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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Estonia"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/en-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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'''WARNING:''' Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Estonia before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." See the "How to Adopt" section for more information.
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/en-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/en_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Estonia 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]). Therefore, all adoptions between Estonia and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA implementing regulations.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Estonia_1479_-_Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral.jpg/398px-Estonia_1479_-_Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aledander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Coat_of_arms_of_Estonia.svg/550px-Coat_of_arms_of_Estonia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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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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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Tarvasj%C3%B5gi.jpg/800px-Tarvasj%C3%B5gi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tarvasjogi at Korvemaa Nature Park.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Parnu01.jpg/800px-Parnu01.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Parnu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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Adoption between the United States and Estonia is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention.  Therefore to adopt from Estonia, you must first 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).  Read more on [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Who Can Adopt].
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/R%C3%BC%C3%BCtli_tn%2C_Tartu.jpg/800px-R%C3%BC%C3%BCtli_tn%2C_Tartu.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Ruutli Street in Tartu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Kakerdaja_raba_talvine_maastik.jpg/800px-Kakerdaja_raba_talvine_maastik.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bog landscape in winter, Kakerdaja Bog.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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According to the Estonian Family Law only those children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their parental rights taken away may be adopted.  There are few such children and long waiting lists of Estonian families who by law take precedence.  Consequently, identifying a child for adoption can be lengthy (several years or more) as the number of children that can be adopted by foreigners is quite limited (only about 20 children a year).  Since foreign parents with Estonian background are given preference over foreigners with no Estonian heritage, prospective adoptive parents should explain their ties to Estonia.
 
  
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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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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Estonia also has the following eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parents:
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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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==Residency==
 
  
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There are no residency requirements for prospective adoptive parents in Estonia.
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=About Estonia=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, [[Estonia]] attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an [[action]] never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, [[Estonia]] has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and [[adopted]] the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011.
  
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A prospective adoptive parent must be at least 25 years old. In exceptional cases, the Court may give permission to a younger person.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Both single individuals and legally married couples can adopt. Married couples must have the written consent of the spouse. Per the Estonian Family Law Act, an adoption can occur without the consent of the spouse if the conjugal relations of the spouses have terminated and they live apart.
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'''WARNING:''' [[Estonia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Estonia]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter."  To learn more please read about [[Estonia and the Hague Convention]].
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Estonia does not have any income requirements for intercountry adoptions.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Other==
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Estonia]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Estonia]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government.  To learn more about this process please read [[Who Can Adopt from Estonia]].
  
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Same-sex couples cannot adopt in Estonia.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because Estonia is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Estonia must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption.  For example, the Convention requires that Estonia attempt to place a child with a family in Estonia before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption.  In addition to Estonia’s requirements, a child must meet the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php definition of a Convention adoptee] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
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Because [[Estonia]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Estonia]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  To learn more please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Estonia]].
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
 
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'''Relinquishment Requirements:''' No known relinquishment requirements
 
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'''Abandonment Requirements:''' According to the Estonian Family Law only those children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their parental rights taken away may be adopted.
 
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'''Age Requirements:''' No known age requirements
 
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'''Sibling Requirements:''' No known sibling requirements
 
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'''Requirements for Special Needs or Medical Conditions:''' Unknown
 
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'''Waiting Period:''' Unknown
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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'''WARNING:''' Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Estonia before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." Read on for more information.
 
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==Adoption Authority==
 
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'''Estonia's Adoption Authority'''
 
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Ministry of Social Affairs
 
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(Sotsiaal Ministeerium)
 
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==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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Because Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Estonia must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements.  A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below.  You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.
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Because [[Estonia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Estonia]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements.  A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below.  You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
  
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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your I-600a with Estonia before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption.  Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Read about Transition Cases for more information.
 
  
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
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# Be Matched with a Child
 
# Be Matched with a Child
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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]]
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# Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Estonia
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Estonia]]
 
# Bring your Child Home
 
# Bring your Child Home
  
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For steps 1-4 of How to [[Adopt]] please read [[How to Adopt from Estonia]].  For steps 5-6 please read [[How to Adopt from Estonia Part 2]].
  
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'''1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider:'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Estonia is to select an adoption service provider in the United States that has been accredited.  Only these agencies and attorneys can provide adoption services between the United States and Estonia.  We provide a list of Accredited Adoption Service Providers on our website.
 
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Adoption Hope International is currently the only registered U.S. adoption agency working in Estonia.  The address and website for Adoption Hope International is:
 
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'''Adoption Hope International, Inc.'''
 
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284 Shoreward Drive
 
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Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
 
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Internet: [http://www.adopts.com/estonia.html Adoption Hope International]
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt'''
 
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After you choose an accredited adoption service provider, you apply to be found eligible to adopt (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Read more about [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Eligibility Requirements].
 
