Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Mexico"

(→‎Hague Convention Information)
m (→‎Contact Information)
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mx-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mx-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mx-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mx-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/noa/mx_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/noa/mx_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Catedral_Metropolitana_de_la_ciudad_de_M%C3%A9xico_1.JPG/800px-Catedral_Metropolitana_de_la_ciudad_de_M%C3%A9xico_1.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mexico City Cathedral.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Catedral_Metropolitana_de_la_ciudad_de_M%C3%A9xico_1.JPG/800px-Catedral_Metropolitana_de_la_ciudad_de_M%C3%A9xico_1.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Mexico]] City Cathedral.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3224/2605672790_2ee83af1ca.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Puebla, Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3224/2605672790_2ee83af1ca.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Puebla.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/11456621234_970b766fc4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Maya children, Chiapas, Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/11456621234_970b766fc4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Maya children, Chiapas.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/El_Castillo_Stitch_2008_Edit_2.jpg/800px-El_Castillo_Stitch_2008_Edit_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Chichen Itza, Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/El_Castillo_Stitch_2008_Edit_2.jpg/800px-El_Castillo_Stitch_2008_Edit_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Chichen Itza.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Cd._de_M%C3%A9xico_Collagek2.jpg/301px-Cd._de_M%C3%A9xico_Collagek2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Mexico City.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4030/4541328296_61b3607124.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/5062573765_52212c9d2b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A young Mexican boy.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/5062573765_52212c9d2b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A young Mexican boy.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Baja_California_Desert.jpg/750px-Baja_California_Desert.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baja [[California]] Dessert in Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Baja_California_Desert.jpg/750px-Baja_California_Desert.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baja [[California]] Desert.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Tarahumara.jpg/794px-Tarahumara.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tarahumara women near Lake Arareco, Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Tarahumara.jpg/794px-Tarahumara.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tarahumara women near Lake Arareco.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Puerto_Vallarta_cathedral_1.jpg/427px-Puerto_Vallarta_cathedral_1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Puerto Vallarta cathedral in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Puerto_Vallarta_cathedral_1.jpg/427px-Puerto_Vallarta_cathedral_1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Puerto Vallarta cathedral in Puerto Vallarta.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 +
 
 +
{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6068/6160817604_96dbcaa8e1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A traditional Mexican folkdancer.'''<BR/>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 Mexico=
 +
 
 +
The site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations - including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec - [[Mexico]] was conquered and colonized by [[Spain]] in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New [[Spain]] for three centuries, it achieved its independence early in the 19th century. To learn more please read [[About Mexico]].
  
  
 
=Mexico Adoption Alert=
 
=Mexico Adoption Alert=
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Updated information on U.S.-based Hague Accredited [[Adoption]] Service Providers authorized by Mexican Central Authority (September 17, 2013)'''.
+
There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for [[Mexico]] over the years. To learn more please read the [[Mexico Adoption Alert]] page.
  
−
The Mexican Central Authority recently provided the U.S. Central Authority with official notification that, in August 2013, it granted authorization to provide [[adoption]] services in Mexico to six additional U.S. based Convention accredited [[adoption]] service providers. This action brings the total number of U.S. [[adoption]] service providers authorized in Mexico to twelve: 
 
  
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
# Carolina [[Adoption]] Services, Inc
+
'''WARNING:''' [[Mexico]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Mexico]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter.” See the “How to [[Adopt]]” section for more information.
−
# International Child Foundation
+
−
# Across the World Adoptions
+
−
# All God’s Children International
+
−
# [[Adoption]] Related Services, Inc.  
+
−
# MLJ Adoptions, Inc.
+
−
# International [[Adoption]] Net (August 2013)
+
−
# The Open Door [[Adoption Agency]] (August 2013)
+
−
# The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago (August 2013)
+
−
# Hands Across the Water (August 2013)
+
−
# Children’s House [[International Adoptions]] (August 2013)
+
−
# CASI Foundation for Children (August 2013)
+
  
