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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Iran"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ir-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Iran.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ir-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of [[Iran]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ir-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Iran.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ir-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Iran]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/ir_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Iran.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/ir_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Iran]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Azadi_Monument.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Azadi Monument, Tehran Iran.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Tajrish_district_in_march.jpg/800px-Tajrish_district_in_march.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Snowy street in the Tajrish district, Tehran [[Iran]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Tajrish_district_in_march.jpg/800px-Tajrish_district_in_march.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Snowy street in the Tajrish district, Tehran Iran.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/RezaShrine.jpg/800px-RezaShrine.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The shrine of Imam Ali Reda in Mashad, [[Iran]]'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/4758976353_tehran_b.jpg/800px-4758976353_tehran_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tehran at night.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/RezaShrine.jpg/800px-RezaShrine.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The shrine of Imam Ali Reda in Mashad, Iran'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Iranian_Tiles.JPG/466px-Iranian_Tiles.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Tiles at the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Iranian_Tiles.JPG/466px-Iranian_Tiles.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Tiles at the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Persepolis_24.11.2009_11-49-59.jpg/450px-Persepolis_24.11.2009_11-49-59.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Ruins of the Achaemenid palace of Persepolis, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Persepolis_24.11.2009_11-49-59.jpg/450px-Persepolis_24.11.2009_11-49-59.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Ruins of the Achaemenid palace of Persepolis, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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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]].'''
  
=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
Iran 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]).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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=About Iran=
  
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Known as Persia until 1935, [[Iran]] became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI established a theocratic [[system]] of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. To learn more please read [[About Iran]].
  
'''NOTE:''' In accordance with current Iranian practice, acquiring [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship by parents residing outside of Iran is not possible.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be Iranian citizens and fulfill all other required conditions for acquiring [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship. Applications must be submitted to the Iranian Welfare Organization (IWO).  Recent cases indicate that applications from close family members have the greatest chance of being approved. Only the IWO and an appropriate court can determine whether each case, based on its own merits, is in the best interests of the child.  Muslim children are only eligible for [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship by Muslim parents. Christian children are only eligible for [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship by Christian parents.  Before a [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship is granted, strict procedures are applied in order to protect the children and to establish the suitability of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], including a six month probationary period during which time at least one of the parents needs to be residing in Iran with the child. In order to leave Iran with the child during the probationary period, the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] would need to get explicit permission from the public prosecutor. The process is complicated and time-consuming. After a child has been placed with a family, Iranian authorities will perform periodic checks to ensure the child's physical and mental well-being.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
The United States does not have diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran and can provide limited consular services to U.S. citizens.
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[[Iran]] 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 [[Iran and the Hague Convention]].
  
 
'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
 
 
To bring a [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] child to the United States from Iran, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements]. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php who can adopt] under U.S. immigration law.
 
 
 
Additionally, a child must meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan 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.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Iran:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Iran]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Iran]].
 
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==Residency==
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who intend to acquire [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship for children in Iran must reside in Iran and they are required to be physically present in the country for fingerprinting and medical examinations.  In addition, there is a six month probationary period and one of the parents may need to stay with the child during this period.
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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One of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 30 years old.
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==Marriage==
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The prospective adoptive couple must be married for at least five years with no children.  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual couples/individuals cannot acquire [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship of an [[orphan]] in Iran.  Single women can only obtain guardianship of female children in Iran.  Single men cannot acquire [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship of children in Iran.
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==Income==
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The prospective adoptive couple is expected to have sufficient financial capacity to support the child.
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==Other==
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Muslim and Christian prospective adoptive couples must have no criminal records, no addiction to drugs or alcohol and no diseases that are difficult to cure. If the couple is able to submit a medical report to prove that at least one of the spouses is incapable of conceiving, the court may exempt them from the requirements of five years of marriage and one of the parents being at least 30 years old.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Iran has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for legal guardianship:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Iran]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for legal [[guardianship]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Iran]].
  
