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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ja-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Japan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ja-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/ja-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Japan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ja-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/eas/ja_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Japan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eas/ja_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Horyu-ji11s3200.jpg/800px-Horyu-ji11s3200.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Golden Hall and Five-storied Pagoda of Hōryū-ji are Japan's National Treasures. Hōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara prefecture, Japan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Horyu-ji11s3200.jpg/800px-Horyu-ji11s3200.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Golden Hall and Five-storied Pagoda of Hōryū-ji are [[Japan]]'s National Treasures. Hōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara prefecture.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Skyscrapers_of_Shinjuku_2009_January_%28revised%29.jpg/800px-Skyscrapers_of_Shinjuku_2009_January_%28revised%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Skyscrapers of Tokyo with Mt. Fuji in the backround.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Skyscrapers_of_Shinjuku_2009_January_%28revised%29.jpg/800px-Skyscrapers_of_Shinjuku_2009_January_%28revised%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Skyscrapers of Tokyo with Mt. Fuji in the backround.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/asia/japan/japan25.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Japanese school children.'''<BR/>Source: bigfoot.com.}} | | {{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/asia/japan/japan25.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Japanese school children.'''<BR/>Source: bigfoot.com.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Geisha-kyoto-2004-11-21.jpg/497px-Geisha-kyoto-2004-11-21.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kyoto Geisha's.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Geisha-kyoto-2004-11-21.jpg/497px-Geisha-kyoto-2004-11-21.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kyoto [[Geisha]]'s.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Kinkaku3402CBcropped.jpg/800px-Kinkaku3402CBcropped.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Shariden Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) at Rokuonji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, Japan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Kinkaku3402CBcropped.jpg/800px-Kinkaku3402CBcropped.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Shariden Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) at Rokuonji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/asia/japan/japan-46.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Japan.'''<BR/>Source: bigfoto.com.}}
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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]].''' |
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| − | =Japan Adoption Alert=
| + | 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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| − | <span style="color:red">'''Notice: Japan Adoptions: Status of Adopting Orphans from Japan During Crisis (March 23, 2011)'''
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| − | The process for intercountry [[adoption]] from Japan has not changed as a result of the recent Earthquake. American citizens wishing to [[adopt]] from Japan can learn more about this process on the Japan country information page of the State Department website www.adoption.state.gov. The Department of State understands and appreciates the desire of American Citizens to offer their help during this crisis in Japan. If you are interested in more information on what private citizens can do to offer assistance in the disaster relief effort, please see the U.S. Agency for International Development website at http://www.usaid.gov/.
| + | =About Japan= |
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| | + | In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled [[Japan]] to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. To learn more please read [[About Japan]]. |
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| − | =Hague Convention Information=
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| − | Japan is not 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, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Japan did not change for American citizens. | + | =Japan Adoption Alert= |
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| | + | To learn about [[adoption]] alerts in [[Japan]] please read [[Japan Adoption Alert]]. |
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| − | Please note: Japan does not have a comprehensive national law on intercountry [[adoption]].
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| | + | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| − | Japan has two distinct procedures for intercountry [[adoption]]: | + | [[Japan]] is not 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, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Japan]] did not change for American citizens. To learn more please read about [[Japan and the Hague Convention]]. |
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| − | #American citizens can complete a full and final [[adoption]] in Japan under Japanese law. However, since Japanese law requires the adopting parents and the child to spend at least six months together before the [[adoption]] can be finalized, this option is generally only feasible for American citizens who are already resident in Japan.
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| − | #(2) American citizens may obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child in Japan for the purposes of the child's emigration and a full and final [[adoption]] in the United States.
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| − | Both alternatives require that the child meet the definition of "[[orphan]]" in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 101(b)(1)(F) in order to qualify for issuance of an immediate immigrant visa to enter the United States in either category IR-3 (option 1) or IR-4 (option 2).
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| − | '''"Special" and "Regular" Adoptions'''
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| − | For adoptions that are finalized in Japan, there are two types of adoptions under Japanese law - regular and special.
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| − | "Regular" adoptions are not considered an option for American citizens wishing to [[adopt]] in Japan as they are based on Japanese cultural and family traditions and do not legally sever the ties between the child and his or her birth family. To date there have been no known cases of Americans applying for immigrant visas for children [[adopted]] under the Japanese "regular" [[adoption]] process. To be a valid [[adoption]] for U.S. immigration purposes there must be an irrevocable termination of the biological parent(s) - child relationship.
