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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/am-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of [[Armenia]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/am-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/am-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Armenia]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/am-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/am_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Armenia]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/am_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Yerevan_2012_February.JPG/800px-Yerevan_2012_February.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A winter view of Yerevan, the capital city of the Republic of [[Armenia]], with the backdrop of Mount Ararat (locally known as Masis).'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Yerevan_2012_February.JPG/800px-Yerevan_2012_February.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A winter view of Yerevan with the backdrop of Mount Ararat (locally known as Masis).'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Coat_of_arms_of_Armenia.svg/412px-Coat_of_arms_of_Armenia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of [[Armenia]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Coat_of_arms_of_Armenia.svg/412px-Coat_of_arms_of_Armenia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Etchmiadzin_cathedral.jpg/800px-Etchmiadzin_cathedral.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Etchmiadiz Cathedral, the oldest church in the world built by the state.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Etchmiadzin_cathedral.jpg/800px-Etchmiadzin_cathedral.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Etchmiadiz Cathedral, the oldest church in the world built by the state.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/%D4%B3%D5%A5%D5%B2%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4.jpg/800px-%D4%B3%D5%A5%D5%B2%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Geghard Monestary, [[Armenia]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/%D4%B3%D5%A5%D5%B2%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4.jpg/800px-%D4%B3%D5%A5%D5%B2%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Geghard Monestary.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Kohrvirab.jpg/800px-Kohrvirab.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''7th century Khor Virap monestary in the shadow of Mr. Ararat.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Kohrvirab.jpg/800px-Kohrvirab.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''7th century Khor Virap monestary in the shadow of Mr. Ararat.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| | =Armenia Adoption Alert= | | =Armenia Adoption Alert= |
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| − | <span style="color:red">'''Notice: This Adoption Alert is a follow up to the Alert of March 13, 2014 (May 12, 2014)'''
| + | Learn more about [[Armenia Adoption Alert]]s. |
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| − | The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has received reports that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are being given misleading information about the adoption process in [[Armenia]]. Specifically, there may be misleading information as to who is authorized to provide adoption services and which children are eligible for intercountry adoption.
| + | =About Armenia= |
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| − | Please note that Armenian law does not authorize professional [[facilitators]], [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]], or attorneys to provide adoption services in [[Armenia]]; it allows prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and adoption service providers to grant a power of attorney to an individual to handle most aspects of the adoption process on their behalf. These individuals can only provide limited legal services and complete the process in [[Armenia]] through direct contact with the Ministry of Justice.
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| − | The Department of State will provide updated information on adoption.state.gov as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States. Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.
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| − | <span style="color:red">Notice: Reminder: Adoption Processing in [[Armenia]] (March 13, 2014)'''
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| − | The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has received reports that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are being given misleading information about the adoption process in [[Armenia]]. Specifically, there may be misleading information as to who is authorized to provide adoption services and which children are eligible for intercountry adoption.
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| − | Please note that Armenian law does not authorize professional [[facilitators]], [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]], or attorneys to provide adoption services in [[Armenia]]; it allows prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to grant a power of attorney to an individual to handle most aspects of the adoption process on their behalf. Some U.S. adoption service providers have contacts with local individuals to fulfill this role.
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| − | U.S. citizens wishing to [[adopt]] in [[Armenia]] should contact the Ministry of Justice, the central adoption authority of [[Armenia]], to inquire about applicable laws and procedures.
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| − | U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and adoption service providers are reminded that adoption services in [[Armenia]] can only be completed through direct contact with the Ministry.
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| | + | [[Armenia]] prides itself on being the first nation to formally [[adopt]] Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries [[Armenia]] came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. Read more [[About Armenia]]. |
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| | =Hague Convention Information= | | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | [[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Armenia]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Armenia]], you must first 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). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn more]. | + | [[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Armenia]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Read more about [[Who Can Adopt from Armenia]]. |
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| − | In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], [[Armenia]] also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] do not have to fulfill any residency requirements to [[adopt]] in [[Armenia]].
