Revision as of 04:30, 8 April 2014

The official flag of Palau.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Palau.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Palau.
Source: cia.gov.

The official seal of Palau.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A NASA satellite view of Palau.
Source: cia.gov.

The rock islands of Palau.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Palau islands.
Source: flickr.com.

Children in Palau.
Source: flickr.com.

Typical weather on Koror, Republic of Palau.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The capitol complex, in the settlement of Ngerulmud, Palau.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hague Convention Information

Palau is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).

Although the “Compact of Free Association” between Palau and the United States permits Palauan citizens to travel to the United States for some temporary purposes without a U.S. visa, this provision is NOT applicable to adopted children who will reside permanently with American families in the United States. Prospective adoptive parents of Palauan children must go through the appropriate Palauan adoption procedures as well as the relevant U.S. immigration procedures. Adopted Palauan children who enter the United States without a visa will later have difficulties adjusting their U.S. immigration status and, eventually, acquiring U.S. citizenship.

U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Palau, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Palau:

Residency

The Palauan government has no specific requirement or policy as regards the residency of foreign prospective adoptive parents.

Age of Adopting Parents

There are no age requirements for adoptive parents, as long as Palauan authorities deem the prospective adoptive parents "suitable."

Marriage

Under Palauan law, both married couples and single individuals may adopt Palauan children if the Palauan authorities deem the prospective adoptive parents "suitable." Foreign citizens who are married to Palauan citizens may also adopt their Palauan stepchildren.

Income

There is no minimum income requirement for adoptive parents, as long as Palauan authorities deem the prospective adoptive parents "suitable."

Other

There are no other specific requirements for adoptive parents, as long as Palauan authorities deem the prospective adoptive parents "suitable." There is no requirement that the adoptive parents have a background check, home visit, or provide police records to the authorities.

Who Can Be Adopted

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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

Obtaining Your Visa

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 Palau, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your Trip

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 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.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip

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 Palau, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

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

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information