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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Singapore"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sn-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Singapore.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sn-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/sn-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Singapore.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sn-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/eas/sn_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Singapore.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eas/sn_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Singapore_CBD_skyline_from_Esplanade_at_dusk.jpg/800px-Singapore_CBD_skyline_from_Esplanade_at_dusk.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The skyline of Singapore at dusk.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Singapore_CBD_skyline_from_Esplanade_at_dusk.jpg/800px-Singapore_CBD_skyline_from_Esplanade_at_dusk.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The skyline at dusk.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Marina_Bay_Sands_in_the_evening_-_20101120.jpg/800px-Marina_Bay_Sands_in_the_evening_-_20101120.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Marina Bay Sands, the most expensive building in the world.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Marina_Bay_Sands_in_the_evening_-_20101120.jpg/800px-Marina_Bay_Sands_in_the_evening_-_20101120.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Marina Bay Sands, the most expensive building in the world.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Chinese_New_Year_market.jpg/800px-Chinese_New_Year_market.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A scene in a street market in Chinatown, Singapore, during the Chinese New Year holidays.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Chinese_New_Year_market.jpg/800px-Chinese_New_Year_market.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A scene in a street market in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year holidays.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3418/3181921176_babd96ff4e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Singapore.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3418/3181921176_babd96ff4e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/The_Sultan_Mosque_at_Kampong_Glam%2C_Singapore_%288125148933%29.jpg/800px-The_Sultan_Mosque_at_Kampong_Glam%2C_Singapore_%288125148933%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sultan Mosque in Singapore.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/The_Sultan_Mosque_at_Kampong_Glam%2C_Singapore_%288125148933%29.jpg/800px-The_Sultan_Mosque_at_Kampong_Glam%2C_Singapore_%288125148933%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sultan Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/12213881103_d2212e3fe2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Singapore children in traditional clothing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/12213881103_d2212e3fe2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Singapore]] children in traditional clothing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8618007347_bcf70deab1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A woman and baby in Singapore.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8618007347_bcf70deab1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Singapore_port_panorama.jpg/799px-Singapore_port_panorama.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The port of Singapore.'''<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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Singapore is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
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=About Singapore=
  
 +
[[Singapore]] was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. [[Singapore]] subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong [[international]] trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.
  
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Because adoptions of children in Singapore are relatively rare and complicated, the U.S. Embassy in Singapore strongly urges U.S. citizens considering adopting a child in Singapore to consult with it before identifying or taking [[custody]] of a child or otherwise proceeding with an adoption.  The U.S. government is fully committed to protecting the welfare and interests of all parties to an adoption (children, birth parents, and [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]), as well as the integrity of the adoption process, and hopes to avoid situations in which an adoption may have been completed under local law but the child is not eligible under U.S. immigration law to travel to the United States.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Singapore is aware of cases in which U.S. families have concluded adoptions in Singapore involving children of other nationalities.  It is critical that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] understand that the laws of the child’s country of origin may remain relevant, even if the child has departed that country and is now residing in Singapore. It is therefore important that U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] residing in Singapore who are considering adopting a child born outside Singapore in Singaporean court first consult with the U.S. Embassy prior to initiating the adoption process.
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[[Singapore]] is not 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 [[Singapore and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Singapore, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from [[Singapore]], you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Singapore]].
  
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Singapore]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more about these requirements please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Singapore]].
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Singapore:
 
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==Residency==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Under Singaporean law, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be residents of Singapore and have legal immigration status. Residents of Singapore are Permanent Residents or Holders of an Employment Pass, Dependant’s Pass, or any other Pass which the Family Court deems for residents of Singapore.  This is in accordance with Section 4(6) of the Adoption of Child Act.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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'''[[Singapore]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 25 years of age.  They must also be at least 21 years older than the child they plan to [[adopt]].  These age restrictions may be waived in certain circumstances, including if there is a blood relationship between the child and the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s).
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Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
  
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==Marriage==
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==The Process==
  
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Married couples must [[adopt]] jointly unless the non-adopting spouse cannot be found, is unable to give consent, or is separated from the adopting spouse and the separation is likely to become permanent.  Single men may not [[adopt]] female children except in rare cases, as determined by the court.  Single women are eligible to [[adopt]].  Same sex marriage is prohibited in Singapore.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Singapore]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Assessment of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ employment history is part of the Home Study Report.  The assessment is designed to ensure that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have stable employment, regular income, and adequate financial resources to raise a child.
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# Attend pre-[[adoption]] briefing
 +
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|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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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Singapore]]
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
 +
# Bring your child home
  
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==Other==
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Singapore]].
  
