Adopting from the United Kingdom

The official flag of the United Kingdom.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map of the United Kingdom.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of the United Kingdom.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms of the United Kingdom.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The London House of Parliament.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children feeding birds in Regent Park, London.
Source: flickr.com.

Westminster Abbey, London.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Stonehenge, United Kingdom.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Classic red telephone box and London double-decker bus in front of the Houses of Parliament clocktower.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

An [[ART|]] student at Whitby Abbey, United Kingdom.
Source: flickr.com.

Harrods at night, London.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hague Convention Information

The United Kingdom (UK) 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 the child’s country of origin.

The UK is generally not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption because UK children are usually not eligible for intercountry adoption. Most intercountry adoptions in the UK are completed by UK residents who adopt while living in other countries. The information provided below is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from the UK, including adoptions of UK children by relatives in the United States. This information may also be useful to U.S. citizens considering adopting from another country while living in the UK.

U.S. Immigration Requirements for Intercountry Adoptions

To bring an adopted child to the United States from the UK, 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 Convention adoptee under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave the United Kingdom. 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 the United Kingdom, 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 the United Kingdom, 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