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| − | "Special" adoptions in the Japanese context are an option for Americans who are resident in Japan. The law on special adoptions went into effect on January 1, 1988, having been created to protect children. Special adoptions more closely resemble Western-style adoptions. As in U.S. adoptions, a special [[adoption]] legally severs the child's ties, rights and privileges with regard to the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) and any prior [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Japan, you must 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. | + | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Japan]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Japan]]. |
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| − | In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Japan also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | There are no laws concerning the visa status of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. However, parents almost always must reside in Japan during the entire court process, which takes a minimum of six months and possibly as long as 18 months. When the [[adoption]] is finalized at least one parent must be present at court. Proxy adoptions are not permitted.
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
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| − | In special adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be over 25 years of age. However, if one parent is over 25, the other parent can be younger than 25 so long as he or she is at least 20 years old. In regular adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 20 years of age.
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | In special adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be a married couple. In regular adoptions, there may be circumstances in which single people can [[adopt]].
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | While there are no specific income requirements required by Japanese law, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] likely will have to provide documentation on their income and finances.
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | There are no laws regulating or addressing same-sex couples adopting in Japan, but there have been no known cases of this happening. However, it may be permitted if the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' state recognizes the marriage as legal.
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| − | Japan has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Japan unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below. | + | [[Japan]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Japan]]. |
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| − | In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
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| − | '''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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| − | Requirements for a child to be [[adopted]] under Japanese law:
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| − | '''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' For a child to be [[adopted]] under the special [[adoption]] law, the child must be under the age of 6 at the time the [[Petition to Adopt|petition to adopt]] is filed. However, the [[adoption]] can still proceed if the child is under the age of 8 and the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have had [[custody]] of the child and continually cared for the child since before the child was 6 years of age.
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| − | '''[[Abandonment]]/Relinquishment Requirements:''' Japanese law does not specify that the child must be an "[[orphan]]" (i.e., as defined in U.S. immigration law) in order for the [[adoption]] to proceed. According to Article 817-7, a special [[adoption]] can be granted when:
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| − | # It is extremely difficult for the biological parents to take care of the child;
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| − | # It is considered inappropriate for the biological parents to raise the child; and/or
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| − | # It is in the interests of the child.
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| − | '''Please note:''' The family court uses these guidelines to determine whether or not to grant the [[adoption]], taking the specific circumstances of each case into account. Please note that it is possible for the Japanese court to issue a final [[adoption]] order, but for the child to still be ineligible for an IR-3 immigrant visa because he or she does not meet the U.S. definition of "[[orphan]]" in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA 101(b)(1)(F)).
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| | ==Adoption Authority== | | ==Adoption Authority== |
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| − | '''Japan's [[Adoption]] Authority''' | + | '''[[Japan]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority''' |
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| − | Japan's principal [[adoption]] authorities are the Family Courts and the Child Guidance Centers (CGC), both of which are administered at the prefectural level. | + | [[Japan]]'s principal [[adoption]] authorities are the Family Courts and the Child Guidance Centers (CGC), both of which are administered at the prefectural level. |
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| | ==The Process== | | ==The Process== |
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| − | The process for adopting a child from Japan generally includes the following steps: | + | The process for adopting a child from [[Japan]] generally includes the following steps: |
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| | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] | | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]] |
| | # Be Matched with a Child | | # Be Matched with a Child |
| − | # [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Japan | + | # [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Japan]] |
| | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]] | | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]] |
| | # Bring Your Child Home | | # Bring Your Child Home |
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| | + | To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Japan]]. |
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| − | '''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
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| − | The first step in adopting a child from Japan is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your [[adoption]], including those requirements related to the child's immigration to the United States. [[Adoption]] service providers in the United States must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more] about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].
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| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child to the U.S. or to obtain [[custody]] of a child for the purpose of [[adoption]] in the U.S., you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) 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]. In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Japan as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
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| − | '''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
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| − | If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the Japanese [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or the Child Guidance Center that has [[custody]] of the child arranges for child/prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] matches. In some cases the biological parent is asked to provide input concerning who will [[adopt]] the child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
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| − | The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Japan's requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Learn more.
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| − | Please note: Under some circumstances, a foreign born [[adopted]] child may be eligible for a U.S. immigrant visa in the category IR-2, if the child has been in the legal and physical [[custody]] of the adoptive U.S. citizen parent(s) for at least two years, and the [[adoption]] was finalized before the child's 16 th birthday.