  
−
It is essential that U.S. citizens wishing to [[adopt]] in Mexico work with an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] that has current U.S. Hague accreditation or approval and is currently authorized by the Mexican Central Authority.  Because Mexico periodically updates its list of authorized providers, we encourage prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to verify their [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]’s authorization status with the Mexican Central Authority before initiating an [[adoption]]. The Mexican Central Authority publishes a list of [[adoption]] service providers authorized to provide [[adoption]] services in Mexico. In addition, our Mexico [[adoption]] information flyer includes contact information for the Mexican Central Authority along with information on the Mexican intercountry [[adoption]] process.
+
[[Mexico]] 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 [[Mexico and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
−
We publish updated information related to intercountry adoptions from Mexico as we receive it. If you have any further questions please write to us at adoptionUSCA@state.gov or call us at 1-888-407-4747.
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
 +
[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Mexico]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore, to [[adopt]] from [[Mexico]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Mexico]].
  
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Updated information from the Mexican Central Authority regarding adoptions completed without first fulfilling all intercountry [[adoption]] processing steps. (August 26, 2013)'''
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
−
The Mexican Central Authority (MCA) recently informed the Office of Children's Issues that it is unable to issue the required Convention Article 23 [[certification]] for any out-of-order adoptions, and that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will need to redo such adoptions in accordance with Mexican law. The "How to [[Adopt]]" section of our Mexico [[adoption]] flyer, which will be updated soon, summarizes the process for adopting a child from Mexico.
+
Because [[Mexico]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Mexico]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Mexico]].
  
  
−
The MCA emphasized that ALL Convention [[adoption]] cases from Mexico must meet the following requirements:
+
=How to Adopt=
  
 +
==Adoption Authority==
  
−
::1. All prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must work with a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] (ASP) that is also authorized in Mexico. For up to date information on U.S. agencies authorized to provide [[adoption]] services in Mexico, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may refer to the website of the national Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF).
+
'''Mexican Central Authority'''
  
−
::2. Before commencing [[adoption]] processing at the state level (and prior to [[matching]]), the authorized ASP acting on behalf of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must first file the [[adoption]] application (also known as [[dossier]]) with the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE). The SRE forwards the [[adoption]] application to the national and state offices of the DIF. The application must include an approved I-800A.
+
The Mexican Central Authority for Adoptions is the Secretary for Exterior Relations, or the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE). The SRE is responsible for policy and issues key documentation certifying Hague compliance, including the Article 23 Certificate that the [[adoption]] or grant of [[custody]] occurred in compliance with the Convention. The SRE implements the Hague Convention through the National [[System]] for the Full Development of the Family, or the Sistema Nacional de Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF). The DIF is a public institution in [[Mexico]] in charge of implementing national [[policies]] on all matters pertaining to the family, and the implementation of [[domestic]] and intercountry adoptions resides in their purview, along with final execution of adoptions through the legal [[system]].
  
−
::3. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the children who are to be [[adopted]] must meet the Mexican intercountry [[adoption]] eligibility requirements. These requirements, as provided by the MCA, are summarized on our Mexico [[adoption]] flyer under the "Who can be [[Adopted]]" and "Who can [[Adopt]]."
 
  
 +
==The Process==
  
−
The MCA advised that that if a family already completed an [[adoption]] without following all Convention steps in order, then the family may go to a Mexican federal court and petition the court for an amparo ordering the lower/state court that issued the [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] to open, or vacate, the [[adoption]].. Once the family has been granted a federal amparo ordering the lower/state court to vacate the previous [[adoption]], the family would redo the entire [[adoption]] in compliance with Mexico's Convention intercountry [[adoption]] process.  
+
Because [[Mexico]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Mexico]] 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 to meet all necessary legal requirements for [[adoption]].
  
