S. Embassy in Managua for your child's immigrant visa
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Nicaragua]].
  
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Under U.S. law, the final [[Adoption Petition|adoption petition]] must be filed before the child turns 16 years old unless the child has a biological sibling under age 16 that is also being [[adopted]].
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Nicaragua]]. 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 Nicaragua]].
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Nicaragua. 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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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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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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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 Nicaragua, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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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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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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=Contact Information=
  
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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 Nicaragua, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Nicaragua]] - Consular Section'''
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Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur
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Tel: 011 (505) 2252-7888
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Fax: 011 (505) 2252-7304
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Email: ManaguaConsularIV@state.gov
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ConsularManagua@state.gov
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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'''[[Nicaragua]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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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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Ministry of the Family (MiFamilia)
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De ENEL Central, 100 mts. Al Sur, Managua
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Tel: 011 (505) 2270-2644
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011 (505) 2278-1620
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011 (505) 2278-5637
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Website: [http://www.mifamilia.gob.ni/ Nicaragua Adoption Authority]
  
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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'''Embassy of [[Nicaragua]] in the United States'''
  
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1627 [[New Hampshire]] Avenue, NM
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20009
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Tel: (202) 939-6531/32
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Consular Section: Tel: (202) 939-6541
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Fax: (202) 939-6574
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
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'''NOTE:'''  [[Nicaragua]] also has consulates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston Miami, [[New York]], and other cities.
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
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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 or [[Adoption]] USCA@state.gov
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Website: [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, contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at
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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=[[nicaragua]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 15:41, 8 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mombacho Vulcano.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Cathedral of León, biggest Cathedral in Central America.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Nicaraguan boy.
Source: flickr.com.

Granada.
Source: flickr.com.

Granada.
Source: flickr.com.

Annual Carnival.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Nicaraguan children.
Source: flickr.com.


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 Nicaragua

The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. To learn more please read About Nicaragua.


Hague Convention Information

Nicaragua 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 Nicaragua did not change. To learn more please read about Nicaragua and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Nicaragua, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Nicaragua.


Who Can Be Adopted

Nicaragua has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. Generally, the child must not have living parent(s) or extended family members willing to provide care. For example, if a child is living with an aunt and uncle, no matter how dire the financial situation, that child is not an orphan under Nicaraguan law and may not be an orphan under U.S. law either. Please contact Nicaragua's Ministry of the Family should you require more details on what qualifies a child as an orphan under Nicaraguan law. In addition to Nicaraguan requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her to the United States.

Under Nicaraguan law, adoptions must be completed before the child turns 15 years old. However, if the child has been under the care of the prospective adoptive parents for at least three years the adoption can be completed up until the time the child turns 21.

Under U.S. law, the final adoption petition must be filed before the child turns 16 years old unless the child has a biological sibling under age 16 that is also being adopted.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Nicaragua's Adoption Authority

Ministry of the Family (MiFamilia) - their guidelines (Spanish)

Adoption Law (Ley de Adopción) - guiding document (Spanish)


The Process

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


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): file an I-600A
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Adopt the child in Nicaragua (expected time frame in country: 12-18 months)
  5. Apply to find your child eligible for adoption: I-600
  6. Apply at the U.S. Embassy in Managua for your child's immigrant visa

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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 Nicaragua - Consular Section

Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur Tel: 011 (505) 2252-7888 Fax: 011 (505) 2252-7304 Email: ManaguaConsularIV@state.gov ConsularManagua@state.gov


Nicaragua's Adoption Authority

Ministry of the Family (MiFamilia) De ENEL Central, 100 mts. Al Sur, Managua Tel: 011 (505) 2270-2644 011 (505) 2278-1620 011 (505) 2278-5637 Website: Nicaragua Adoption Authority


Embassy of Nicaragua in the United States

1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NM Washington, D.C. 20009 Tel: (202) 939-6531/32 Consular Section: Tel: (202) 939-6541 Fax: (202) 939-6574

NOTE: Nicaragua also has consulates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston Miami, New York, and other cities.


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 or Adoption USCA@state.gov Website: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) For questions about immigration procedures, contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 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=nicaragua