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| − | '''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in-Japan:'''
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Japan generally includes the following:
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| − | *'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' '''Final [[Adoption]] (Special [[Adoption]]):''' For those who are finalizing the [[adoption]] in Japan, the Family Court reviews the [[adoption]] application. Please note that you may never actually appear in court in front of a judge; the paperwork may be done at the clerk's office. In reviewing the application, the Court examines the law governing intercountry adoptions in the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' U.S. state of legal domicile. The Court informs the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] of their court hearing date. This first hearing date generally occurs at the end of the trial six-month period, during which time a court representative conducts an interview with the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and conducts at least one home visit. Approximately two to three weeks after the final hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to approve the [[adoption]]. If the judge approves the petition, the Court issues a certificate allowing "Permission to [[adopt]]" (yoshi no kyoka). If the biological parents or any interested parties do not object within two weeks of the parents' registering the [[adoption]] at the ward office or two weeks after the date provided on the final decree, it is considered final. '''[[Legal Custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]] in the United States:''' For those who are obtaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child to complete the [[adoption]] in their U.S. state of residence, the Japanese court is not involved and the Japanese [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] is responsible for transferring [[custody]]. In such circumstances, the biological parent signs a form in English and her native language stating that she is the sole remaining parent of the child, that she is incapable of providing care for the child, and that she consents irrevocably to the [[adoption]] of the child by the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] as well as the emigration of the child to the United States.
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| − | *'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' When finalizing the [[adoption]] in Japan, the [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] can match the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with a child, provide all of the necessary forms and instructions on how to complete the [[adoption]] process in Japan, and help collect the documents necessary for the U.S. immigrant visa, including the birth certificate and [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]. When obtaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child for a full and final [[adoption]] in the U.S., the [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] can match the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with a child and assist with the forms and documents necessary to secure a U.S. immigrant visa.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' When finalizing an [[adoption]] in Japan, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submit their [[adoption]] application to the Family Court with [[jurisdiction]] over the child's residence. When obtaining [[custody]] of a child for a full and final [[adoption]] in the United States, the application to [[adopt]] is submitted to the proper authorities in the U.S. state of residence after the child enters the United States on an immigrant visa. Please note that in this case, the [[adopted]] child will acquire U.S. citizenship only after a full and final [[adoption]] in the United States.
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| − | *'''TIME FRAME:''' Intercountry adoptions through the Family Court require at least six months and sometimes longer, possibly up to 18 months. The Japanese court [[system]] will take into account the laws of your state of residence and will try to comply with those laws. In practice, this may mean that [[finalization]] of the [[adoption]] takes several months longer than it otherwise would. The Family Court does not mandate a time limit on when an [[adoption]] must be completed. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are gaining [[custody]] to complete a full and final [[adoption]] in the United States report that the process takes between nine and eighteen months to take [[custody]] of the child, plus additional time in the United States to finalize the [[adoption]] in their state of residence.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' For those who are resident in Japan and adopting a child through the Japanese court [[system]], the costs vary widely; however, the average total cost is approximately US$20,000. This includes fees for the Family Court, [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]], immigration processing, and document translations and authentications. It should be noted that Japanese [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] fees can range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 or higher, so the overall cost of [[adoption]] depends on the agency the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] select. Japanese law prohibits [[adoption]] service providers operating in Japan from profiting from adoptions, and the provider is required to give you an itemized invoice. That list may include fees to cover the birth of the child, as such costs are not covered by Japanese health insurance. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may incur additional fees when adopting a child with medical conditions. [[Adoption]] service providers in Japan are prohibited from receiving donations before the completion of the [[adoption]] process, and a donation may not be a condition for providing services. Providers that violate these regulations should be reported to the prefectural government and may be suspended or closed by that government.
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| − | *'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' When completing a full and final [[adoption]] under Japanese law, the Japanese [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] should provide you with a complete list of required documents. These may include:
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| − | ::::1. Birth certificate and/or family register of all parties
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| − | ::::2. Passport, Japanese visas and Alien Registration cards for all parties
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| − | ::::3. Copy of U.S. military ID (where applicable)
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| − | ::::4. Marriage, divorce, and death certificates (where applicable)
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| − | ::::5. Copy of any property ownership deeds and/or bank statements
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| − | ::::6. Certificate of [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] registration (where applicable)
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| − | ::::7. Certificate of good conduct/no criminal record for each [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] (issued by their home city or state police department)
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| − | ::::8. Certificate of legal address, employment, and income
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| − | ::::9. Biographic history of all parties
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| − | ::::10. Statement of [[Consent to Adopt|consent to adopt]] by the child's biological parent(s) or [[guardian]]
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| − | ::::11. Statement of prospective parent(s)' intent to [[adopt]] the identified child
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| − | ::::12. [[Home Study]] (approved by an authorized and licensed [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]])
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| − | ::::13. Two character references.