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
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| − | Single prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 18 years older than the [[adopted]] child.
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | Both single individuals and married couples are eligible to [[adopt]].
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | N/A
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | N/A
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| − | Because [[Armenia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Armenia]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Armenia]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Armenia]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States. | + | Because [[Armenia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Armenia]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. Read more about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Armenia]]. |
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| − | [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about the Convention's requirements for adoptable children.
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| − | There are many children living in orphanages, however, ONLY those children whose parents have died, disappeared, or signed a statement of [[relinquishment]] of their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]], and whose families do not visit them, thus abandoning them, are available for [[adoption]]. In addition, consent for child [[adoption]] can only be given after the birth of the child.
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| − | '''Reliquishment Requirements:''' If biological parents are alive, the biological parents must sign a statement of [[relinquishment]] in order for a child to be eligible for [[adoption]].
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| − | '''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' A child's name must be listed on the national registry list for three months before he or she is declared available for intercountry [[adoption]]. For this reason, it is impossible to [[adopt]] a very young infant from [[Armenia]].
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| − | '''Waiting Period:''' The names of children available for [[adoption]] are listed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues. A child's name must remain on the list for three months before he/she is declared available for intercountry [[adoption]].
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| − | ==Adoption Authority==
| + | Because [[Armenia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Armenia]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. Read more about [[How to Adopt from Armenia]]. |
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| − | '''[[Armenia]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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| − | National [[Adoption]] Committee of the Republic of [[Armenia]]
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| − | ==The Process==
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| − | Because [[Armenia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Armenia]] 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 so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
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| − | # Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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| − | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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| − | # Be Matched with a Child
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| − | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
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| − | # [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Armenia]]
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| − | # Bring your Child Home
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| − | '''NOTE:''' If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Armenia]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].’’
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| − | '''1. Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
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| − | The first step in adopting a child from [[Armenia]] is to select an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that has been accredited. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide [[adoption]] services between the United States and [[Armenia]]. [http://adoption.state.gov/page_not_found.php Learn more].
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| − | Please note that Armenian law does not recognize the involvement of professional [[facilitators]], [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] or attorneys; it allows the prospective parents to grant power of attorney to an individual to handle most aspects of the [[adoption]] process on their behalf. Some U.S. [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] have contacts with experienced local individuals who can be given power of attorney. In many cases, prospective parents grant this power of attorney to individuals whom they trust, relatives, friends or acquaintances.
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| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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| − | After you choose an accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], you apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how].
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| − | Once the U.S. Government determines that you are "eligible" and "suitable" to [[adopt]], you or your agency will forward your information to the [[adoption]] authority in [[Armenia]]. [[Armenia]]'s [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under [[Armenia]]'s law.
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| − | The National [[Adoption]] Committee has one month in which to conduct a study and issue a conclusion on the ability to [[adopt]]. That conclusion is valid for one year. Once the National [[Adoption]] Committee grants the permission to [[adopt]], the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may identify a child, from the children eligible for [[Inter-Country Adoption|inter-country adoption]] listed in the registry kept by the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues.
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| − | '''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
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| − | If both the United States and [[Armenia]] determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in [[Armenia]] may provide you with a referral for a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of the particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child. Learn more about this critical decision. In [[Armenia]], the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] identify a child from the children eligible for [[Inter-Country Adoption|inter-country adoption]] listed in the registry kept by the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues. The prospective parents or their representative may go to the Ministry and view the list, or they may visit orphanages directly and identify a child. Once they identify a child, they must verify his/her status by reviewing the list.
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| − | Once the child has been identified, the prospective parents or their representative must submit their documents to the municipality in which the child resides. Once those documents are received, a court date is set. Please see Documents Required in #5 of this section.
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| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child (if over 14) must be present for court proceedings.
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| − | '''4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
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| − | After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to [[adopt]] that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] and enter the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
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| − | After this, your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or you will submit a visa application to a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa ineligibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify [[Armenia]]'s [[adoption]] authority (Article 5 letter). For Convention country adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) may not proceed with the [[adoption]] or obtain [[custody]] for the purpose of [[adoption]] until this takes place.
