Adopting from Fiji

Hague Convention Information

Fiji 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 Fiji.

Intercountry adoption is not possible from Fiji at this time. For more information please see the related notice.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Fiji, 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, Fiji also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:

Residency

According to Fiji law American citizens wishing to adopt orphans from that country MUST be residents in the Republic of Fiji. This means applicants are living and/or working in Fiji, or have property or other demonstrated connections to Fiji. Prospective adoptive parents must be long-term residents of Fiji (at least 3 months) in order for them to apply for and be granted a full and final adoption order. Prospective adoptive parents must be physically present in court to file an application for adoption and must remain in Fiji until the final adoption order is granted. In addition, applicants must reside with a child or contribute to a child's welfare for a minimum of three months prior to application.

Age of Adopting Parents

At least one prospective adoptive parent must have attained the age of 25. Applicants must be at least 21 years older than the child.

Marriage

A single male applicant cannot adopt a female child. Fiji law permits both single and married foreigners to adopt Fijian children.

Income

Income should be above average and prospective adoptive parents should live in a conducive environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the Department of Social Welfare.

Other

The applicants must have no adverse police record relating to any offense involving violence towards a child or abuse of child. The applicant must be able to provide a secure and stable home environment for the child. The court and the Department of Social Welfare are inclined to look more favorable on cases where the child and the adoptive parents are related by blood. Most orphan visa cases involve prospective adoptive parents who are former residents of Fiji and who have family ties in Fiji. The Fijian court takes these issues into account when deciding whether the prospective adoptive parents have fulfilled Fiji's residency requirements.

After Adoption

SOURCE

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