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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/cm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/cm-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/cm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/cm-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/afr/cm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/cm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Coat_of_arms_of_Cameroon.svg/529px-Coat_of_arms_of_Cameroon.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Coat_of_arms_of_Cameroon.svg/529px-Coat_of_arms_of_Cameroon.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/3/3c/Rhumsiki_Peak.jpg/800px-Rhumsiki_Peak.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Volcanic plugs near Thumski, Far North Region in Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Rhumsiki_Peak.jpg/800px-Rhumsiki_Peak.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Volcanic plugs near Thumski, Far North Region.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Fulani_herd_in_the_dust.jpg/800px-Fulani_herd_in_the_dust.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Fulani herder drives his cattle in Northern Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Fulani_herd_in_the_dust.jpg/800px-Fulani_herd_in_the_dust.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Fulani herder drives his cattle.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Maison_obus.jpg/800px-Maison_obus.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Homes of the Musgumin in Far North Region of Cameroon are made of earth and grass.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Maison_obus.jpg/800px-Maison_obus.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Homes of the Musgumin in Far North Region are made of earth and grass.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Elephants_around_tree_in_Waza%2C_Cameroon.jpg/800px-Elephants_around_tree_in_Waza%2C_Cameroon.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Elephants in Waza National Park, Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Elephants_around_tree_in_Waza%2C_Cameroon.jpg/800px-Elephants_around_tree_in_Waza%2C_Cameroon.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Elephants in Waza National Park.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/cm/images/CM_001.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lake Nyos, Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/cm/images/CM_001.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lake Nyos.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Baka_dancers_June_2006.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baka pygmy dancers in the East Province of Cameroon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Baka_dancers_June_2006.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baka pygmy dancers in the East Province.'''<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]].''' | + | '''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].''' |
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| | =Cameroon Adoption Alert= | | =Cameroon Adoption Alert= |
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| − | <span style="color:red">'''Notice: Internet [[Adoption]] Fraud Scams on Rise (March 10, 2010)'''
| + | There have been several adoption alerts for [[Cameroon]]. To learn more, read [[Cameroon Adoption Alert]]. |
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| − | The Department of State is aware of a growing number of Internet scams offering to match prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with a child who is allegedly available for [[adoption]] in Cameroon. Americans should be extremely cautious about sending money to any individual in connection with adopting a child they have only corresponded with by e-mail. Cameroonian law requires that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] MUST travel to Cameroon and participate in person in the legal procedures that govern Cameroonian adoptions. Furthermore, in order for an adoptive or prospective adoptive child to come to the United States to permanently reside, the U.S. citizen adoptive or prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] MUST file an [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] application with the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the child MUST be issued the appropriate immigrant visa by the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde.
| + | =About Cameroon= |
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| − | | + | French [[Cameroon]] became independent in 1960 as the Republic of [[Cameroon]]. The following year the southern portion of neighboring British [[Cameroon]] voted to merge with the new country to form the Federal Republic of [[Cameroon]]. To learn more, read [[About Cameroon]]. |
| − | The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde maintains a database of aliases and e-mail addresses used by known scam artists that have been brought to its attention. Before sending money to any individual who claims that they can match you with a child in need of a family, please check with the U.S. Embassy first by writing to YaoundeACS@state.gov. In order to protect yourself and children from the possibility of fraud or other serious problems, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to consider first the list of accredited orphanages available through the Ministry of Social Affairs:
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| − | Ministry of Social Affairs/High Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance)
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| − | Sub-Department of Child Protection (situated at Meki Quarters)
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| − | Sous Direction de la Sauvegarde de L'Enfant-SDSE
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| − | Tel: 2220-02-16
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| − | Should prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] wish to hire a Cameroonian attorney to assist with the [[adoption]], you can obtain a list of attorneys maintained by the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde.
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| | =Hague Convention Information= | | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| − | | + | [[Cameroon]] 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]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Cameroon]] did not change. To learn more, read about [[Cameroon and the Hague Convention]]. |
| − | Cameroon 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]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Cameroon did not change. | + | |
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| − | '''Fraud Warning: Recently many Americans have become victims of Cameroonian scam artists offering [[adoption]] services through the Internet. Americans should be very cautious about sending money or traveling to Cameroon to [[adopt]] a child from an [[orphanage]] they have only heard about through e-mails. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] MUST travel to Cameroon and participate in person in the legal procedures that govern Cameroonian adoptions. In order to protect themselves and the children from the possibility of fraud or other serious problems, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to consider first the list of accredited orphanages available at the Ministry of Social Affairs. Should prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] wish to hire a Cameroonian attorney to assist with the [[adoption]], they can obtain a list of attorneys from the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde.'''