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| − | When taking [[custody]] of a child for a full and final [[adoption]] in the United States, again the [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] will assist you with documentation. For example, you will need a family registry (koseki) for the child, a passport for the child, signed release statements from the biological mother, and descriptions of the situation of the biological mother.
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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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| − | '''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
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| − | After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Japan, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] (Form [[I-600]]). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
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| − | Because Japan does not have a USCIS office, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S. Consulate General in Naha, Okinawa are authorized to accept the Form [[I-600]] when the parent(s) already have an approved and valid [[I-600A]]. Once the Embassy or Consulate receive notice from USCIS that your [[I-600A]] has been approved, the Immigrant Visa Section sends the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] information about how to file Form [[I-600]]. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] request an appointment by fax or email, then come to the Embassy with the child to file the form. Usually the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] take [[custody]] of a child, file the [[I-600]] at Embassy Tokyo or Consulate Naha, then return to the Embassy or Consulate a couple of days later to apply for the immigrant visa.
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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 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 family registry (the Japanese version of a birth certificate) for the child, so that you can later apply for a passport. If you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child for [[adoption]] in the U.S., the family registry will list the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]]'s name. An [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] should be able to assist you with this process.
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| − | ::2. Japanese 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 Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only the child's biological or [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] or [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] may apply for a passport on behalf of the minor child, but an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] should be able to help get the document.
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| − | Please note: according to the Japanese nationality law, a child is not considered to have gained citizenship of a second country (the United States in this case) by his or her own will, so the child does not automatically lose Japanese citizenship when naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
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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 After you obtain the family registry and Japanese passport for the child, you also need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for the child from the United States Embassy in Tokyo or the Consulate General in Naha. When you file Form [[I-600]], you will be instructed to take the child to a "Panel Physician" for a complete [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php health examination]. You will return on the appointed day to the Embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.
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| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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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 Japan. 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. | + | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Japan]]. 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. To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in Japan]]. |
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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 Japan, 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 Japan, 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 Japan require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' | + | '''What does [[Japan]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' |
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| | The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to work with the Japanese [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] to have the child's name removed from the [[Birth Mother|birth mother]]'s family registry (koseki). This is important to the [[Birth Mother|birth mother]] because she may have chosen intercountry [[adoption]] so that the child's name would be removed from her family registry. | | The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to work with the Japanese [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] to have the child's name removed from the [[Birth Mother|birth mother]]'s family registry (koseki). This is important to the [[Birth Mother|birth mother]] because she may have chosen intercountry [[adoption]] so that the child's name would be removed from her family registry. |
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| − | ==Contact Information==
| + | =Contact Information= |
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| − | '''U.S. Embassy in Japan''' | + | '''U.S. Embassy in [[Japan]]''' |
| | Box 114 | | Box 114 |
| | 1-10-5 Akasaka Minato-ku | | 1-10-5 Akasaka Minato-ku |
| − | Tokyo 107-8420, Japan | + | Tokyo 107-8420, [[Japan]] |
| | Tel: (81)(3) 3224-5000 | | Tel: (81)(3) 3224-5000 |
| | Fax: (81)(3) 3224-5929 | | Fax: (81)(3) 3224-5929 |
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| − | '''Japan's [[Adoption]] Authority''' | + | '''[[Japan]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority''' |
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| | The Family Court and the Child Guidance Center (CGC) are administered at the local prefectural level and are often located in the City or Ward Office. | | The Family Court and the Child Guidance Center (CGC) are administered at the local prefectural level and are often located in the City or Ward Office. |
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| − | '''Embassy of Japan''' | + | '''Embassy of [[Japan]]''' |
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| | 2520 [[Massachusetts]] Ave., NW | | 2520 [[Massachusetts]] Ave., NW |
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| − | Japan also has Consulates in Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Miami, [[Kansas]] City (MO), Los Angeles, New Orleans, [[New York]], Portland (OR), Saipan (Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Seattle, and Tamuning (Guam). | + | [[Japan]] also has Consulates in Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Miami, [[Kansas]] City (MO), Los Angeles, New Orleans, [[New York]], Portland (OR), Saipan (Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Seattle, and Tamuning (Guam). |
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| | ==SOURCE== | | ==SOURCE== |
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| − | '''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=japan] | + | '''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=japan |
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| | [[Category: International Adoption]] | | [[Category: International Adoption]] |
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.
In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. To learn more please read About Japan.
The Family Court and the Child Guidance Center (CGC) are administered at the local prefectural level and are often located in the City or Ward Office.
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