  
−
Mexico's stated policy means that an I-800 petition based on an [[adoption]] completed out of order in Mexico must be denied pursuant to 8 CFR 204.309(b)(1). For some out-of-order Convention adoptions, the cited regulation allows for provisional approval of an I-800 if the petitioner can demonstrate that the [[adoption]] cannot be voided, vacated or annulled. With this announcement, provisional approval for out of order Mexican intercountry adoptions is unavailable because the MCA indicated that adoptions can be vacated, voided, or annulled in Mexico through a federal amparo process. Furthermore, the MCA has stated that it will not issue the required Convention Article 23 [[certification]] for cases that do not follow the Mexico's Convention process. Without the MCA's [[certification]], the U.S. Embassy cannot issue a Convention immigrant visa.  
+
NOTE: If you filed your [[I-600A]] with [[Mexico]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]; it could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  
  
  
−
We will publish additional updated information related to intercountry [[adoption]] in Mexico as we receive it. If you have any further questions please write to us at adoptionUSCA@state.gov or call us at 1-888-407-4747.
+
# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
 +
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 +
# Be Matched with a Child
 +
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 +
# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Mexico]]
 +
# Bring your Child Home
  
 +
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Mexico]].
  
  
 +
=Traveling Abroad=
  
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
−
'''WARNING:''' Mexico is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in Mexico before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter.” See the “How to [[Adopt]]” section for more information.
+
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Mexico]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Mexico]].
  
  
−
Mexico 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 Mexico and the United States must meet the requirements of The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention and U.S. law and regulations implementing the Convention.
+
=After Adoption=
  
 +
'''What does [[Mexico]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' 
  
−
The Mexican Central Authority is comprised of multiple entities including two federal authorities as well as an [[adoption]] authority in each of the 31 states. The two federal authorities are the Secretary of Exterior Relations, or Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), which issues key Hague [[Adoption]] Convention documentation including the Article 23 Certificate, and the National [[System]] for the Full Development of the Family, or Sistema Nacional para el Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF), which coordinates national policy for child and family welfare, including processing of domestic and intercountry [[adoption]] cases. Both of these entities are federal and are based in Mexico City.
+
We strongly urge you to comply with the wishes of [[Mexico]] and complete all 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 [[Mexico]]'s history of positive experiences with American parents.
  
  
−
In addition to the two federal authorities named above, adoptions also involve one of the 31 state DIF offices, one in each Mexican state. The state DIF offices issue the Article 16 and Article 17 letters, important Hague [[Adoption]] Convention documentation. The civil code in each state may vary, so prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to be aware of and abide by the applicable laws of the state from which they plan to [[adopt]]. Though state and regional DIF offices play an important role in intercountry [[adoption]] cases, all intercountry adoptions must be processed in coordination with the federal DIF office and the SRE, which are the entities with the authority to certify Hague Convention compliance for intercountry adoptions.
+
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
 +
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.
  
−
Propective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must submit their [[adoption]] application to the SRE through a U.S. based [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] (ASP) that is both Hague Accredited in the U.S. AND approved to provide services in Mexico by the Mexican Central Authority. Mexico recently implemented a national authorization process for [[adoption]] service providers. Mexican state DIF offices may choose to accept national authorization of an ASP or may choose to implement their own authorization process for ASPs. However, working with an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] that has received only state authorization (and not national authorization) may cause the case to go through an end of process verification at the federal level. This could delay the [[adoption]] and possibly result in the Mexican Central [[Adoption]]'s refusal to issue Hague certifications that are required for visa issuance. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should take care to ensure that the ASP they choose to work with is both on the U.S. list of Hague accredited ASPs, as well as being authorized to provide services by both state and federal [[adoption]] authorities in Mexico.
 
  
 +
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
−
Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are dual Mexican and U.S. nationals are cautioned that only plenary or plena adoptions are considered valid for intercountry [[adoption]]. The Mexican legal framework provides for two [[adoption]] processes: simple (simple) [[adoption]] and plenary (plena) [[adoption]]. Under Mexican law, Mexican nationals and permanent residents of Mexico may complete a simple [[adoption]], which involves a faster and simpler legal process than the longer and sometimes more difficult plena process. However, simple adoptions do not meet the requirements of the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. It is only possible to issue a U.S. Hague [[adoption]] visa to children [[adopted]] via a plena [[adoption]]. '''The plena [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] must mention that the dual national parents reside in the United States, and must clearly indicate that the [[adoption]] is an intercountry [[adoption]].'''
 
