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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from France"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/fr-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of France.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/fr-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/fr-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of France.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/fr-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/eur/fr_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of France.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/fr_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[France]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Lavender_field.jpg/800px-Lavender_field.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A lavender field in Provance, France.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Lavender_field.jpg/800px-Lavender_field.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A lavender field in Provance.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg/324px-Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg/324px-Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Eiffel Tower in Paris.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Mont_Saint-Michel_France.jpg/800px-Mont_Saint-Michel_France.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mont Saint-Michel, France.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Mont_Saint-Michel_France.jpg/800px-Mont_Saint-Michel_France.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mont Saint-Michel.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Facade_de_la_Cath%C3%A9drale_de_Reims_-_Parvis.jpg/400px-Facade_de_la_Cath%C3%A9drale_de_Reims_-_Parvis.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Notre Dame Cathedral.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Facade_de_la_Cath%C3%A9drale_de_Reims_-_Parvis.jpg/400px-Facade_de_la_Cath%C3%A9drale_de_Reims_-_Parvis.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Notre Dame Cathedral.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Orangerie.jpg/800px-Orangerie.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Orangerie at Versailles, France.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Orangerie.jpg/800px-Orangerie.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Orangerie at Versailles.'''<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]].'''
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
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France 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 France and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
 
  
 +
=About France=
  
−
France is not considered a country of origin in intercountry [[adoption]]. There are few children eligible for [[adoption]] in France, with a long waiting list of French prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Most intercountry adoptions in France are by legal residents of France who [[adopt]] in third countries.  
+
[[France]] today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It [[plays]] an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-8, the G-20, the EU and other multilateral [[organizations]]. For more information please read [[About France]].
  
  
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'''''While legally possible, intercountry [[adoption]] of a French [[orphan]] by foreigners is unlikely.''''' No French orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from France, including adoptions of French children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in France.
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
+
[[France]] 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 [[France]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and France is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from France, 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). Read more on [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Who Can Adopt].
+
[[France]] is not considered a country of origin in intercountry [[adoption]]. There are few children eligible for [[adoption]] in [[France]], with a long waiting list of French prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Most intercountry adoptions in [[France]] are by legal residents of [[France]] who [[adopt]] in third countries.  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], France also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
+
'''''While legally possible, intercountry [[adoption]] of a French [[orphan]] by foreigners is unlikely.''''' No French orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from [[France]], including adoptions of French children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in [[France]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
−
A foreigner who resides outside of France, and wishes to complete an intercountry [[adoption]] of a child residing in France, does not need to establish residency in France. A foreigner who wishes to [[adopt]] a child, whether in France or elsewhere, for the purpose of residing in France with the child, must be a permanent resident of France.
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[France]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[France]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government.  For more information on this please read [[Who Can Adopt from France]].
  
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For domestic and intercountry adoptions, a couple must be married for a minimum of two years or, if married less than two years, both spouses must be at least 28 years old. A single person can [[adopt]] provided he/she is at least 28 years old; however, in practice, it is very difficult to get approval. There is no age limit if one of the spouses wishes to [[adopt]] the other spouse's child. There is no age maximum. Adopting parents must be at least 15 years older than the child they want to [[adopt]] (10 years in the case of the other spouse's child).
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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For domestic and intercountry adoptions, a couple must be married for a minimum of two years or, if married less than two years, both spouses must be at least 28 years old. A single person can [[adopt]] provided he/she is at least 28 years old; however, in practice, it is very difficult to get approval. There is no age limit if one of the spouses wishes to [[adopt]] the other spouse's child. There is no age maximum. Adopting parents must be at least 15 years older than the child they want to [[adopt]] (10 years in the case of the other spouse's child).  
+
Because [[France]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[France]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[France]] attempt to place a child with a family in [[France]] before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[France]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Convention adoptee] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Prospective parents must prove that they can provide for the child but there is no minimum income requirement.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Other==
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'''''WARNING: [[France]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[France]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." Read on for more information.'''''
  
