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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from El Salvador"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Flag_of_El_Salvador.svg/1064px-Flag_of_El_Salvador.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
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El Salvador is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of the government of El Salvador.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/LocationElSalvador.svg/1000px-LocationElSalvador.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Templo_tazumal.jpg/1024px-Templo_tazumal.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Templo Tazumal.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
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In order for an adoption application for an adopted child to meet the Convention requirements, a U.S. consular officer must review the case file and issue an “Article 5 Letter” to the Salvadoran Central Authority before an adoption is completed. Therefore, prospective adoptive parents are cautioned to carefully follow in order the steps outlined in the “How to Adopt” Section below.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Green_Izalco_Volcano.JPG/1024px-Green_Izalco_Volcano.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Green Izalco Volcano.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Collage_de_San_Salvador.jpg/250px-Collage_de_San_Salvador.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of San Salvador.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
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The process for international adoptions in El Salvador can be lengthy and complicated for prospective adoptive parents.  The Salvadoran authorities responsible for administering adoptions are still working on effectively transitioning to the Hague process and significant delays in the process are common and should be expected.
 
  
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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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'''''It is important to note that U.S. citizens temporarily resident in El Salvador who are considering petitioning for their adoptive child as an immediate relative may be expected to reside in El Salvador for a minimum of three years.''''' This includes the one year of residency mandated by Salvadoran law to adopt domestically, plus the required two years of physical and legal custody of the child in order to file an I-130 petition. If you plan to pursue a local adoption and then file the I-130, please contact the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador as soon as possible for more information.  Please note that although the competent authority responsible for placing children in foster care may grant you permission to reside with and care for your prospective adoptive child, this may not constitute legal custody; taking the child outside of El Salvador during the adoption process is generally not permitted.
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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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'''NOTE:'''  Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.  Read about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].
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=About El Salvador=
  
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[[El Salvador]] achieved independence from [[Spain]] in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
  
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To bring an adopted child to the United States from El Salvador, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements].  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php who can adopt] under U.S. immigration law. 
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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[[El Salvador]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]]([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  To learn more, please read about [[El Salvador and the Hague Convention]].
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=El Salvador Adoption Alert=
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There have been a few [[adoption]] alerts for [[El Salvador]] over the years. To learn more please read the [[El Salvador Adoption Alert]] page.
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 definition of Convention adoptee] under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to the U.S. requirements, El Salvador obliges prospective adoptive parents to meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from El Salvador:
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In addition to the U.S. requirements, [[El Salvador]] obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet numerous requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[El Salvador]].  To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Adopt from El Salvador]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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Under Article 176 of the Salvadoran Family Code, adoptive parents who reside in El Salvador and who wish to adopt a child not related to them must reside with the child in El Salvador for at least one year prior to the finalization of the adoption.  To satisfy this requirement, the adoptive parent(s) must be appointed the foster parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child, subject to approval by the Salvadoran Institute for the Development of Children and Adolescents (ISNA), and prior to the start of the one-year co-residency period.  Prospective adoptive parents who claim a residence other than El Salvador are exempt from the one-year cohabitation requirement. 
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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Because [[El Salvador]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[El Salvador]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  To learn more, please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from El Salvador]].
  
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Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 15 years older than the child.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Single individuals may adopt in El Salvador if they are at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child to be adopted.  Married couples must both be over the age of 25, unless the marriage is at least five years old, in which case the requirement applies only to one spouse.  The Salvadoran family code provides that only legally married couples may adopt as a couple in El Salvador; same-sex marriages are not recognized under Salvadoran law.   
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'''WARNING:'''  [[El Salvador]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[El Salvador]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case.   
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Prospective adoptive parents must demonstrate that they are financially, morally, mentally, and physically able to provide for the adopted child.  
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# Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
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# Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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# Be matched with a child by authorities in [[El Salvador]]
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# Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]]
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[El Salvador]]
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# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
  
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==Other==
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from El Salvador]].
  
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N/A
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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Because El Salvador is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from El Salvador must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption.  For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of El Salvador have determined that placement of the child within El Salvador has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests.  In addition to El Salvador’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee under U.S. law to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in El Salvador]].
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
 
  
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''Relinquishment:''' Salvadoran law states that a child less than 18 years of age may be eligible for international adoption if the child is abandoned or orphaned and a family court determines that the adoption is in the best interest of the child.  Salvadoran law also permits the adoption of a child more than 18 who is under the care of a parent or relative if a court determines the adoption is in the child’s best interest.
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'''Post-[[Adoption]]/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements'''
  
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'''Abandonment:''' According to Salvadoran family code, a child is abandoned if the biological parents are no longer providing care for their child.  This definition is very broad and can include parents that are incarcerated or who left their children in the care of other family members.  In most cases, however, the parental rights are still intact and the legal relinquishment or revocation of parental rights does not occur until after the child has been matched with a family for adoption.  This is one of the lengthiest and most complex steps in the Salvadoran adoption process.  Prospective adoptive parents should not assume that the legal relinquishment of parental rights has occurred prior to being matched with a child.
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[[El Salvador]] requires post-[[adoption]] reports, from six months and to two years after the [[adoption]] is finalized.  We strongly urge you to comply with [[El Salvador]]’s 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 Americans parents.
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' Although Salvadoran law permits adoptions of children over the age of 18 in certain cases, prospective adoptive parents should bear in mind that foreign adoptions of children over 16 years of age are not valid for immigration purposes for the United States, except for specific cases of sibling adoptions.
 