 
'''[[Relinquishment]]:''' The child's father, paternal grandfather, and mother must all be either unknown or dead.
 
 
'''[[Abandonment]]:''' The child must have been placed under the care of a public institution without any contact from any of the above listed relatives for three full years.
 
 
'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' The child must be under 12 full years of age.
 
 
'''Sibling Adoptions:''' None
 
 
'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' None
 
 
'''Waiting Period or [[Foster Care]]:''' After consulting the institution or person in charge of the child's temporary care, and prior to issuance of [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship approval, the court will place the child in the care of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] for a six-month probation period. During the probation period, the court may terminate the guardianship upon request from the Public Prosecutor, the National Society for the Protection of Children, or the institution where the child was previously under care, or on the basis of its own conclusion. Likewise, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may declare that they have changed their minds during the probation period, in which case the court will terminate the [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship.
 
 
'''Caution:'''  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, including Iran, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an [[orphanage]] or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)’s [[adoption]].
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
'''Iran's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''[[Iran]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
 
Iranian Welfare Organization (Edareh Beh Zistiti, Bakhshe Farzand Khandegi)
 
Iranian Welfare Organization (Edareh Beh Zistiti, Bakhshe Farzand Khandegi)
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==The Process:==
 
==The Process:==
  
The process for adopting a child from Iran generally includes the following steps:
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The process for adopting a child from [[Iran]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
 
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
 
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
# Apply to be Found Eligible to obtain Legal Guardianship
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to obtain Legal [[Guardianship]]
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
# Obtain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in Iran
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# Obtain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in [[Iran]]
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
  
 +
To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Iran]].
  
'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
 
The recommended first step in adopting a child from Iran is to decide whether or not to use a licensed [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that can help you with your [[adoption]].  [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate.  The Department of State provides information on selecting an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] on its [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php website].
 
 
There are no formal [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Iran assisting individuals in the Iranian guardianship process. Iranian NGOs such as "The Society for Protecting the Rights of the Child" may be helpful resources.
 
 
 
'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to obtain Legal Guardianship''' 
 
 
In order to obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship of a child from Iran, you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Iran and U.S. Immigration law.  You must submit an application to be found eligible to obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship with the IWO of Iran.
 
 
To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you should file an [[I-600A]], [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600a Application for Advance Processing of an [[Orphan]] Petition] with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to [[adopt]].
 
 
 
'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
 
If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], or an authorized entity in Iran will provide you with a referral.  Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a particular child.
 
 
The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Iran’s requirements, as described in the Who Can Be [[Adopted]] section.  The child must also meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of [[orphan]]] under U.S. immigration law.
 
 
 
'''4. Obtain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in Iran'''
 
 
The process for gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] in Iran generally includes the following:
 
 
*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:'''  The IWO is the decision making authority in [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship cases. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] intending to acquire [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship of a child should contact and inform the organization of their intent, after which the organization may be able to open a file for the family and assign a case number.
 
*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:'''  Create a file at the Judicial Center with the required documents and translations.  File at Judicial Center(s) should be created as a part of the [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship process by submitting the required documents with necessary translations.
 
*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:'''  [[Adoption Agencies|Adoption agencies]] do not operate in Iran.
 
*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:'''  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must file a formal application with the IWO, and get approval from to the court to initiate the [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship process.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are also required to pass physical and mental examinations.  They will need to provide the court with information on any criminal history.  After the above steps are completed and the petition is approved, the court will issue an introduction letter to the IWO. A series of interviews take place at the IWO, and a file in the [[orphanage]] is established. The head nurse at the [[orphanage]] will refer the file to the [[Adoption]] Affairs Office.  Interviews and visits by a [[Social Worker|social worker]] and referral to any necessary offices(s) will follow. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may need to meet with an [[adoption]] council (or its representative) at this stage to the [[orphanage]]’s social office. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are now put on a waiting list, and the child selection process begins. After the selection, the child goes through a medical examination by a physician selected by the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Mental and physical health certificates for the child are issued by a Specialist. At the end of this process, the IWO refers the case to the court. The court issues a temporary [[custody]] document and places the child with the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] as guardians for a six month probationary period.
 