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| − | '''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the [[adoption]] process.'''''
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| − | [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] and the child, if over 14, must be present for court proceedings. The court may request the presence of biological parents, [[orphanage]] representatives, or the child if the child is over the age of 10. The court proceedings are closed to the public.
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| − | Cases may be rejected on the basis of incomplete or fraudulent paperwork, among other issues addressed in Armenian law. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may be disqualified based on mental disease, drug addiction, alcoholism, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or other infectious diseases. If any party wishes to cancel the [[adoption]] proceedings, that request will be adjudicated by the regular dispute court in [[Armenia]].
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| − | '''5. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Armenia]]'''
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| − | '''''Remember: Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in [[Armenia]], you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the [[adoption]] or grant of [[custody]] for the purposes of [[adoption]] in [[Armenia]].'''''
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in [[Armenia]] generally includes the following:
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| − | *'''Role of The [[Adoption]] Authority:''' The National [[Adoption]] Committee reviews the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' registration documents and issues a conclusion on the ability to [[adopt]].
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| − | *'''Role of The Court:''' Once the child has been identified and the remaining documents are submitted, a court date is set. During the hearing, the judge makes decisions on any requests to change the child's name, birth date, etc. After the hearing, the court will issue a preliminary decision and 30 days later the Government registers the final court decision. If any party wishes to cancel the [[adoption]] proceedings, that request will be adjudicated by the regular dispute court in [[Armenia]].
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| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' Armenian law does not recognize the involvement of professional [[facilitators]], [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]], or attorneys. It does allow prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to grant power of attorney to an individual to handle most aspects of the [[adoption]] process on their behalf. Some U.S. [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] have contacts with experienced local individuals who can be given power of attorney.
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| − | *'''Time Frame:''' From start to finish, an [[adoption]] timeframe of one to two years is common. Once approval to [[adopt]] has been granted, it can take up to six months to identify a child and several more months to secure the proper paperwork from the different Government agencies to support an application to [[adopt]] that particular child.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Application:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submit the [[adoption]] application to the National [[Adoption]] Committee.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Fee:''' The official fees necessary to procure the documents needed in support of the [[adoption]] are approximately $65 USD. The practice of charging official and unofficial expediting fees varies depending on the particular Government agency or local office. In addition, the attorneys or other individuals assisting the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with the [[adoption]] may charge fees for services rendered. In the [[adoption]] services contract that you sign at the beginning of the [[adoption]] process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your [[adoption]] process. Learn more.
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| − | *'''Documents Required:''' Please note that fraud is pervasive in [[Armenia]]. Fabricated documents or real documents fraudulently obtained are readily available. As a result, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan must carefully investigate all visa cases. In adoptions it must be clearly determined whether the child meets the requirements under U.S. immigration law. The need for investigation may delay the issuance of the visa for the [[adopted]] child to travel to the United States. Cases deemed not clearly approvable by the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan will be referred to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Moscow for review.
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| − | The following is a list of documents required to request registration as prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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| − | ::1. Copy of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' U.S. passports
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| − | ::2. USCIS approval (either of the Form [[I-600A]] in a transition case or the Form I-800A in a new case)
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| − | ::3. Copy of certificate of [[Home Study|home study]], including a description of the family and the home where the [[adopted]] child will reside
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| − | ::4. Work verification letters indicating position, salary, and three letters of reference
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| − | ::5. Tax return for the most recent tax year
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| − | ::6. Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable
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| − | ::7. Copy of divorce decree, or spouse's death certificate, if applicable
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| − | ::8. Spousal consent (if only one spouse is legally adopting the child)
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| − | ::9. Medical evaluation report confirming that the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) do not suffer from any type of psychological condition, alcoholism or drug [[abuse]], HIV AIDS or other STD, active tuberculosis or other infectious diseases
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| − | ::10. Local police check for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]
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| − | ::11. Power of Attorney if documents will be submitted through an authorized representative
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| − | ::12. The following is a list of documents that must be submitted to the regional court presiding over the child's district:
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| − | ::13. Full names of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) and child
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| − | ::14. Notification of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' plans to change the child's name, date or place of birth, or to list themselves as parents on new documents
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| − | ::15. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' passports or other identification
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| − | ::16. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' marriage certificate, if applicable
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| − | ::17. Spousal consent (if married and only one spouse is legally adopting the child)
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| − | ::18. Child's consent if the child is over 10 years of age
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| − | ::19. Child's birth certificate and medical [[records]]
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| − | ::20. Statement of child's centralized registration from the Ministry of Social Security
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| − | ::21. Written consent of [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], birth parents, and the [[orphanage]]. If applicable, death certificates of birth parents and consent of biological grandparents if the biological parents are not legal adults.
