Revision as of 07:50, 25 March 2014

The official flag of Kazakhstan
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Kazakhstan.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Kazakhstan.
Source: cia.gov.

Central mosque Nur-Astana, Kazakhstan.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Traditional costume for Nowruz, Kazakhstan.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sharyn river canyon in Kazakhstan
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Almaty at night (capital of Kazakhstan.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kazakh shepard with his dogs and horse.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Bayterek Tower and the exhibition The [[ART|[[ART|[[ART|[[ART|]]]]]]]] of Tolerance, 2010.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kazakhstan, Almaty.
Source: flickr.com.

A yurt in Kazakhstan.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Russian Orthodox Church.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kazakhstan Adoption Alert

Notice:Kazakhstan Requires Post-adoption Reports (February 7, 2014)

This adoption notice is a reminder to adoption service providers and adoptive parents that Kazakhstan requires post-adoption reports including information on the general welfare, education, upbringing, and health of Kazakhstani children adopted by U.S. families. In accordance with Kazakhstani family law, parents who adopt Kazakhstani children must provide post-placement reports every six months for the first three years after the adoption is finalized and then once a year until the child is 18 years old. The reports should be sent to:

Visa and Consular Section Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan 1401 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

For more information about the contents of the reports, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan or your adoption agency. We urge you to comply with Kazakhstan's post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to Kazakhstan's history of positive experiences with American parents.

Alert: Kazakhstan Suspends Intercountry Adoptions (August 21, 2012)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan informed the U.S. Embassy in Astana on August 9 that Kazakhstan is suspending intercountry adoptions to the United States, effective immediately. Ambassador Susan Jacobs, Special Advisor for Children’s Issues, met with government officials in Kazakhstan on August 16 to address the Ministry’s concerns. The Ministry clarified that the suspension involves a pause in adoption referrals, but does not affect Kazakhstan’s ongoing process to authorize U.S. adoption service providers. The Department of State is continuing discussions with Kazakhstan as a Hague Adoption Convention partner, and will provide updated information on adoption.state.gov as it becomes available.

Hague Convention Information

Kazakhstan is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague 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 Kazakhstan.

In May 2012, the Central Authority of Kazakhstan approved the first U.S. accredited adoption service providers (ASPs) to process intercountry adoptions from Kazakhstan to the United States under the Hague Adoption Convention. Approval of ASPs was the final step needed for Kazakhstan to complete its implementation of the Convention and to become a full Convention partner to the United States. Each U.S. ASP approved by Kazakhstan may begin accepting applications for adoptions under the new procedures as of the date of its authorization.

U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Kazakhstan 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. Additionally, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, Kazakhstan obliges prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) to meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Kazakhstan

Residency

The PAPs must have a permanent residence/abode.

Age of Adopting Parents

The age difference between the parents and the child must be at least 16 years and not more than 45 years.

Marriage

A couple must be legally married.

Income

No specifications in the laws or regulations.

Other

Legally Qualified to Adopt: The PAPs must not have committed any actions that would legally prohibit them from adopting. Completed Psychological and Medical Condition Exams, including alcohol and drug tests. Police Clearance including referral from authorized agencies on moral character. Four-week bonding period: You must spend four weeks in the child's place of residence in order to establish a bond with the child. Gay and lesbian couples cannot adopt in Kazakhstan.Single prospective fathers are not allowed to adopt.

Who Can Be Adopted

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

After Adoption

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information