|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/lh-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/lh-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/lh-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Lithania.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/lh-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/lh_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/lh_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Trakai-Troki.jpg/800px-Trakai-Troki.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Island castle of Trakai, Lituania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Trakai-Troki.jpg/800px-Trakai-Troki.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Island castle of Trakai.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Vilnius_montage.jpg/288px-Vilnius_montage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of capital city Vilnius, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Vilnius_montage.jpg/288px-Vilnius_montage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of capital city Vilnius.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg/412px-Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg/412px-Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Vilnius Old Town.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg/800px-Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old Town Kaunas, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg/800px-Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old Town Kaunas.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
| | | | |
| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG/450px-Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Hill of Crosses, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG/450px-Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Hill of Crosses.'''<BR/>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]].'''
| |
| | | | |
| − | =Hague Convention Information=
| + | '''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].''' |
| | | | |
| − | Lithuania 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 Lithuania and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. | + | =About Lithuania= |
| | | | |
| | + | Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, [[Lithuania]] extended its territory to include most of present-day [[Belarus]] and [[Ukraine]]. By the end of the 14th century [[Lithuania]] was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with [[Poland]] in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]] formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. To learn more please read [[About Lithuania]]. |
| | | | |
| − | According to Lithuanian law, only children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] taken away are eligible for [[adoption]]. There are few such children and the Lithuanian families interested in adopting are given precedence.
| + | =Hague Convention Information= |
| | | | |
| | + | [[Lithuania]] 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 [[Lithuania]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Lithuania and the Hague Convention]]. |
| | | | |
| − | Two U.S. embassies play complementary roles in the immigrant visa process for Lithuanian citizens, including [[adopted]] orphans. The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, [[Poland]] ultimately issues all immigrant visas for citizens and residents of Lithuania. The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania conducts the mandatory I-604 [[Orphan]] Investigation interview for all [[orphan]] cases.
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
| |
| | | | |
| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
| | | | |
| − | [[Adoption]] between the United States and Lithuania is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Lithuania, you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn more]. | + | [[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Lithuania]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Lithuania]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Lithuania]]. |
| − | | + | |
| − | In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Lithuania also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==Residency==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | There are no residency requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in Lithuania.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] generally cannot be over 50 years of age. There must be a minimum age difference of 18 years between the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==Marriage==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Intercountry adoptions are usually limited to married couples. A single parent may be considered in exceptional cases when 1) the individual has been the [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] of the particular child to be [[adopted]], 2) the child has extremely serious health problems and no married couple wishes to [[adopt]] the child, or 3) the child is eight years of age or older and unable to be placed with another family.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==Income==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | N/A
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==Other==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Certain medical conditions can disqualify prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. The Government of Lithuania publishes a list of medical conditions. The list is maintained on the State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service website. Some of the conditions are dipsomania (alcoholism), drug addiction "absent steady remission," mental diseases (not specified), AIDS, HIV positive status, infectious tuberculosis, chronic kidney insufficiency when dialysis is obligatory, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), epilepsy with mental and personality changes, multi-[[system]] degeneration and third or fourth stage cancers.
| + | |
| | | | |
| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
| | | | |
| − | Because Lithuania is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Lithuania must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Lithuania attempt to place a child with a family in Lithuania before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Lithuania's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States. | + | Because [[Lithuania]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Lithuania]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Lithuania]]. |
| | | | |
| − | [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about the Convention's requirements for adoptable children.
| |
| | | | |
| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
| Line 66: |
Line 40: |
| | ==Adoption Authority== | | ==Adoption Authority== |
| | | | |
| − | '''Lithuania's [[Adoption]] Authority''' | + | '''[[Lithuania]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority''' |
| | | | |
| | The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service | | The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service |
| Line 73: |
Line 47: |
| | ==The Process== | | ==The Process== |
| | | | |
| − | Because Lithuania is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from Lithuania 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 [[Lithuania]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Lithuania]] 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|I-600a]] with Lithuania 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]. | + | Note: If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Lithuania]] 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]. |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Line 83: |
Line 57: |
| | # 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 |
| − | # [[Adopt]] the Child in Lithuania | + | # [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Lithuania]] |
| | # Bring your Child Home | | # Bring your Child Home |
| | | | |
| | + | To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Lithuania]]. |
| | | | |
| − | '''1. Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The first step in adopting a child from Lithuania 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 Lithuania. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn more].
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]:'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | After you choose an accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], you apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how].
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | 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 Lithuania. Lithuania's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under Lithuania's law.
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''3. Be Matched with a Child:'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | If both the United States and Lithuania determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Lithuania 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. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process.php Learn more] about this critical decision.
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]:'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to [[adopt]] that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] and enter the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | After this, your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or you will submit a visa application for 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 Lithuania'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.