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| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Cameroon, you must 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). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more]. | + | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Cameroon]], you must 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, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Cameroon]]. |
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| − | In addition to these U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Cameroon also has the following requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must have the child in their care and [[custody]] for at least three consecutive months before the High Court will consider issuing an [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
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| − | At least one [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] in the couple must be older than 40 years of age. If neither parent meets the age requirement, at least one must be at least 35 years old and they must have been married for a minimum of 10 years. If neither of these requirements can be met, the couple can submit a medical certificate confirming their [[infertility]] in order to have the age requirement waived. The couple should bring a medical certificate from a U.S. or local doctor.
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must be married . Single people can [[adopt]] - with certain restrictions on age. As homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon, gay or lesbian marriages are not recognized.
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | The couple must provide evidence of financial capacity to support the [[adopted]] child. This evidence can be proven with a report of a [[Home Study|home study]] from the U.S. along with bank statements, evidence of assets, pay slips, etc.
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | Both parties in a couple must be in agreement over the [[adoption]]. One spouse may not [[adopt]] without the other's consent. PAPs must submit a medical certificate from either a U.S. or local doctor showing that they are medically fit. Evidence of consent of the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) (if they are alive). The consent must be witnessed either in court, by a diplomatic consulate or by a public notary. Evidence of the consent of the [[adoptee]] if s/he is 16 or older. The consent must be witnessed either in court, by a diplomatic consulate or by a public notary. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must come to Cameroon for an extended period of time and participate (in person) in the elaborate legal procedures.
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| − | | + | [[Cameroon]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Cameroon]]. |
| − | Cameroon has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Cameroon unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below. | + | |
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| − | In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her immediately to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
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| − | '''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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| − | ::1. [[Adopted]] individuals cannot have children of their own at the time of the [[adoption]], nor have any legal descendants.
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| − | ::2. [[Adopted]] individuals may not marry their [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] or siblings.
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| − | ==Adoption Authority==
| + | The process for adopting a child from [[Cameroon]] generally includes the following steps: |
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| − | '''Cameroon's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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| − | Ministry of Social Affairs and the High Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance) having [[jurisdiction]] over the place of residence of the child to be [[adopted]].
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| − | ==The Process==
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| − | The process for adopting a child from Cameroon generally includes the following steps: | + | |
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| | # Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]] | | # Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]] |
| | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] | | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] |
| | # Be Matched with a Child | | # Be Matched with a Child |
| − | # [[Adopt]] the Child in Cameroon | + | # [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Cameroon]] |
| | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]] | | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]] |
| − | # Bring Your Child Home | + | # Bring Your Child Home |
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| − | | + | To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Cameroon]]. |
| − | '''1.Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
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| − | The first step in adopting a child is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your [[adoption]]. [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. Learn more about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]. Cameroon does not have [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]]. In general, any [[orphanage]] may release an [[orphan]] for [[adoption]]. However, in order to help protect themselves and the children from the possibility of fraud or other serious problems, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to consider the list of accredited orphanages available at the Ministry of Social Affairs. Parents wishing to hire a Cameroonian attorney to assist with the [[adoption]] can obtain a list of attorneys from the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde. Due to repeated scams involving the impersonation of legitimate lawyers or law offices, the Embassy has removed this information from its website. This information can be obtained by e-mailing the American Citizen Services Unit at YaoundeACS@state.gov.
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| − | '''2.Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]:'''
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child from Cameroon to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn how. In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Cameroon as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section. | + | |
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| − | '''3.Be Matched with a Child:'''
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| − | If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Cameroon will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child. The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Cameroon's requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Learn more.
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| − | A [[Social Worker|social worker]] will be assigned to follow up the case and assist the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with identifying a child for [[adoption]] and monitoring the family during the [[Foster Care|foster care]] period. The local lawyer, if hired by the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], must also be involved in the process. The [[Social Worker|social worker]]'s final report determines whether prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can proceed with the case to the High Court. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may choose either to be present or to be represented by a lawyer during the hearing at the High Court.
