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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Sri Lanka"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ce-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ce-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/ce-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ce-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/sas/ce_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/sas/ce_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Sri_Lanka-Tea_plantation-02.jpg/800px-Sri_Lanka-Tea_plantation-02.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A tea planation in Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Sri_Lanka-Tea_plantation-02.jpg/800px-Sri_Lanka-Tea_plantation-02.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A tea planation'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8518739052_a272127678.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A market in Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8518739052_a272127678.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8515932146_783e0e576a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sri Lanka - Sigiriya.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8515932146_783e0e576a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8518726188_de085d0b3c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8518726188_de085d0b3c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hikkaduwa Beach'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2623/3848532146_5e6f11d1ff.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A girl in Negombo, Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2623/3848532146_5e6f11d1ff.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A girl in Negombo'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Colombo2.jpg/300px-Colombo2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of the capital city Colombo, Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Colombo2.jpg/300px-Colombo2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of the capital city Colombo'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2718/4473859987_acd9133168.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2718/4473859987_acd9133168.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4088/5059386351_3f8d776aee.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The elephant orphanage in Pinnawala in Sri Lanka.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4088/5059386351_3f8d776aee.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The elephant orphanage in Pinnawala in'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
Sri Lanka is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Sri Lanka.
+
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.
  
  
−
The Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Services in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, advised the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka that foreign citizens residing in Sri Lanka are not permitted to [[adopt]] Sri Lankan children.  Foreign citizens who reside outside of Sri Lanka may only [[adopt]] Sri Lankan children who are three months to 14 years of age.  U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from Sri Lanka are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo’s Consular Section by email at consularcolombo@state.gov before formalizing an adoption agreement, to ensure that appropriate procedures (outlined in this country information sheet) are followed, which will make it possible for the Embassy to issue a U.S. immigrant visa for the child.
+
=About Sri Lanka=
  
 +
The first Sinhalese arrived in [[Sri Lanka]] late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern [[India]]. Buddhism was introduced in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern [[Sri Lanka]]. To learn more please read [[About Sri Lanka]].
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
  
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Sri Lanka, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determine who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
+
[[Sri Lanka]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention or Convention). Intercountry [[adoption]] processing in Convention countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing [[legislation]], the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing [[legislation]] and regulations of [[Sri Lanka]]. To learn more please read about [[Sri Lanka and the Hague Convention]].
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH3 or IH4 immigrant visa.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must meet Sri Lanka’s requirements to [[adopt]] a child from Sri Lanka:
+
In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must meet [[Sri Lanka]]’s requirements to [[adopt]] a child from [[Sri Lanka]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Sri Lanka]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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Foreign citizens residing in Sri Lanka are not permitted to [[adopt]] Sri Lankan children. There is no requirement that PAPs must reside a certain amount of time in Sri Lanka, either before, during, or after the adoption.  However, both parents must be present at the Sri Lankan court proceedings.
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
Because [[Sri Lanka]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adoptions from [[Sri Lanka]] must meet the requirements of the Convention. For example, the [[adoption]] may take place only if the competent authorities of [[Sri Lanka]] have determined that placement of the child within [[Sri Lanka]] was given due consideration, and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests. In addition to [[Sri Lanka]]’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Sri Lanka]].
  
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Both prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be over the age of 25 and not less than 21 years older than the prospective adoptive child.
 
  
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==Marriage==
+
=How to Adopt=
  
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Under Sri Lankan law, single individuals cannot [[adopt]]; married couples must jointly apply for adoption. Although existing laws in Sri Lanka does not expressly prohibit same-sex couples from adopting, in practice, same-sex couples are not found eligible to [[adopt]] a child from Sri Lanka.
+
'''WARNING:''' [[Sri Lanka]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Sri Lanka]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.
  
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==Income==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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There is no specific income requirement, but the selection criteria of the Department of Probation and Child Care includes the health, age, and income of the family.
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'''[[Sri Lanka]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==Other==
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Department of Probation and Child Care Services
  
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Generally, both spouses must be present during the court proceedings unless the court waives personal appearance on the grounds of ill health (supported by the opinion of a medical practitioner who is licensed to practice in the United States).  In such cases, the spouse who is unable to travel must provide a power of attorney to the spouse who will represent him/her in court.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who do not have children will be given preference over parents who already have two or more children.
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
+
'''NOTE:''' If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]: 1) you filed a Form [[I-600A]] identifying [[Sri Lanka]] as the country where you intended to [[adopt]]; 2) you filed a Form [[I-600]]; or, 3) the [[adoption]] was completed. Under these circumstances, your [[adopted]] child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. For more information, read about Transition Cases.
  
−
Because Sri Lanka is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adoptions from Sri Lanka must meet the requirements of the Convention. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Sri Lanka have determined that placement of the child within Sri Lanka was given due consideration, and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests. In addition to Sri Lanka’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.
 
  
 +
==The Process==
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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Because [[Sri Lanka]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Sri Lanka]] 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. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.
  