*'''TIME FRAME:'''  The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are initially granted six-months of temporary [[custody]].  At the end of that period, the court may grant full [[custody]], or extend the temporary [[custody]], which can be as long as three years.
 
*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:'''  Not known
 
*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:'''  (all English documents must be translated into Farsi, certified by the Department of Official Translators’ Affairs of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Registration and Personal Status Department, and provided in duplicate):
 
::1. A “Request” form must be completed and signed by both prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] at the .
 
::2. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ original and notarized copies of their birth certificates (Shenasnameh)
 
::3. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ original and notarized copies of their marriage certificate
 
::4. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ original notarized copy of the [[infertility]] certificate
 
::5. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ test results of their physical and mental health (including addiction tests)
 
::6. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ police records
 
::7. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ proof of financial status
 
::8. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ last education document (diploma)
 
'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
 
*'''Authentication of Documents:''' You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic.  If so, the Department of State, [http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-of-documents/office-of-authentications.html Authentications Office] may be able to assist.
 
 
 
'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status'''
 
 
After you gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship in Iran, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of [[orphan]]] under U.S. immigration law.  You will need to file a Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as an Immediate Relative].
 
 
 
'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
 
 
 
Once you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship of the child, you need to apply for several documents for your child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States:
 
 
 
::1. Birth Certificate
 
 
After you have gained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship in Iran, you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate (shenasnameh) for your child.  Your name will be added to the new birth certificate. Your [[guardian]] child's name should also be included into your “shenasnameh(s)” as your child, so that you can later apply for a passport.
 
 
'''How to obtain a Passport for your child in Iran'''
 
 
Your [[guardian]] child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Iran.  He/she can be included in one of the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]]'s Iranian passport.  The form and passport file can be obtained at the electronic service desks of disciplinary forces (Police +10) or postal centers.  The addresses for passport offices in the greater Tehran area are:
 
 
# Tehran Pars passport office- first intersection of Tehran Pars- Parvin Blvd-second floor
 
# Yaft Abad passport office - Yaft Abad intersection- Moallem Blvd. -
 
# Shahrerey Passport office - Fadaian Islam Blvd-Basij Blvd, next to Gas Department. The price for the Iranian passport application form is 37,500 Riyal, and the price for the passport is 750,000 Riyal.
 
 
::2. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
 
After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form [[I-600]], Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as an Immediate Relative, you will need to visit the U.S. Embassy either in Ankara, [[Turkey]], Yerevan, [[Armenia]], or Abu Dhabi, UAE for final review and approval of the child’s [[I-600]] petition and to obtain a visa for the child.  The immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you.  In order to obtain an immigrant visa, you will need to have your [[adopted]] child undergo a medical examination by an authorized panel physicians. You should provide the panel physician with vaccination or other medical records to help the panel physicians determine your [[guardian]] child's medical condition.  The cost of the medical report is $150-200 depending on the child's health.  As part of the process for adjudicating the immigrant visa, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician’s medical report on the child.
 
 
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2007 Tuberculosis Technical Instructions (TB TIs) for the TB medical screening apply to all immigrant visa applicants, including [[adopted]] children. The 2007 TB TIs include new requirements that affect the pace at which some [[adoption]] cases can be concluded. Please visit the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/panel_2007.htm for further information regarding the 2007 “Technical Instructions for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment for Panel Physicians”.
 