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| − | ::22. Government approval of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
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| − | '''6. Bringing Your Child Home'''
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| − | Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
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| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
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| − | You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
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| − | [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] may obtain the child's new birth certificate at the local registration office (ZAGS) of the child's municipality.
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| − | ::2. Armenian Passport
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| − | Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from [[Armenia]].
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| − | [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must visit the Armenian passport agency, the OVIR, to obtain an Armenian passport for the child. The child must have a passport before the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
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| − | Also, before the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] depart [[Armenia]] with their new son or daughter, they must visit the Notarial Office of the Ministry of Justice to get all of the new documents certified with an [[apostille]]. This is required for departing the country.
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| − | ::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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| − | After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S Embassy for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician's [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/health.php Learn more].
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| − | [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan to file the [[I-600]] (in transition cases), have an [[orphan]] investigation interview, and to apply for an immigrant visa. NOTE: In new cases, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must file the I-800 with USCIS BEFORE the [[adoption]] is final. In some cases further investigation may be required to determine whether the [[adopted]] child meets the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Parents should not make final, non-refundable travel plans for return to the United States until they have their child's immigrant visa in hand.
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| − | [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should come to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, with all the necessary paperwork, to schedule an interview. Parents can visit the U.S. Embassy between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Armenian and American holidays. The Embassy tries to accommodate all parents as quickly as possible, but please note that the [[orphan]] investigation may take several days. Please contact the Consular Section upon arrival in country to inform the staff of your time-table and to raise any questions or concerns.
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| − | A consular officer is required to review each [[adoption]] case carefully and make an independent determination of the child's eligibility for a visa. In all cases, the child must be present at the Embassy for the I-604 investigation interview.
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| − | In addition to the complete [[adoption]] file presented for the [[I-600]] (or to USCIS for the I-800), you will also need the following:
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| − | :# A medical exam completed by a designated panel physician
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| − | :# The child's Armenian passport
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| − | :# Two identical full face photographs measuring 2"X2"
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| − | :# $400 for visa application and issuance fees (payable in cash only -- U.S. dollars or Armenian dram).
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| − | :# DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) filled out from the point of view of the child, but not signed
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| − | The Panel Physician's examination is designed to comply with specific visa regulations, and is not intended to be a fully inclusive physical examination. If [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] wish to consult a pediatrician for a more complete physical exam, or for any health problems, the Embassy can provide a current list of doctors and sources for medicine.
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes at least 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should verify current processing times at the embassy before making final travel arrangements.
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| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
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| − | '''''For adoptions to be finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]. We urge your family to finalize the [[adoption]] in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.
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| − | '''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
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| − | [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Learn more] about the Child Citizenship Act.
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| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
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| − | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
| + | Learn more about [[Traveling Abroad in Armenia]] |
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| − | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Armenia]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
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| − | Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ 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.
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| − | '''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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| − | 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.
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| − | To find information about obtaining a visa for [[Armenia]], see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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| − | '''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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| − | 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.
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| − | The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html 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.
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| − | '''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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| − | 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 [[Armenia]], registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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| − | Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
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| | =After Adoption= | | =After Adoption= |
50 North La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 210
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Tel: (310) 657-7320
Email: armconla@aol.com
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