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Once the U.S. Government determines that you are "eligible" and "suitable" to adopt, you or your agency will forward your information to the adoption authority in Estonia. Estonia's adoption authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to adopt under Estonia's law.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child:'''
 
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Once prospective adoptive parents have been approved to adopt, the Ministry places them on a list and begins the process of locating a suitable match  Once a match is found, the Ministry notifies the prospective adoptive parents (through the adoption agency).
 
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According to the Estonian Family Law only those children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their parental rights taken away may be adopted.  There are few such children and long waiting lists of Estonian families who by law take precedence.  Consequently, identifying a child for adoption can be lengthy (several years or more) as the number of children that can be adopted by foreigners is quite limited (only about 20 children a year).  Since foreign parents with Estonian background are given preference over foreigners with no Estonian heritage, prospective adoptive parents should explain their ties to Estonia.
 
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The Ministry of Social Affairs cautions that prospective adoptive parents should not visit orphanages to locate a child since it is unlikely that the child they choose will be permitted to be adopted by foreigners. According to the new adoption law, international adoptions may be processed through an adoption agency in the parents’ home country which has signed an agreement with the Ministry.
 
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'''4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption:'''
 
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After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to adopt that particular child ([http://www.uscis.gov/i-800 Form I-800]).  USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be adopted and enter the United States.
 
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After this, your adoption service provider or you will submit a visa application to a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy.  The consular officer will review the child’s information and evaluate the child for possible visa inelegibilities.
 
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If the consular officer determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he or she will send a letter (an “Article 5 Letter”) to the Estonian Central Authority.  Do not adopt or obtain custody of a child in Estonia before a U.S. consular officer issues the Article 5 Letter. 
 
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'''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the adoption process.'''''
 
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'''5. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Estonia''' 
 
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'''''Remember: Before you adopt (or gain legal custody of) a child in Estonia, you must have completed the above four steps.  Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the adoption or grant of custody for the purpose of adoption in Estonia.'''''
 
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The process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining legal custody) in Estonia generally includes the following:
 
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*'''Role of The Adoption Authority:''' The Ministry of Social Affairs prepares the entire package of adoption documents for approval first by the Minister of Social Affairs and then for the county or city court to make the adoption decision.  Once prospective adoptive parents have been approved to adopt, the Ministry places them on a list and begins the process of locating a suitable match  Once a match is found, the Ministry notifies the prospective adoptive parents (through the adoption agency).
 
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*'''Role of The Court:''' Estonian adoption law requires court approval of international adoptions and the adoptive parents' presence at the court hearing when the adoption is finalized. The Domiciliary County Government's Children Protection Officer represents the child's rights and will release the child into the adoptive parents' custody.
 
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*'''Role of Adoption Agencies:''' The adoption agency sends a letter of interest, on behalf of the prospective adoptive parents, to the Ministry of Social Affairs indicating the sex and age of the child(ren) they would be interested in adopting as well as information regarding the prospective adoptive parents' age and profession. Once a child is identified, the adoption agency notifies the prospective adoptive parents. The adoption agency then notifies the Ministry of Social Affairs of the prospective adoptive parents' decision to accept or decline a proposed child. (It should be noted that no more than three successive children will be offered to the prospective adoptive parents.)
 
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*'''Time Frame:''' Once a child has been identified, the adoption process takes approximately one year.  This estimate includes matching the child and prospective parents, documentation, and the court hearing. 
 
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*'''Adoption Application:''' The adoption agency forwards the letter of interest and the adoption application to the Ministry of Social Affairs.
 
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*'''Adpotion Fees:''' While there is no official adoption fee in Estonia, some fees prospective adoptive parents should anticipate include court fees ($10 USD) and new Estonian passports ($25 USD).  In the adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process. 
 
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*'''Documents Required:''' The following is a list of documents needed for adoptions in Estonia:
 
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::::1. Home study;
 
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::::2. Medical examination indicating the prospective adoptive parents' state of health;
 
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::::3. Documents pertaining to the financial condition of the prospective adoptive parents;
 
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::::4. Copy of marriage certificate;
 
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::::5. Copies of the prospective adoptive parents' passports;
 
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::::6. Any other information the parents feel would be useful for the MSW to know, including family heritage, ties to Estonia, letters of reference, etc.; and
 
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::::7. Documents determining that there is no open criminal record of the prospective adoption parents.  '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
 
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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 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.  After the adoption is approved, the adoptive parents have the right to change the child’s name and apply for a new birth certificate.
 
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::2 Estonian 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 Estonia.
 
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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 in Tallinn 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-800 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.  Read more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Medical Examination]. Specific questions may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia.
 