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None.
 
−
 
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
−
 
−
Because France is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from France must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that France attempt to place a child with a family in France before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to France's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Convention adoptee] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
 
−
 
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=How to Adopt=
 
−
 
−
'''''WARNING: France is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in France before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." Read on for more information.'''''
 
  
 
==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
−
'''France's Central Authority'''
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'''[[France]]'s Central Authority'''
 
   
 
   
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Since January 2009, the Central Authority for adoptions in France is the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.  
+
Since January 2009, the Central Authority for adoptions in [[France]] is the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.  
  
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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Because France is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from France 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.
+
Because [[France]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[France]] 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:'''  The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from France, including adoptions of French children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in France.  
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'''NOTE:'''  The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from [[France]], including adoptions of French children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in [[France]].  
  
  
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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 France  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[France]]
 
# Bring your Child Home  
 
# Bring your Child Home  
  
 +
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from France]].
  
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'''1. Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]:''' 
 
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The first step in adopting a child from France 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 France. We provide a list of Accredited [[Adoption]] Service Providers on our website.
 
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−
 
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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). Eligibility Requirements.
 
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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 France. France's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under France's law.
 
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'''3.Be Matched with a Child:'''
 
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If both the United States and France determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in France 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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'''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.
 
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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 in Paris. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa ineligibilities.  If the consular officer determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he or she will send a letter (an "Article 5 Letter") to the French Central Authority. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[custody]] of a child in France before a U.S. consular officer issues the Article 5 Letter.
 
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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 France:'''
 
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'''''Remember: Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in France, 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 France.'''''
 
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in France generally includes the following:
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' American citizens interested in or considering adopting a child in France should consult the website of the Agence Française de l'[[Adoption]], provided in the section under "Contact Information."
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' Prospective parents must file for [[adoption]] at the Tribunal de Grande Instance having [[jurisdiction]] over their place of residence. Although it is not mandatory, it is advisable to retain a lawyer. The court has six months to determine if the conditions for [[adoption]] have been respected and if the [[adoption]] is in the best interest of the child. Once [[adoption]] is granted, the prosecutor asks the city hall of the [[adoptee]]'s place of birth to record the [[adoption]]. There is no indication of the biological parents.
 
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' In cases of [[Domestic Adoption|domestic adoption]], prospective parents deal directly with social services. Other [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] specialize in international [[adoption]].
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' Intercountry [[adoption]] in France is a lengthy process, sometimes taking several years. The [[Domestic Adoption|domestic adoption]] process takes about a year on average.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' Necessary documents are generally prepared by an attorney.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' There are no "[[adoption]] fees" in France but adopting parents often hire an attorney to assist them with the administrative and legal proceedings.
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:'''  American citizens interested in or considering adopting a child in France or bringing a child to be [[adopted]] elsewhere to reside with them in France should consult the French government internet site provide above under [[Adoption]] Authority in France for information concerning documentary requirements.
 
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'''IMPORTANT VISA REQUIREMENTS IN ADOPTIONS FROM THIRD COUNTRIES:''' Americans who are legally resident in France but are considering adopting a child from a different country should first consult the country-specific information on [[adoption]] for that country. It is critical to remember, however, that in addition to meeting U.S. legal requirements, such children [[adopted]] from a third country must also have a French visa to enter and reside in France. [[Adopted]] children of a number of Americans have been denied entry into France because they did not have the appropriate French visas. Once in France, they will need to obtain a U.S. visa, if they choose to bring their child to the United States at a later time.
 
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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. Read more on Traveling Abroad to learn about Authenticating U.S. Documents.
 
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'''6.Bring Your Child Home'''
 
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Once 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.  The city hall of the [[adoptee]]'s place of birth will issue a birth certificate with the names of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
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::2. French 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 France. You can request a passport for your child at the city hall in Paris (Mairies d'Arrondissement) or at the prefectures and sous-préfectures outside Paris.
 