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
+
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
 +
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
−
==Residency==
 
  
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non- U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
−
==Marriage==
 
  
−
==Income==
+
=Contact Information=
  
−
==Other==
+
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Mexico]]'''
  
 +
Paseo de la Reforma 305
 +
Colonia Cuauhtémoc
 +
06500 [[Mexico]], D.F.
 +
Tel: 011-52-55-50-80-2000.
  
−
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
 +
'''Mexican Central Authority'''
 +
 +
Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)
 +
Dirección de Derecho de la Familia
 +
Website: [http://www.sre.gob.mx/english/ Mexican Central Authority]
 +
  
−
=How to Adopt=
+
'''Sistema Nacional Para El Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF)'''
 +
  
 +
'''Embassy of [[Mexico]]'''
 +
 +
Consular Section
 +
2827 16th Street, NW
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20009-4260
 +
Tel: (202) 736-1000
 +
Website: [http://www.sre.gob.mx Embassy of Mexico]
  
−
==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
−
==The Process==
+
'''NOTE:''' [[Mexico]] also has consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, [[New York]], San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
  
−
=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
 +
'''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: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
−
=After Adoption=
 
  
 +
'''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).
 +
 +
For questions on filing an I-800A and I-800 under the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention:
 +
USCIS, National Benefits Center (Hague process):
 +
NBC.Hague@DHS.gov
 +
Telephone: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=mexico
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 06:45, 12 October 2022

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

City Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Puebla.
Source: flickr.com.

Maya children, Chiapas.
Source: flickr.com.

Chichen Itza.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

A young Mexican boy.
Source: flickr.com.

Baja Desert.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Tarahumara women near Lake Arareco.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Puerto Vallarta cathedral in Puerto Vallarta.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A traditional Mexican folkdancer.
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 Mexico

The site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations - including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec - Mexico was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries, it achieved its independence early in the 19th century. To learn more please read About Mexico.


Mexico Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts for Mexico over the years. To learn more please read the Mexico Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

WARNING: Mexico is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Mexico before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter.” See the “How to Adopt” section for more information.


Mexico 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 Mexico and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

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


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Mexican Central Authority

The Mexican Central Authority for Adoptions is the Secretary for Exterior Relations, or the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE). The SRE is responsible for policy and issues key documentation certifying Hague compliance, including the Article 23 Certificate that the adoption or grant of custody occurred in compliance with the Convention. The SRE implements the Hague Convention through the National System for the Full Development of the Family, or the Sistema Nacional de Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF). The DIF is a public institution in Mexico in charge of implementing national policies on all matters pertaining to the family, and the implementation of domestic and intercountry adoptions resides in their purview, along with final execution of adoptions through the legal system.


The Process

Because Mexico is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Mexico 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 to meet all necessary legal requirements for adoption.


NOTE: If you filed your I-600A with Mexico before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption; it could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.


  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 in Mexico
  6. Bring your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Mexico. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Mexico.


After Adoption

What does Mexico require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

We strongly urge you to comply with the wishes of Mexico and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to Mexico's history of positive experiences with American parents.


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


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


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Mexico

Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtémoc 06500 Mexico, D.F. Tel: 011-52-55-50-80-2000.


Mexican Central Authority

Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) Dirección de Derecho de la Familia Website: Mexican Central Authority


Sistema Nacional Para El Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF)


Embassy of Mexico

Consular Section 2827 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009-4260 Tel: (202) 736-1000 Website: Embassy of Mexico


NOTE: Mexico also has consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.


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).

For questions on filing an I-800A and I-800 under the Hague Adoption Convention: USCIS, National Benefits Center (Hague process): NBC.Hague@DHS.gov Telephone: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)

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=mexico