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| − | '''4.Adopt the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Cameroon:'''
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| − | Under Cameroonian law, the High Court must determine that the following four criteria have been met before it can issue an [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]:
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| − | :::1. That every person whose consent is necessary has consented to and understands the nature and effect of the [[adoption]]. Such consent is irrevocable and permanently servers all legal ties between the biological parents and the child.
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| − | :::2. That the child's welfare will be improved by the [[adoption]]. Parents must provide proof of what they can provide for the child in a way that other cannot.
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| − | :::3. That no payment or reward has been the reason for the [[adoption]].
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| − | :::4. That the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] is healthy.
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Cameroon generally includes the following:
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| − | *'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' The High Court will consent to the [[adoption]] and issue a final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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| − | *'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' Cameroon does not have [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]].
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| − | *'''TIME FRAME:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should expect that a minimum of three months will pass between the date they submit their [[adoption]] application to the Ministry of Social Affairs and the date the High Court's Public Prosecutor completes his/her review of the file. Only when the review is completed will a hearing date be scheduled. In addition, a Cameroonian [[adoption]] is likely to be affected by administrative and judicial delays, insufficient or misplace paperwork, and other factors. Most parents have found that hiring a local attorney to monitor the case and keep pressure on the High Court has been crucial in expediting its processing. Once all of the Cameroonian procedures have been completed and an [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] has been issued, the U.S. Embassy requires a minimum of two weeks to complete the immigrant visa process and may need longer depending on the specific circumstances. This includes the mandatory I-604 [[orphan]] investigation to verify a child qualifies as an [[orphan]].
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| − | *'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' There are moderate court fees involved in the [[adoption]], but legal fees for correct and complete adoptions typically run to several thousand USD.
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| − | *'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' The following documents are required for [[adoption]] in Cameroon:
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| − | ::::::1. Application bearing a 1000 FCFA (approximately $2 USD) fiscal stamp, addressed to the President of the High Court;
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| − | ::::::2. Certified copy of the child's Cameroonian birth certificate;
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| − | ::::::3. Biographic information of the biological parents of the child to be [[adopted]];
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| − | ::::::4. Biographic information of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
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| − | ::::::5. If applicable, a notarized deed of agreement from surviving biological parents, or the [[orphanage]] director having [[custody]] over the child and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]; This deed expressly states that the child is released irrevocable for [[adoption]];
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| − | ::::::6. Report of the [[Home Study|home study]] (U.S. [[Home Study]] is acceptable);
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| − | ::::::7. Evidence of finances and income;
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| − | ::::::8. Legal authorization from the biological parents, if applicable;
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| − | ::::::9. Notarized [[affidavit]] of support of the child from the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
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| − | ::::::10. Deposit of 3,000 CFA Francs (approximately $6 USD) made at the court registry;
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| − | ::::::11. A separate, non-refundable deposit of 78,000 CFA Francs (approximately $160 USD) made at the court registry;
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| − | ::::::12. Written application;
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| − | ::::::13. Certified copy of the child's birth certificate;
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| − | ::::::14. Certified copy of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' identification;
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| − | ::::::15. Prison/court record clearance;
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| − | ::::::16. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]]' proof of residency; For married parents who do not meet the age requirements, they must bring a medical certificate attesting their [[infertility]];
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| − | ::::::17. Medical certificate for the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], attesting that they are medically fit;
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| − | ::::::18. Report of the social [[Home Study|home study]].
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html Learn how].
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| − | '''5.Apply For The Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status:'''
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| − | After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Cameroon, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child Qualifies as an [[orphan]] as defined by U.S. immigration law.
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| − | '''6.Bring Your Child Home:'''
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| − | Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
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| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
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| − | You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate. Once the High Court consents to the [[adoption]] and issues a final decree, the American parents must obtain a new Cameroonian birth certificate, reflecting any name change. Post-[[adoption]] birth certificates are issued by the Civil Status Registry Center.
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| − | ::2. Cameroon Passport
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| − | Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Cameroon. American parents must also obtain a new Cameroonian passport. The Cameroonian passport is issued by the immigration office in the district where the child lives. Each province has an immigration office that issues passports. The requirements for passports are several passport sized photographs, certified copies of the birth certificates, parents' consent, fess, and certified application form. The entire process can cost approximately 100,000 CFA Francs, approximately $200 USD.
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| − | ::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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| − | After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted and you have obtained a Cameroon passport for your child, you must visit the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde for your immigrant visa interview. The immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Learn more].