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]]:''' Generally, the birth parent(s) are required to attend the court hearing to formally relinquish [[custody]] of the child in front of the judge. If the Department of Probation and Child Care Services cannot locate the birth parents, the judge has the authority to waive the requirement that the birth parents be present.
+
# Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child by authorities in [[Sri Lanka]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]]
 +
# [[Adopt]] child in [[Sri Lanka]]
 +
# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
  
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'''[[Abandonment]]:''' The relevant Provincial Commissioner decides if a child is abandoned in consultation with the Placement Committee in each children’s home. What constitutes [[abandonment]] in each case is left up to the discretion of the Provincial Commissioner in consideration of the specific the situation.  If the Provincial Commissioner cannot come to a decision, s/he can refer the issue to a court.
+
To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Sri Lanka]].
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' Foreigners may only [[adopt]] Sri Lankan children between three months and 14 years of age.
 
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:''' The Department of Probation and Child Care Services will attempt to keep sibling groups together when [[matching]] children with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
+
=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may request to [[adopt]] a child with or without [[Special Needs|special needs]] and/or medical conditions.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''Waiting Period or Foster Care:''' The process of adopting a child from Sri Lanka can be lengthy. Under Sri Lankan regulations, an application from foreign prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to [[adopt]] a Sri Lankan child must be registered with the Sri Lankan government through one of its diplomatic missions abroad. It generally takes at least one year to match a child with a family. After a child is identified, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be prepared to stay in Sri Lanka from four to six weeks for the court proceedings.
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Sri Lanka]]. 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 Sri Lanka]].
  
−
=How to Adopt=
 
  
 +
=After Adoption=
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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==The Process==
+
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.
  
−
=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Sri Lanka. 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.
 
  
 +
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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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 Sri Lanka, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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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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=Contact Information=
  
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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.
+
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Sri Lanka]]'''
  
 +
210, Galle Road
 +
Colombo 03, [[Sri Lanka]]
 +
Tel: +94-1-2498500
 +
Fax: +94-1-2437345
 +
Email: consularcolombo@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka]
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
  
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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 Sri Lanka, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
+
'''[[Sri Lanka]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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=After Adoption=
+
Department of Probation and Child Care Services
 +
69, S. De S. Jayasinghe Mawatha
 +
Kohuwela, Nugegoda
 +
[[Sri Lanka]]
 +
Tel: +94-11 285 3575 or 94-11-2853553
 +
Fax: +94-11 285 2393
 +
Email: pcc@sltnet.lk
 +
Internet: [http://www.probation.gov.lk/ Sri Lanka Adoption Authority]
  
−
'''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.
+
'''Embassy of [[Sri Lanka]] in the United States'''
  
 +
Embassy of [[Sri Lanka]]
 +
2148 [[Wyoming]] Avenue N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C.  20008
 +
Tel: (202) 483-4026/ 28
 +
Fax: (202) 232-7181
 +
Email: slembassy@slembassyusa.org
 +
Internet: [http://slembassyusa.org/ Embassy of Sri Lanka]
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
  
 +
[[Sri Lanka]] also has consulates in the following cities in [[California]]:Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Denville.
  
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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]  
+
'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
 +
 
 +
U.S. Department of State
 +
CA/OCS/CI
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], D.C.  20522-1709
 +
Tel:1-888-407-4747
 +
Email:  AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
 +
Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov 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: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
 
  
 +
'''For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:'''
  
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov
  
 
==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=sri_lanka
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:41, 21 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

A tea planation
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Hikkaduwa Beach
Source: flickr.com.

A girl in Negombo
Source: flickr.com.

Collage of the capital city Colombo
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

The elephant orphanage in Pinnawala in
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 Sri Lanka

The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. To learn more please read About Sri Lanka.


Hague Convention Information

Sri Lanka is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Sri Lanka. To learn more please read about Sri Lanka and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective adoptive parents must meet Sri Lanka’s requirements to adopt a child from Sri Lanka. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Sri Lanka.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Sri Lanka is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adoptions from Sri Lanka must meet the requirements of the Convention. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Sri Lanka have determined that placement of the child within Sri Lanka was given due consideration, and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests. In addition to Sri Lanka’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Sri Lanka.


How to Adopt

WARNING: Sri Lanka is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Sri Lanka before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.

Adoption Authority

Sri Lanka’s Adoption Authority

Department of Probation and Child Care Services


NOTE: If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption: 1) you filed a Form I-600A identifying Sri Lanka as the country where you intended to adopt; 2) you filed a Form I-600; or, 3) the adoption was completed. Under these circumstances, your adopted child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. For more information, read about Transition Cases.


The Process

Because Sri Lanka is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Sri Lanka 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. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.


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

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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 Sri Lanka

210, Galle Road Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Tel: +94-1-2498500 Fax: +94-1-2437345 Email: consularcolombo@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka’s Adoption Authority

Department of Probation and Child Care Services 69, S. De S. Jayasinghe Mawatha Kohuwela, Nugegoda Sri Lanka Tel: +94-11 285 3575 or 94-11-2853553 Fax: +94-11 285 2393 Email: pcc@sltnet.lk Internet: Sri Lanka Adoption Authority


Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United States

Embassy of Sri Lanka 2148 Wyoming Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 483-4026/ 28 Fax: (202) 232-7181 Email: slembassy@slembassyusa.org Internet: Embassy of Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka also has consulates in the following cities in California:Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Denville.


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, D.C. 20522-1709 Tel:1-888-407-4747 Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

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


For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:

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