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Adopting from India
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
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.
Contents
India Adoption Alert
There have been multiple adoption alerts for India over the years. To learn more please read India Adoption Alert.
About India
The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. To learn more please read About India. To learn about the lyrics and history of the national anthem please read Indian National Anthem. To learn more about various India facts and please read India Travel Fact Sheet.
Hague Convention Information
India 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 India. To learn more please read about India and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective adoptive parents need to meet India’s requirements to adopt a child from India. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Adopt from India.
Who Can Be Adopted
Because India is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from India must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Be Adopted from India.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
WARNING: India is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in India before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.
Central Adoption Resource Authority Ministry of Women and Child Development
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 India 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 India is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from India 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 to meet all necessary legal requirements. Adoptions completed out of order may not confer immigration benefits on the adopted child (i.e. it is possible the child would not qualify for an immigrant visa if adopted out of order).
- Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
- Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
- Be matched with a child by authorities in India
- 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 (or obtain legal custody of) the Child in India
- Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
For more information on this process please read about How to Adopt from India.
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. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in India.
After Adoption
POST-ADOPTION/POST-PLACEMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Some Indian courts require regular follow-up visits and post-adoption counseling by a licensed social worker until the child has adjusted to his/her new environment. The follow-up visits are generally for a period of one year or as directed by the court. Copies of the follow-up reports should be sent to the District Social Welfare Officer or other concerned State Government Department, Voluntary Scrutinizing Agency, and the court where the adoption or guardianship order was obtained.
CARA also requires adoptive parents to submit post-placement reports on the child through their adoption service provider to CARA and the RIPA. The post-placement reports should be submitted quarterly during the first year, and twice a year during the second year after the child’s arrival in the United States. The reporting continues for two years after the child acquires U.S. citizenship.
We strongly urge you to comply with India 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. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
North American Council on Adoptable Children
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 India
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi – 110021 Tel: 091-011-24198000 Fax: 091-011-24198407 Email: NDAdopt@State.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in India
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) Ministry of Women and Child Development West Block-8, Wing-2 2nd Floor, R.K. Puram New Delhi - 110 066 Tel: 91-011 2610-5346, 2610-3378, 2610-6783 Fax: 91-011 2618-0198 Email: carahdesk.wcd@nic.in (for CARINGS inquiries only) or CARA@bol.net.in Internet: India Adoption Authoriy
Embassy of India
2107 Massachusetts Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 939-7000 Fax: (202) 939-7027 Internet: Embassy of India
India also has consulates in New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Please see list of Indian consulates in United States.
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, N.W. SA-29 Washington, D.C. 20520 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.Hague@uscis.dhs.gov
For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]