Angola and the Hague Convention

Miradoura Lua (translated means "Watchpoint of the Moon") near Luanda.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Angola is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).

Adopting in Angola is a complex process. It can take years to identify a child for adoption and to complete all of the required steps and takes an Act of the National Assembly to approve each intercountry adoption. Prospective adoptive parents should note that Angolan adoption laws, which are currently being revised, are very strict. To ensure that the adoption process is completed successfully and in a timely manner, the U.S. Embassy in Angola strongly suggests that prospective adoptive parents consult an Angolan attorney.

U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Angola, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines Who Can Adopt under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.