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:''' The Salvadoran Central Authority makes an effort to keep biological siblings together whenever possible.  If the children are abandoned in different municipalities, however, biological siblings may be adopted by different families without the Central Authority’s knowledge.
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
  
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'''Special Needs or Medical Conditions:''' The adoption of children with special needs is a top priority for the Salvadoran Central Authority.  Prospective adoptive parents must pass a suitability review to ensure they are able to care for a child with special needs.
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]].  There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
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'''Waiting Period or Foster Care:''' Foreign adoptive parents must formally adopt Salvadoran children in El Salvador, in accordance with Salvadoran laws and procedures, before taking the children out of the country to live.  Prospective adoptive parents who reside in El Salvador and who wish to adopt a child who is not related to them must first be appointed the foster parent or guardian of the child, and be prepared to reside with the child in El Salvador for at least one year prior to the finalization of the adoption.
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
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==The Process==
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[El Salvador]]'''
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Final Boulevard y Urb. Santa Elena
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Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad
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Tel. (outside the [[El Salvador]]): 011+503-2501-2999; within [[El Salvador]]: 2501-2999
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Fax: (503) 2278-6020
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E-mail: AdoptSanSal@state.gov
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Internet: [http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy El Salvador]
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'''[[El Salvador]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Oficina Para Adopciones
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Coordinador OPA
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Procuraduría General de la República
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9ª. Calle Poniente y 13 Ave. Norte, Torre PGR,
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Centro de Gobierno
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San Salvador, [[El Salvador]]
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Tel: (503) 2231-9418 - 2231-9424 or 2231-9412
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Email:adopcionespgr.gob@hotmail.com
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Internet: [http://pgr.gob.sv/ado.html El Salvador Adoption Authority]
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'''Embassy of [[El Salvador]]'''
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1400 16th Street, Suite 100, N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C, 20036
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Tel: (202) 595-7500
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Fax: (202) 232 3763
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Email: correo@elsalvador.org
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[[El Salvador]] also has consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Elizabeth (NJ), Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Santa Ana (CA), Woodbridge (VA), Duluth (GA), Miami, [[New York]], Long Island (NY), Nogales (AZ), San Francisco, and [[Washington]], DC.  Contact information for these consulates can be found at the web site listed above.
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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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Email:  AdoptionUSCA@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:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
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'''For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:'''
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National Benefits Center
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Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
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Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==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=el_salvador
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[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:29, 18 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: wikipedia.org.

Map.
Source: wikipedia.org.

Templo Tazumal.
Source: wikipedia.org.

Green Izalco Volcano.
Source: wikipedia.org.

Collage of San Salvador.
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 El Salvador

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.


Hague Convention Information

El Salvador is 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 El Salvador and the Hague Convention.


El Salvador Adoption Alert

There have been a few adoption alerts for El Salvador over the years. To learn more please read the El Salvador Adoption Alert page.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, El Salvador obliges prospective adoptive parents to meet numerous requirements in order to adopt a child from El Salvador. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Adopt from El Salvador.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because El Salvador is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from El Salvador must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more, please read Who Can Be Adopted from El Salvador.


How to Adopt

WARNING: El Salvador is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in El Salvador before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case.


  1. Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
  2. Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child by authorities in El Salvador
  4. Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the adoption
  5. Adopt the child in El Salvador
  6. Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in El Salvador.


After Adoption

Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements

El Salvador requires post-adoption reports, from six months and to two years after the adoption is finalized. We strongly urge you to comply with El Salvador’s 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 Americans parents.


Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some places to start your support group search:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

North American Council on Adoptable Children


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


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in El Salvador

Final Boulevard y Urb. Santa Elena Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad Tel. (outside the El Salvador): 011+503-2501-2999; within El Salvador: 2501-2999 Fax: (503) 2278-6020 E-mail: AdoptSanSal@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy El Salvador


El Salvador’s Adoption Authority

Oficina Para Adopciones Coordinador OPA Procuraduría General de la República 9ª. Calle Poniente y 13 Ave. Norte, Torre PGR, Centro de Gobierno San Salvador, El Salvador Tel: (503) 2231-9418 - 2231-9424 or 2231-9412 Email:adopcionespgr.gob@hotmail.com Internet: El Salvador Adoption Authority


Embassy of El Salvador

1400 16th Street, Suite 100, N.W. Washington, D.C, 20036 Tel: (202) 595-7500 Fax: (202) 232 3763 Email: correo@elsalvador.org


El Salvador also has consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Elizabeth (NJ), Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Santa Ana (CA), Woodbridge (VA), Duluth (GA), Miami, New York, Long Island (NY), Nogales (AZ), San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Contact information for these consulates can be found at the web site listed above.


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 Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition:

National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

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=el_salvador