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the [[adoption]] process.'''''
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''5. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in-country:'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''''Remember : Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Lithuania, 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 Lithuania.'''''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Lithuania generally includes the following:
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | *'''Role of The [[Adoption]] Authority:''' The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service places approved prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on a waiting list according to the date of submission of the complete set of documents. Once a child is matched, the State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service issues special permission for the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet the child.
| |
| − | *'''Role of The Court:''' After the Chairman of the Vilnius District Court verifies that all the documents are in order, he assigns the case to one of the Vilnius District Court judges for final review. The assigned judge will set a court date. After the judge approves the [[adoption]], there is a 40-day waiting period before the [[adoption]] is final. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should note that the [[adopted]] child remains in the [[custody]] of the institution where he/she resided prior to the hearing. Special permission may be granted in some cases for the child(ren) to reside with the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in Lithuania.
| |
| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' The [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] forwards the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' letter of interest in adopting to the State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service.
| |
| − | *'''Time Frame:''' Once a family is approved to [[adopt]], it can take several years for a child eligible for intercountry [[adoption]] to be matched with the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' preferences. After a referral has been made and accepted, an [[Adoption Petition|adoption petition]] can be filed with the court. There is a 40-day waiting period from the time the court issues the final approval until it comes into force.
| |
| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Application:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submit their application (letter) to the State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service. The letter should describe the gender and age of the child(ren) they are interested in adopting, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' ages and professions, and any family ties to Lithuania.
| |
| − | *'''[[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. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more]. Some of the fees specifically associated with adopting from Lithuania include a $42 USD filing fee with the court for the [[adoption]] hearing. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can expect to pay [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] for services rendered.
| |
| − | *'''Documents Required:''' The following is a list of documents that must accompany the letter requesting [[adoption]]:
| |
| − | ::::1. Information letter introducing the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (issued by the Central Governmental authority or accredited [[adoption]] association) [[Home Study]] copy (the socio-psychological study);
| |
| − | ::::2. Permit for [[adoption]] issued by a competent authority of the receiving state;
| |
| − | ::::3. Confirmation of a competent authority of the receiving state that the [[adopted]] child will be permitted to enter the country for permanent residence;
| |
| − | ::::4. Copies of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' passports or other personal identification documents;
| |
| − | ::::5. Copies of birth certificates;
| |
| − | ::::6. Copy of marriage certificate, divorce certificate (if divorced), or death certificate of the spouse (if widowed);
| |
| − | ::::7. Health certificates;
| |
| − | ::::8. Certificates of the family's financial standing (income received and assets owned);
| |
| − | ::::9. Criminal record certificates;
| |
| − | ::::10. Health certificates and copies of birth certificates of children residing together with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
| |
| − | If the family applies through an accredited [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]], the following documents must also be submitted:
| |
| − | ::::::A. Power of attorney issued by the family to the agency;
| |
| − | ::::::B. Document issued by a competent authority of the receiving state certifying the authority of the agency to engage in intercountry [[adoption]].
| |
| − | The following is a list of documents that must accompany the letter requesting a hearing:
| |
| − | ::::::::1. Full names and addresses of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
| |
| − | ::::::::2. Names and addresses of the Lithuanian state representative in charge of the [[orphanage]] or institution where the child resides;
| |
| − | ::::::::3. Statement regarding why they want to [[adopt]] a child;
| |
| − | ::::::::4. Statement as to whether the child is to be their stepchild (in cases where a foreigner wishes to [[adopt]] a child of his/her spouse in Lithuania or adoptive child);
| |
| − | ::::::::5. New name to be given to the adoptive child;
| |
| − | ::::::::6. [[Affidavit]] from the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) surrendering all rights to the child, if there are surviving biological parents OR a
| |
| − | ::::::::7. Lithuanian court decision regarding termination of [[Parental Rights|parental rights]];
| |
| − | ::::::::8. Statement from the institution responsible for the child agreeing to the [[adoption]];
| |
| − | ::::::::9. Financial statement of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] indicating that they are financially able to provide for the child;
| |
| − | ::::::::10. Copy of the [[Home Study|home study]] (updated by the authority or accredited [[adoption]] association that prepared the original [[Home Study|home study]];)
| |
| − | ::::::::11. Health certificates;
| |
| − | ::::::::12. Certificates of the family's financial standing;
| |
| − | ::::::::13. Criminal record certificates;
| |
| − | ::::::::14. [[Original Birth Certificate|Original birth certificate]] of the child;
| |
| − | ::::::::15. Filing fee receipt.
| |
| − | The hearing request should be sent to the Vilnius District Court at the following address:
| |
| − | '''Chairman, Civil Cases Department'''
| |
| − | Vilnius District Court
| |
| − | Gedimino 40/1
| |
| − | Telephone: (370-5) 261-4923
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | 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:
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
| |
| − |
| |
| − | 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 [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must present the original [[Adoption Decree]] and the child's [[Original Birth Certificate|original birth certificate]] to the Vilnius Civil Registry Office, Kalinausko Street #21, Room 8, together with their passports and marriage certificate, in order to obtain a new birth certificate and [[Adoption Certificate|adoption certificate]].