 
The Iranian court may not grant [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]/guardianship before the six month probationary period is finalized. It is not possible to issue an immigrant visa to an applicant without a court decree that grants [[custody]]. The initial court decree, which grants the six month probationary period, does not serve as the final [[custody]] decree for immigration purposes, even if it grants full [[custody]] to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. In some cases, the judges may issue a decree lifting the six month probationary period. You, as the [[guardian]] parents, must specifically request this waiver from the judge if you wish to immigrate with the child to the U.S. before the six month period is completed.
 
 
Documentation about the child's background and primary evidence of [[abandonment]] is also required for the visa adjudication.  If you gain [[custody]] of the child from an [[orphanage]], you will need to provide an official report from the Iranian Welfare Organization. The report must give detailed information about the child's background and parents' whereabouts, if known. If yours is a private [[adoption]], you will need to provide similar documentation about the child's background. This documentation should be obtained from the existing parent of the child. The [[orphan]]'s existing parent must give his/her consent for the [[adoption]] of the child and must give a notarized statement. This document must state that he/she is unconditionally forsaken all [[Parental Rights|parental rights]], obligations and claims to the child, as well as all control over the physical [[custody]] of the child. In addition to the existing parent's statement, you should also provide a document from the prosecuting attorney agreeing to the immigration of the child to U.S. with the [[guardian]] parent to obtain a full and final [[adoption]].
 
 
 
'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
 
 
'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' Pursuant to the provisions of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, children who enter the U.S. on an IR-3 or IH-3 immigrant visa automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry to the United States for the purpose of lawful permanent residence. 
 
 
'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:'''''  Pursuant to the provisions of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, children who enter the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 immigrant visa automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when a court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]. 
 
 
 
'''''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.''''' 
 
 
 
Read more about the [http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations.html Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
U.S. citizens are required by law 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 U.S. 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.
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U.S. citizens are required by law 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 U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Iran]].
  
 
'''Obtaining a Visa to travel Iran'''
 
 
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 Iran, see the Department of State’s [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
 
 
'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 
 
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.
 
 
 
'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
 
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 COUNTRY registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
 
 
Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
 
  
 
'''Post-[[Adoption]]/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements'''
 
'''Post-[[Adoption]]/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements'''
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'''Iran [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''[[Iran]] [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
 
Iranian Welfare Organization  
 
Iranian Welfare Organization  
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'''Embassy of Iran'''
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'''Embassy of [[Iran]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
Address: 2209 [[Wisconsin]] Avenue, N.W.  
 
Address: 2209 [[Wisconsin]] Avenue, N.W.  

Revision as of 00:50, 16 January 2015

The official flag of .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of .
Source: cia.gov.

Snowy street in the Tajrish district, Tehran .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The shrine of Imam Ali Reda in Mashad,
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Tiles at the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Ruins of the Achaemenid palace of Persepolis, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.


About Iran

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts - a popularly elected 86-member body of clerics. To learn more please read About Iran.


Hague Convention Information

Iran 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 Iran and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Iran. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Iran.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Iran's Adoption Authority

Iranian Welfare Organization (Edareh Beh Zistiti, Bakhshe Farzand Khandegi) Address: 188 Karimkhan St., Tehran


The Process:

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


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to obtain Legal Guardianship
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Obtain Legal Custody of Child in Iran
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Orphan Status
  6. Bring Your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law 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 U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Iran.


After Adoption

Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements

We strongly urge you to comply with and complete all Iranian post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.

Post Adoption Resources

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 Groups for adopting Persons


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey:

American Embassy Ankara 110 Ataturk Blvd. Kavaklidere 06100 Ankara, Turkey Phone: 90-312-455 5555 Fax: 90-312-468 6103 Internet: U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey


Iran Adoption Authority

Iranian Welfare Organization (Edareh Beh Zistiti, Bakhshe Farzand Khandegi) Address: 188 Karimkhan St., Tehran


Embassy of Iran

Address: 2209 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 Tel: (202) 965-4990 Fax: (202) 965-1073 Email: requests@daftar.org Internet: daftar.org/ENG/default.asp?lang=eng


Office of Children's Issues

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


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

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


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]