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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from New Zealand"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/nz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of New Zealand.<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/nz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/nz-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/nz-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/aus/nz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/nz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/nz/images/NZ_010.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Cook, New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/nz/images/NZ_010.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Cook.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Coat_of_Arms_of_New_Zealand.svg/619px-Coat_of_Arms_of_New_Zealand.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Coat_of_Arms_of_New_Zealand.svg/619px-Coat_of_Arms_of_New_Zealand.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Auckland_cbd_view.jpg/800px-Auckland_cbd_view.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Auckland, New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Auckland_cbd_view.jpg/800px-Auckland_cbd_view.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Auckland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1421/777218848_43aa810602.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9205660117_bd9021937e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Maori.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9205660117_bd9021937e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Maori, New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/MilfordSound.jpg/800px-MilfordSound.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Milford Sound.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/MilfordSound.jpg/800px-MilfordSound.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Milford Sound, New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Orewa_College_student_Anzac_Day_parade.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''College students.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Orewa_College_student_Anzac_Day_parade.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''College students in New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Ratana_Church_Raetihi.jpg/450px-Ratana_Church_Raetihi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Ratana Maori church'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Ratana_Church_Raetihi.jpg/450px-Ratana_Church_Raetihi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Ratana Maori church, New Zealand.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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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]].'''
  
 +
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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=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
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New Zealand is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention  ). Therefore all adoptions between New Zealand and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. New Zealand is not an intercountry adoption sending country and does not have children available for intercountry adoption in State care. New Zealand will assist with relative adoption inquiries.
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=About New Zealand=
  
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The Polynesian Maori reached [[New Zealand]] in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. To learn more please read [[About New Zealand]].
  
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New Zealand acceded to the Hague Adoption Convention in 1999. The Adoption (Inter-country) Act of 1997 gives that Convention status in New Zealand. Intercountry adoption in non-Hague countries can be recognized in New Zealand under certain conditions by Section 17 of the Adoption Act of 1955. New Zealand adoption practice is based on the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child (UNCRC) and in the Hague Convention. These principles support New Zealand children being [[adopted]] within New Zealand before any consideration is given to placing with foreigners overseas.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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New Zealand usually requires prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to be permanent residents of New Zealand.. New Zealand follows the principle of locating permanent families for New Zealand-born children in New Zealand.  
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[[New Zealand]] 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 [[New Zealand]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[New Zealand and the Hague Convention]].
  
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If the birth mother selects a specific U.S. citizen as an [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]], an otherwise qualified child will not be able to obtain a U.S. immigrant visa as an orphan unless the mother is the sole or surviving parent and is incapable of providing proper care.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. Learn more.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Adoption between the United States and New Zealand is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from New Zealand, 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). Learn more.  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[New Zealand]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[New Zealand]], 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). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from New Zealand]].
  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], New Zealand also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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Because [[New Zealand]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[New Zealand]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[New Zealand]] attempt to place a child with a family in [[New Zealand]] before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[New Zealand]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
  
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As was stated above, New Zealand usually requires applicants to be permanent residents of New Zealand prior to submitting an application to [[adopt]].
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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The legislation requires applicants to have attained a minimum age for one adopting parent to be at least 25 years of age, and should be 20 years older than the child. For a relative/inter-family adoption the minimum age for the adopting parent is 20 years.
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'''[[New Zealand]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==Marriage==
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Child, Youth & Family (CYF)
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Ministry of Social Development
  
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Both married couples and single people are eligible to [[adopt]]. However, a single male may not [[adopt]] a female child unless he is the father of the child or there are special circumstances that justify an adoption. The Adoption Act 1955 requires couples submitting a joint adoption application to be married.
 
  
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==Income==
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==The Process==
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be able to demonstrate that they are financially able to support a child they seek to [[adopt]].  
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Because [[New Zealand]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[New Zealand]] 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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==Other==
 
  
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In addition, the Adoption Act 1955 requires applicants to be "fit and proper," a term that refers to prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' mental and physical health, police record and ability to provide (including financially) for a child.
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NOTE:  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[New Zealand]] 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.  Learn more.  
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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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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# Be Matched with a Child
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[New Zealand]]
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# Bring your Child Home
  
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=How to Adopt=
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from New Zealand]].
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
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==The Process==
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave New Zealand. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[New Zealand]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in New Zealand]].
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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=After Adoption=
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for New Zealand, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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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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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in New Zealand, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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=After Adoption=
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
  
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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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'''U.S. Consulate General in Auckland'''
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 +
American Consulate General, 3rd floor,
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Citibank Bldg., 23 Customs Street East, Auckland 1010
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Tel: Immigrant Visa Section - (64-9) 303-2724 ext. 2810
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
  
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'''[[New Zealand]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Child, Youth & Family (CYF)
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Ministry of Social Development
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P.O. Box 2620
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Wellington 6011
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[[New Zealand]]
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Email for [[Adoption]] Inquiries: webadoption@cyf.govt.nz
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Internet: [http://cyf.govt.nz CYF]
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
 
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
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'''Embassy and Consulate of [[New Zealand]]'''
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[[New Zealand]] Embassy
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37 Observatory Circle NW
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[[Washington]] DC 20008
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Tel: (202) 328-4848
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Email: nz@nzemb.org  
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'''[[New Zealand]] Consulate General'''
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Suite 1150, 12400 Wilshire Blvd.
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Los Angeles, CA 90025
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Tel: (310) 207-1145
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Email:nzcg.la@verizon.net
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
 
  
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov or [[Adoption]] USCA@state.gov
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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, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=new_zealand
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:02, 21 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Mount Cook.
Source: cia.gov.

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

Auckland.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Maori.
Source: flickr.com.

Milford Sound.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

College students.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Ratana Maori church
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 New Zealand

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. To learn more please read About New Zealand.


Hague Convention Information

New Zealand is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between New Zealand and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about New Zealand and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and New Zealand is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from New Zealand, 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). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from New Zealand.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because New Zealand is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from New Zealand must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that New Zealand attempt to place a child with a family in New Zealand before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to New Zealand's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

New Zealand's Adoption Authority

Child, Youth & Family (CYF) Ministry of Social Development


The Process

Because New Zealand is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from New Zealand 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.


NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with New Zealand 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. Learn more.


  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 Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child in New Zealand
  6. Bring your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Consulate General in Auckland

American Consulate General, 3rd floor, Citibank Bldg., 23 Customs Street East, Auckland 1010 Tel: Immigrant Visa Section - (64-9) 303-2724 ext. 2810


New Zealand's Adoption Authority

Child, Youth & Family (CYF) Ministry of Social Development P.O. Box 2620 Wellington 6011 New Zealand Email for Adoption Inquiries: webadoption@cyf.govt.nz Internet: CYF


Embassy and Consulate of New Zealand

New Zealand Embassy 37 Observatory Circle NW Washington DC 20008 Tel: (202) 328-4848 Email: nz@nzemb.org


New Zealand Consulate General

Suite 1150, 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 Tel: (310) 207-1145 Email:nzcg.la@verizon.net


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 Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=new_zealand