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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Chile"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ci-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Chile.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ci-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/ci-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Chile.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ci-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/soa/ci_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Chile.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/soa/ci_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Salar_de_Atacama.jpg/800px-Salar_de_Atacama.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Atacama dry lake in Chile.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Salar_de_Atacama.jpg/800px-Salar_de_Atacama.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Atacama dry lake.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Parinacota_volcano.jpg/800px-Parinacota_volcano.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Parinacota volcano in northern Chile.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Parinacota_volcano.jpg/800px-Parinacota_volcano.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Parinacota volcano.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Costanera_Center_junio_2012.jpg/492px-Costanera_Center_junio_2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sanhattan, the financial district in Santiago de Chile.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Costanera_Center_junio_2012.jpg/492px-Costanera_Center_junio_2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sanhattan, the financial district in Santiago.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Moai_Rano_raraku.jpg/450px-Moai_Rano_raraku.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Maoi on Easter Island, which is part of Chile.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Moai_Rano_raraku.jpg/450px-Moai_Rano_raraku.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Maoi on Easter Island, which is part of [[Chile]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Cerro_Concepcion.jpg/800px-Cerro_Concepcion.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The historical district in the port city of Valparaiso, Chile.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Cerro_Concepcion.jpg/800px-Cerro_Concepcion.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The historical district in the port city of Valparaiso.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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=About Chile=
  
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Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Inca ruled northern [[Chile]] while the Mapuche inhabited central and southern [[Chile]]. Although [[Chile]] declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), [[Chile]] defeated [[Peru]] and [[Bolivia]] and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche were brought under central government control.  To learn more, read [[About Chile]].
  
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'''''There are no U.S. [[adoption]] service providers accredited in Chile at this time.''''' 
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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'''''There are no U.S. [[adoption]] service providers accredited in [[Chile]] at this time.''''' 
  
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Chile is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between Chile and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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[[Chile]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between [[Chile]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about [[Chile and the Hague Convention]].
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Chilean [[adoption]] law gives priority to Chilean families over non-Chilean families. Most Chilean children available for intercountry [[adoption]] are at least four years old. Not all children eligible for [[adoption]] in Chile meet U.S. immigration requirements to receive an [[orphan]] visa, so it is important that adopting families consult with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago before beginning any [[adoption]] procedures to ensure that the [[adoption]] complies with U.S. law. Under Chilean law, children to be [[adopted]] may not leave the country until the [[adoption]] is complete.
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Chile is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Chile, 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). Learn more.
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Chile]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Chile]], 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). To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Chile]].
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Chile also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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==Residency==
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There are no residency requirements to [[adopt]] in Chile.
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must both be at least 20 years older than the child being [[adopted]].
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==Marriage==
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Only married couples between the ages of 25 and 60 can [[adopt]] in Chile.
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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 Chile is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Chile must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Chile attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Chile's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.  
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Because [[Chile]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Chile]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Chile]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Chile]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Chile]].
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Families interested in adopting in Chile must apply and be approved by SENAME, which keeps the national registry of children eligible for [[adoption]]. The first stage of the application process is to send SENAME, at the address above, a letter or email that includes both prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' names, dates of birth, contact information and any preferences, including the reasons for these preferences, for a child or children.
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The children on the national registry have been declared eligible for [[adoption]] (susceptible de ser adoptado) by a judge and all [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] have been terminated. SENAME matches available children with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Blood relatives are always given priority, followed by unrelated Chilean families, then non-Chilean families. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] do have the right to decline a specific match, which they would do by simply notifying SENAME. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should consider carefully declining a specific match as they will be required to begin the process again and will have to explain, in detail, the reason for their declination.
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After a child is successfully matched with a family, there is a wait to obtain a hearing with a judge. The normal wait time is between 6 to 12 months.
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=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
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Because [[Chile]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Chile]] 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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'''Chile's [[Adoption]] Authority:'''
 
  
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SENAME (Servicio Nacional de Menores) is the clearinghouse for adoptions and approves parents who wish to [[adopt]]. Prospective adopting families must  contact SENAME first before beginning any [[adoption]] proceedings.
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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Chile]] 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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==The Process==
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Because Chile is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from Chile 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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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with Chile 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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# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in Chile  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Chile]]
 