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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 a 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. Read more about the Medical Examination.
 
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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 a lawful permanent resident.
 
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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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Read more about the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. 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.
+
U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in France]].
−
 
+
−
 
+
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'''Obtaining a Visa to Travel to France'''
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+
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you may 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 affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for France, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
+
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+
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+
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
+
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+
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Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country.  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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+
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State.  Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary.  Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in France enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
+
  
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Enrollment is free and can be done online via the [https://step.state.gov/step/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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France has no post [[adoption]] requirements.
+
[[France]] has no post [[adoption]] requirements.
  
  
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==Contact Information==
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=Contact Information=
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in France'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[France]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
2, avenue Gabriel  
 
2, avenue Gabriel  
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'''The French Central Authority'''
 
'''The French Central Authority'''
  
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Service de l'[[Adoption]] Internationale (SAI), Autorité Centrale (International [[Adoption]] Service, Central Authority)  
+
Service de l'[[Adoption]] Internationale (SAI), Autorité Centrale ([[International]] [[Adoption]] Service, Central Authority)  
 
Ministère des Affaires Etrangères et Européennes (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs)  
 
Ministère des Affaires Etrangères et Européennes (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs)  
 
244 boulevard Saint-Germain  
 
244 boulevard Saint-Germain  
 
75303 PARIS 07 SP  
 
75303 PARIS 07 SP  
−
France  
+
[[France]]
 
Telephone number: +33 (1) 4317 9118  
 
Telephone number: +33 (1) 4317 9118  
 
Fax number: +33 (1) 4317 9344  
 
Fax number: +33 (1) 4317 9344  
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'''Embassy of France'''
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'''Embassy of [[France]]'''
  
 
4101 Reservoir Road, NW
 
4101 Reservoir Road, NW
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France has Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, [[New York]] and San Francisco.
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[[France]] has Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, [[New York]] and San Francisco.
  
  
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=france]
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=france
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:28, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of .
Source: cia.gov.

A lavender field in Provance.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mont Saint-Michel.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notre Dame Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Orangerie at Versailles.
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.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About France

France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-8, the G-20, the EU and other multilateral organizations. For more information please read About France.


Hague Convention Information

France 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 France and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.

France is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. There are few children eligible for adoption in France, with a long waiting list of French prospective adoptive parents. Most intercountry adoptions in France are by legal residents of France who adopt in third countries.

While legally possible, intercountry adoption of a French orphan by foreigners is unlikely. No French orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from France, including adoptions of French children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in France.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and France is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from France, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. For more information on this please read Who Can Adopt from France.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because France is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from France must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that France attempt to place a child with a family in France before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to France's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.


How to Adopt

WARNING: France is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in France before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." Read on for more information.


Adoption Authority

France's Central Authority

Since January 2009, the Central Authority for adoptions in France is the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.


The Process

Because France is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from France 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: The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from France, including adoptions of French children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in France.


  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 France
  6. Bring your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from France.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in France.


After Adoption

France has no post adoption requirements.


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:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

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 France

2, avenue Gabriel 75382 Paris Cedex 08 Switchboard: +33 1 43 12 22 22 Fax: +33 1 42 66 97 83 Internet: U.S. Embassy France


The French Central Authority

Service de l'Adoption Internationale (SAI), Autorité Centrale (International Adoption Service, Central Authority) Ministère des Affaires Etrangères et Européennes (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs) 244 boulevard Saint-Germain 75303 PARIS 07 SP France Telephone number: +33 (1) 4317 9118 Fax number: +33 (1) 4317 9344 e-mail: courrier.fae-sai@diplomatie.gouv.fr websites: / French Central Authority


Embassy of France

4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007 Telephone: (202) 944-6000 Fax: (202) 944-6166 Internet: Embassy of France


France has Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco.


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 Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about intercountry adoption and related immigration procedures, call the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) 1-877-3424-8374


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=france