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Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes at least 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to adoptive parents on the day of the interview.  Adoptive parents should verify current processing times at the appropriate consulate or embassy before making final travel arrangements.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:'''''  The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents. 
 
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'''''For adoptions to be finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final adoption decree.  We urge your family to finalize the adoption in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.
 
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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 or her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
 
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Read more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/child_citizenship_act_of_2000.php Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''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. 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 [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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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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 about [[Traveling Abroad in Estonia]].
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'''Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Estonia'''
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you may 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 affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Estonia, 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 is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country.  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 enroll with the Department of State.  Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary.  Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Estonia enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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Enrollment is free and can be done online via the [https://step.state.gov/step/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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Estonia does not have any post adoption requirements.
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[[Estonia]] does not have any post [[adoption]] requirements.
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?'''
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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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.  
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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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==Contact Information==
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=Contact Information=
  
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in Estonia'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Estonia]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
Kentmanni 20  
 
Kentmanni 20  
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Tallinn, Estonia  
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Tallinn, [[Estonia]]
 
Tel: 011-372-668-8100  
 
Tel: 011-372-668-8100  
 
Fax: 011-372-668-8267  
 
Fax: 011-372-668-8267  
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'''Estonia's Adoption Authority'''
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'''[[Estonia]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
 
Ministry of Social Affairs  
 
Ministry of Social Affairs  
 
(Sotsiaal Ministeerium)  
 
(Sotsiaal Ministeerium)  
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Gonsiori 29, 15027 Tallinn, Estonia  
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Gonsiori 29, 15027 Tallinn, [[Estonia]]
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Internet: [http://www.sm.ee/eng/pages/index.html Ministry of Social Affairs]  
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Internet: [https://www.sm.ee/et Ministry of Social Affairs]  
  
  
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'''Embassy of Estonia'''
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'''Embassy of [[Estonia]]'''
 
   
 
   
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2131 Massachusetts Ave, N.W.  
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2131 [[Massachusetts]] Ave, N.W.  
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Washington D.C. 20008  
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[[Washington]] D.C. 20008  
 
Tel: (202) 588-0101  
 
Tel: (202) 588-0101  
 
Fax: (202) 588-0108  
 
Fax: (202) 588-0108  
  
  
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'''Consulate General of Estonia'''
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'''Consulate General of [[Estonia]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
600 Third Avenue, 26th Floor  
 
600 Third Avenue, 26th Floor  
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New York, N.Y. 10016-2001  
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[[New York]], N.Y. 10016-2001  
 
Tel: (212) 883-0636  
 
Tel: (212) 883-0636  
 
Fax:(212) 883-0648  
 
Fax:(212) 883-0648  
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CA/OCS/CI   
 
CA/OCS/CI   
 
SA-17, 9th Floor
 
SA-17, 9th Floor
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Washington, DC 20522-1709
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 
Tel: 1-888-407-4747  
 
Tel: 1-888-407-4747  
 
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov  
 
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov  
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 
   
 
   
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For questions about intercountry adoption and related immigration procedures, call the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) 1-877-3424-8374.
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For questions about intercountry [[adoption]] and related immigration procedures, call the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) 1-877-3424-8374.
  
 
==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=estonia]
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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=[[estonia]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 12:40, 12 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Aledander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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

Tarvasjogi at Korvemaa Nature Park.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Parnu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Ruutli Street in Tartu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Bog landscape in winter, Kakerdaja Bog.
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 Estonia

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011.


Hague Convention Information

WARNING: Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Estonia before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." To learn more please read about Estonia and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Estonia is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Estonia, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more about this process please read Who Can Adopt from Estonia.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

The Process

Because Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Estonia must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  5. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Estonia
  6. Bring your Child Home

For steps 1-4 of How to Adopt please read How to Adopt from Estonia. For steps 5-6 please read How to Adopt from Estonia Part 2.


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 about Traveling Abroad in Estonia.


After Adoption

Estonia does not have any post adoption requirements.

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:


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 Estonia

Kentmanni 20 Tallinn, Estonia Tel: 011-372-668-8100 Fax: 011-372-668-8267 Email: ACSTallinn@state.gov


Estonia's Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social Affairs (Sotsiaal Ministeerium) Gonsiori 29, 15027 Tallinn, Estonia Internet: Ministry of Social Affairs


Embassy of Estonia

2131 Massachusetts Ave, N.W. Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 588-0101 Fax: (202) 588-0108


Consulate General of Estonia

600 Third Avenue, 26th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016-2001 Tel: (212) 883-0636 Fax:(212) 883-0648 Email: nyconsulate@nyc.estemb.org Internet: Consulate General of Estonia


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 intercountry adoption and related immigration procedures, call the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) 1-877-3424-8374.

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=estonia