# Bring your Child Home  
 
# Bring your Child Home  
  
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To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Chile]].
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'''1. Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
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The first step in adopting a child from Chile 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 Chile. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
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'''''Disclaimer: There are no U.S. [[adoption]] service providers accredited in Chile at this time.'''''
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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 must 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.php Learn how].  Chile's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under Chile's law.
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child:'''
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If both the United States and Chile determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Chile 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.
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After a child is successfully matched with a family, there is a wait to obtain a hearing with a judge. The normal wait time is between 6 and 12 months. At the hearing, the judge may determine that the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to provide further documentation, but all of the stated required documents would have already been submitted and in the [[adoption]] file (see below "Documents for [[Adoption]] in Country"). Either SENAME or one of the approved [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] must be present at the hearing, along with both prospective parents. The child is not normally present for the [[adoption]] hearing.
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'''NOTE:''' It is extremely hard to obtain a duplicate certified copy of the [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] - it is highly recommended that parents ask for an extra certified copy while present at the hearing.
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Once the [[adoption]] is approved, the judge will inform the civil registry and provide the information for a new birth certificate, with the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' names. This part of the process can take between 15-30 working days. The new birth document is used to obtain a Chilean identification card (also known as a R.U.T. number), which is required to obtain a Chilean passport. This part of the process can take between 15-30 working days as well. Typically [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will remain in Chile for one to two months to complete the [[adoption]] process.
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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. 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 the Chile'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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'''5. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Chile:'''
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'''''Remember: Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Chile, 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 Chile.'''''
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Chile generally includes the following:
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*'''TIME FRAME:'''  Intercountry adoptions from Chile normally take about two (2) years from start to finish. This time is measured from the time the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] contact SENAME expressing their intention to [[adopt]] until the time the [[adoption]] is finalized.
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:'''  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.  The U.S. Embassy in Chile discourages the payment of any fees that are not properly receipted, "donations," or "expediting" fees, that may be requested from prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Such fees have the appearance of "buying" a baby and put all future adoptions in Chile at risk.  Fees vary, but prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should expect to spend no more than $300. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should report exorbitant fees to the U.S. Embassy or SENAME.
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:'''  The following documents are required by SENAME after the initial letter or email from the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] is received. They will not accept these documents with the initial letter or email. Prospective parents will receive a letter from SENAME acknowledging receipt and asking for the following documents below. Once the package of documents is received, SENAME will begin the process of [[matching]] a child:
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::::1. Birth certificates and marriage certificate of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
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::::2. Certificate issued by a Chilean Consul in the U.S. that states that the parents have met all U.S. [[adoption]] requirements;
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::::3. Favorable [[Home Study|home study]] conducted by an accredited agency in the U.S.;
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::::4. Physical and psychological exams demonstrating the well-being of the parents;
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::::5. Proof of parents' financial situation, i.e., ability to successfully support the child;
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::::6. Recent photographs of each of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s);
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::::7. Three notarized letters of recommendation from U.S. community, religious or other governmental authorities;
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Since all Immigrant Visas issued in Chile will be IH-3 visas, the U.S. Embassy will issue a certificate stating that the child is eligible for U.S. citizenship automatically after he/she legally enters the U.S. with an immigrant visa. In order to obtain this certificate, adopting parents and/or their agent must come to the Embassy Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning between 8:30-11:00am.
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'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html Learn how].
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'''6. Bring 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 three 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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::2. Chile 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 Chile.
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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" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are traveling to Chile to finalize an [[adoption]] should send an email to: santiagoimmigration@state.gov to inform the U.S. Embassy Santiago of their impending trip. Once the [[adoption]] is completed and the documents listed below are all ready, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should appear at the U.S. Embassy on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
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[[Adopted]] children need not come for this initial appearance. At this point, the documents will be reviewed and the U.S. Embassy will discuss with the parents any final details needed. Then, the U.S. Embassy will set up the final interview date and give the letter needed for the child to go to obtain his/her medical exam. This interview date is typically within 3-5 working days from the initial appearance. The child will need to be present on the final interview date.
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Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes the minimum 1-2 days 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 appropriate consulate or embassy before making final travel arrangements.
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Documents needed for Immigrant Visa:
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::::::1. The applicant will need the I-800 Petition to Classify Convention [[Adoptee]] as Immediate Relative for cases that are filed after April 1, 2008.
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::::::2. Child's Chilean passport.
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::::::3. Four (4) passport photos (5 x 5 cm. with white background).
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::::::4. Forms DS230 Part I and II (which can be found on www.travel.state.gov).
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::::::5. Child's birth certificate legalized by the Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs and an English translation.
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::::::6. [[Adoption Decree|Adoption decree]] legalized by the Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs and an English translation.
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::::::7. Suceptibilidad de adopción (document that proves the child's eligibility for [[adoption]]) legalized by the Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs and an English translation.
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At the FINAL interview, the Medical examination and any other documents not submitted previously will be required.
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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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Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Chile. 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 [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Chile]]. 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 [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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. To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Chile]].
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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.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Chile, 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.  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 Chile, 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=
  
