Revision as of 04:55, 11 April 2014

The official flag of Tuvalu.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Tuvalu.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Tuvalu.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms of Tuvalu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Beach on Tuvalu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Tuvaluan dancer.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

School on Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Funafuti in Tuvalu looking south..
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Nanumea atoll, Tuvalu, from space.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hague Convention Information

Tuvalu is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Tuvalu did not change.

There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from Tuvalu: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be adopted; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their adoption.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Tuvalu, 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). Learn more.

In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Tuvalu also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:

Residency

There is no formal residency requirement for foreigners seeking to adopt in Tuvalu. However, adoptive parents must be physically present in court to file an application for adoption and must remain in Tuvalu until the final adoption order is granted

Age of Adopting Parents

One prospective adoptive parent must be at least 25 years old, and both must be at least 21 years older than the child.

Marriage

Applicants for an adoption should be a married husband and wife. The law permits an adoption order in favor of one person in "exceptional circumstances." However, a single male cannot adopt a female child.

Income

Income should be above average and prospective adoptive parents should live in a suitable environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the central adoption authority.

Other

The applicants must be of good character and have no adverse criminal record relating to any offense involving violence or abuse towards a child. The applicants must be mentally and physically fit to fulfill the responsibilities, evidenced by a medical report. The applicant must be able to provide a secure and stable home environment for the child.

Who Can Be Adopted

Tuvalu has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Tuvalu unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below. 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 back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Relinquishment Requirements: The prospective adoptive parents must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.

Abandonment Requirements: The prospective adoptive parents must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.

Age Requirements: Only children who have not attained the age of 12 years may be adopted. There is no provision in the law for adoption of children above the age of 12. Subject to this Act the Court may make an adoption order only where a child has not attained the age of 12 years before the date on which the application for adoption was filed in the Court.

Sibling Requirements: None

Requirements for Special Needs or Medical Conditions: The welfare and interests of the child shall be regarded as the paramount consideration.

Waiting Period: Two months or less if all requirements are met.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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

Obtaining Your Visa

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 Tuvalu, see the Department of State's 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 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 Tuvalu, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

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

SOURCE

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