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When adopting a foreign born (non Singaporean) child, Singapore requires foreign prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to obtain a letter from their embassy endorsing the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ adoption and stating that the child will be eligible to receive an entry visa upon application by the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].  (Note: as in any adoption in Singapore, the foreign prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be resident in Singapore.)  The U.S. Embassy in Singapore is unable to provide this letter under U.S. immigration law.  However, U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may instead wish to submit their approved Form [[I-600A]] to Singaporean authorities to establish their eligibility and suitability under U.S. law to [[adopt]] a child.
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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=How to Adopt=
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Singapore]]. 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 Singapore]].
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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=After Adoption=
  
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==The Process==
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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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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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Singapore. 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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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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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 Singapore, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
  
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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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'''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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=Contact Information=
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Singapore]]'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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Embassy of the United States
 +
27 Napier Road
 +
[[Singapore]] 258508
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Tel:  011-65-6476-9100
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Fax:  011-65-6476-9232
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Email:  SingaporeCON@state.gov (Attn: IV Unit) 
  
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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 Singapore, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
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=After Adoption=
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'''[[Singapore]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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Ministry of Social and Family Development
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[[Adoption]] Services
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512A Thomson Road
 +
02-01/09 SLF Podium
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[[Singapore]] 298137
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Tel:  6355-6388
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Fax:  6258-4823
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Email:  msf_adoption@msf.gov.sg
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Website:  [http://adoption.gov.sg MSFD] 
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Also See:  Procedural Guidance on Adoptions - [[Singapore]] Family Court
  
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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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'''Embassy of [[Singapore]]'''
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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3501 [[International]] Place, N.W.
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[[Washington]] D.C.  20008
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Tel: (202) 537-3100
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Fax:  (202) 537-0876
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Email:  singemb_con_was@sgmfa.gov.sg
  
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
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[[Singapore]] also has Consulates in [[New York]], San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami.
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 
  
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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'''
 +
 
 +
U.S. Department of State
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel:  1-888-407-4747
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Email:  AskCI@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:
 +
National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet:  [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:'''
  
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==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=singapore
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:30, 21 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The skyline at dusk.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Marina Bay Sands, the most expensive building in the world.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A scene in a street market in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year holidays.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Sultan Mosque.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

children in traditional clothing.
Source: flickr.com.

'
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 Singapore

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.


Hague Convention Information

Singapore is not 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 Singapore and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Singapore, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Singapore.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Singapore has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more about these requirements please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Singapore.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Singapore’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Singapore generally includes the following steps:


  1. Attend pre-adoption briefing
  2. Choose an adoption service provider
  3. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  4. Be matched with a child
  5. Adopt the child in Singapore
  6. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  7. Bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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. Embassy in Singapore

Embassy of the United States 27 Napier Road Singapore 258508 Tel: 011-65-6476-9100 Fax: 011-65-6476-9232 Email: SingaporeCON@state.gov (Attn: IV Unit)


Singapore’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social and Family Development Adoption Services 512A Thomson Road 02-01/09 SLF Podium Singapore 298137 Tel: 6355-6388 Fax: 6258-4823 Email: msf_adoption@msf.gov.sg Website: MSFD Also See: Procedural Guidance on Adoptions - Singapore Family Court


Embassy of Singapore

3501 International Place, N.W. Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 537-3100 Fax: (202) 537-0876 Email: singemb_con_was@sgmfa.gov.sg


Singapore also has Consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami.


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

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


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

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


SOURCE

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