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| − | If an [[I-600A]] was previously filed and approved by USCIS in the United States and the Embassy has received a notification of the approval (Visas 37 cable), the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) can file the [[I-600]] at the Embassy after the [[adoption]] is final. To do this, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] come to the Embassy any Wednesday or Thursday, at 2:00 p.m. to get the Immigrant Visa instruction packet. The Embassy will need a minimum of two weeks to conduct the field investigation to confirm the [[adopted]] child meets the definition of an [[orphan]], as defined by U.S. immigration law, and that the appropriate Cameroonian [[adoption]] procedure was followed.
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| − | Regarding the [[adoption]] procedure in Cameroon, please note that the U.S. Consulate will only accept final FULL/FULL [[adoption]] court judgment issued by the competent High Court having [[jurisdiction]] over the place of residence of the [[adoptee]]. Under no circumstance should a simple [[adoption]] be submitted during the processing of the immigrant visa. Therefore, the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) should note the distinction between a simple [[adoption]] and a full [[adoption]] when applying to the High Court:
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| − | ::1. Simple [[Adoption]] (same as in French) does not confer a full [[custody]] to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] over the [[adoptee]]. In other words, the [[adopted]] child maintains the link with his/her natural parents, who could revoke their consent at any time, and demand the child back.
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| − | ::2. Full [[Adoption]] ([[adoption]] plénière in French) gives [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] to [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s), cuts the link with the natural family, and is irrevocable. For this reason, and because the U.S. Immigration law requires a full [[adoption]] for immigration purposes, ONLY a FULL [[adoption]] ([[adoption]] plénière) decree granted by the Cameroonian High Court of the [[adoptee]]'s place of residence is accepted at the Consular section of the US Embassy in Yaounde, during immigrant visa processing. This document must be accompanied a notarized letter of irrevocable release of the child issued and signed by the surviving parent(s), before a local Commissioner of Oaths.
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| − | If no [[I-600A]] was previously filed, then the Embassy does not have the authority to adjudicate an [[I-600]]. If resident in Cameroon, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can choose either to submit the [[I-600]] to the Embassy, paying all fees with the Embassy cashier, and the Embassy will forward it on their behalf to the regional USCIS office in Accra, [[Ghana]]. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may also choose to go back to the U.S. without the child and file the [[I-600]] domestically. Once the file is approved, it will be sent to the Embassy in Yaoundé for the final immigrant visa processing.
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| − | The Consular Section of the Embassy is on Avenue Rosa Parks. It is open from Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and Cameroonian public holidays.
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the final interview generally takes a minimum of one week and often several weeks due to the need for document verification. . [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] are encouraged to submit documentation for review before travelling to expedite issuance - and should verify current processing times at the appropriate consulate or embassy before making final travel arrangements.
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| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire U.S. citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States on an IR-3 immigrant visa for the purpose of permanent legal residence.
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows a child who enters the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa to acquire U.S. citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.
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| − | Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
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| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
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| | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' | | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' |
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| − | U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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. | + | U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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. To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Cameroon]]. |
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| − | '''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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| − | In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. Where required, a visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Cameroon, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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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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| − | '''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 Cameroon, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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| − | Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
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| | =After Adoption= | | =After Adoption= |
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| | + | '''What does [[Cameroon]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' |
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| − | '''What does Cameroon require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
| + | [[Cameroon]] does not require post-[[adoption]] reporting at this time. |
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| − | Cameroon does not require post-[[adoption]] reporting at this time.
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| − | '''U.S. Embassy in Cameroon''' | + | '''U.S. Embassy in [[Cameroon]]''' |
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| | Avenue Rosa Parks | | Avenue Rosa Parks |
| | P.O. Box 817 | | P.O. Box 817 |
| − | Yaoundé, Cameroon | + | Yaoundé, [[Cameroon]] |
| | Tel: (237) 2220-15-00 | | Tel: (237) 2220-15-00 |
| | YaoundeACS@state.gov | | YaoundeACS@state.gov |
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| − | '''Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon''' | + | '''Embassy of the Republic of [[Cameroon]]''' |
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| | 2349 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W | | 2349 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W |
U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The 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. To learn more, read about Traveling Abroad in Cameroon.
Ministry of Social Affairs/High Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance)
SubDepartment of Child Protection situationed at
Meki Quarters
Sous Direction de la Sauvegarde de L'Enfant-SDSE
Tel: 2220-02-16
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