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ::2. Lithuania Passport
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Lithuania.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | A Lithuanian passport may be obtained from the local migration office where the child was residing before the [[adoption]]. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] will need four photos of the child according to strict Government requirements for the passport. The passport can take from 1-15 days depending on the method of issuance the parents choose. Most passports issued outside the Vilnius area take at least 3 days with express processing. The fee for regular passport processing, which takes three to four weeks, is about $42 USD. For a five-day turnaround, the fee is $55 USD and for next-day service it is $68 USD. The child must be present while the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submit the passport application. At least one of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must sign the passport application. When applying for the child's new passport, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must present the following documents:
| |
| − | ::::1. Copies of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' passports;
| |
| − | ::::2. Copy of the consent to [[adoption]] by the biological parents, copy of the biological parents' death certificates, or copy of the court's judgment regarding the declaration of the biological parents as legally incapable or the restriction of the parents' authority for an unlimited period;
| |
| − | ::::3. Copies of the child's original and new birth certificates;
| |
| − | ::::4. Copy of the child's birth entry;
| |
| − | ::::5. Copy of the Mayor's decree regarding the temporary guardianship of the child or the court's judgment regarding the establishment of permanent guardianship for the child;
| |
| − | ::::6. Banker's receipt certifying the payment of the fee.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
| |
| − |
| |
| − | 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, contact the U.S Embassy for the final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should contact the consular section at the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius by telephone at (370)(5) 266-5600 to schedule the visa interview. The embassy requires three working days' advance notice for all appointments. Visas cannot be issued outside of working hours. 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. The U.S. Embassy panel physician in Lithuania is Dr. Richard Cervin located at Gedimino Pr. 1-19, telephone number (370) (5) 261-3534. The cost of the medical exam is $120.00 USD for children under 15 years of age
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''NOTE:''' Please also do not plan to depart from Vilnius the same day as the interview. Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/health.php Learn more].
| |
| − |
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''''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.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''''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.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | '''''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.'''''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
| |
| | | | |
| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
| Line 212: |
Line 67: |
| | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' | | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' |
| | | | |
| − | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Lithuania. 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 [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place. | + | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Lithuania]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Lithuania]]. |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Obtaining Your Visa'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Lithuania, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. The Department of State provides [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.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | '''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Lithuania, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
| + | |
| | | | |
| | =After Adoption= | | =After Adoption= |
| | | | |
| − | '''What does Lithuania require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' | + | '''What does [[Lithuania]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' |
| | | | |
| − | Lithuania does not have any post-[[adoption]] requirements. | + | [[Lithuania]] does not have any post-[[adoption]] requirements. |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Line 255: |
Line 95: |
| | ==Contact Information== | | ==Contact Information== |
| | | | |
| − | '''U.S. Embassy in Lithuania''' | + | '''U.S. Embassy in [[Lithuania]]''' |
| | | | |
| | Akmenu 6 | | Akmenu 6 |
| − | Vilnius, Lithuania | + | Vilnius, [[Lithuania]] |
| | Tel: 011-370-5-266-5500 | | Tel: 011-370-5-266-5500 |
| | Fax: 011-370-5-266-5590 | | Fax: 011-370-5-266-5590 |
| Line 265: |
Line 105: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| − | '''Lithuania's [[Adoption]] Authority''' | + | '''[[Lithuania]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority''' |
| | | | |
| | The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service | | The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service |
| | Ministry of Social Security and Labour: | | Ministry of Social Security and Labour: |
| | Sodu g. 15 | | Sodu g. 15 |
| − | LT-03211 Vilnius, Lithuania | + | LT-03211 Vilnius, [[Lithuania]] |
| | Tel: 370-5-231-0928 | | Tel: 370-5-231-0928 |
| | Fax: 370-5-231-0927 | | Fax: 370-5-231-0927 |
| Line 276: |
Line 116: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| − | '''Embassy of Lithuania''' | + | '''Embassy of [[Lithuania]]''' |
| | | | |
| − | Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania | + | Embassy of the Republic of [[Lithuania]] |
| | 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302 | | 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302 |
| | Arlington, VA 22201 | | Arlington, VA 22201 |
| Line 286: |
Line 126: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| − | Lithuania also has consulates in Chicago and [[New York]]. | + | [[Lithuania]] also has consulates in Chicago and [[New York]]. |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and Poland formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. To learn more please read About Lithuania.
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