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'''What does [[Chile]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' 
  
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'''What does Chile require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' 
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We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of [[Chile]] and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|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.
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We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Chile and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|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.
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'''U.S. Embassy in Chile'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Chile]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
Consular Section - Immigrant Visas  
 
Consular Section - Immigrant Visas  
 
Avenida Andrés Bello 2800  
 
Avenida Andrés Bello 2800  
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Santiago, Chile  
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Santiago, [[Chile]]
 
Tel: (56)(2) 335-6550  
 
Tel: (56)(2) 335-6550  
 
Fax: (56)(2) 330-3005  
 
Fax: (56)(2) 330-3005  
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'''Chile's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''[[Chile]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
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Servicio Nacional de Menores de Chile (SENAME)  
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Servicio Nacional de Menores de [[Chile]] (SENAME)  
 
Unidad de Adopción  
 
Unidad de Adopción  
 
Huerfanos 587  
 
Huerfanos 587  
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Santiago, Chile  
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Santiago, [[Chile]]
 
Telephone: (56)(2) 398-4447  
 
Telephone: (56)(2) 398-4447  
  
  
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'''Embassy of Chile in the United States'''
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'''Embassy of [[Chile]] in the United States'''
  
 
1732 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W.  
 
1732 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W.  
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Chile also has consulates in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, [[New York]], Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan
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[[Chile]] also has consulates in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, [[New York]], Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan
  
  

Revision as of 00:01, 3 September 2014

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The Atacama dry lake.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Parinacota volcano.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sanhattan, the financial district in Santiago.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Maoi on Easter Island, which is part of .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The historical district in the port city of Valparaiso.
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.

About Chile

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Inca ruled northern Chile while the Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche were brought under central government control. To learn more, read About Chile.

Hague Convention Information

There are no U.S. adoption service providers accredited in Chile at this time.

Chile is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between Chile and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about Chile and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Chile is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Chile, 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). To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Chile.

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Chile is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Chile must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Chile attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Chile's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Chile.

How to Adopt

Because Chile is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Chile 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.


NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Chile 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. Learn more.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child in Chile
  6. Bring your Child Home

To learn more, read about How to Adopt from Chile.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Chile. 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. To learn more, read about Traveling Abroad in Chile.

After Adoption

What does Chile require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Chile and complete all 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.


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


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Chile

Consular Section - Immigrant Visas Avenida Andrés Bello 2800 Santiago, Chile Tel: (56)(2) 335-6550 Fax: (56)(2) 330-3005 Email: Santiagoimmigration@state.gov Website: U.S. Embassy Chile


Chile's Adoption Authority

Servicio Nacional de Menores de Chile (SENAME) Unidad de Adopción Huerfanos 587 Santiago, Chile Telephone: (56)(2) 398-4447


Embassy of Chile in the United States

1732 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 785-1746 Fax: (202) 887-5579 Website: Embassy of Chile United States


Chile also has consulates in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Website: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]