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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Micronesia, Federated States of"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/fm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of The Federated States of Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/fm-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/fm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of The Federated States of Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/fm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Koloniasokehs.jpg/800px-Koloniasokehs.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Kolonia Town looking down from Sokehs Ridge, Phonpei, Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Koloniasokehs.jpg/800px-Koloniasokehs.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Kolonia Town looking down from Sokehs Ridge, Phonpei.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/100/304272006_722fbd1d6c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Village children playing out side, Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/100/304272006_722fbd1d6c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Village children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Aerial_view_of_Nauru.jpg/800px-Aerial_view_of_Nauru.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aerial view of [[Nauru]], island that is part of Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Aerial_view_of_Nauru.jpg/800px-Aerial_view_of_Nauru.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aerial view of [[Nauru]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3537/3497917025_8b63e37b27.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fishing in Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Federated_States_of_Micronesia.svg/579px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Federated_States_of_Micronesia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Federated_States_of_Micronesia.svg/579px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Federated_States_of_Micronesia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of The Federated States of Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6209/6052754554_98a29d1b21.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Palau]], Koror.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6209/6052754554_98a29d1b21.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Palau]], Koror, Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg/800px-Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Palau]] Rock islands.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3180/3082805449_0efa6f7eb5.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Amin Village, Yap, Federated States of MIcronesia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.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]].'''
  
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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 The Federated States of Micronesia=
  
 +
The Caroline Islands are a widely scattered archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean; they became part of a UN Trust Territory under US administration following World War II. The eastern four island groups [[adopted]] a constitution in 1979 and chose to become the Federated States of Micronesia. To learn more please read [[About the Federated States of Micronesia]].
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg/800px-Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Palau]] rock islands, Micronesia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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The Federated States of Micronesia, 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 the Hague Adoption Convention]). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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The Federated States of Micronesia, 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 the Hague Adoption Convention]). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)]. To learn more please read about [[Federated States of Micronesia and the Hague Convention]].
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'''''PLEASE NOTE: Under the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), FSM citizens have the right to live, work, study and assume residence in the United States with no visa requirement. However, this does not apply to [[adopted]] children from the FSM, who must obtain a U.S. immigrant visa in order to travel to reside permanently with their adoptive families in the United States.'''''
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'''IMPORTANT CHANGE FROM PAST VISA PRACTICE WITH REGARD TO [[Adopted|ADOPTED]] CHILDREN of the FSM:''' In the past, some children [[adopted]] by U.S. citizens were permitted to travel to the United States to reside there permanently without obtaining U.S. immigrant visas. This is no longer possible. [[Adopted]] children from the FSM must obtain immigrant visas if they intend to take up residence in the United States.
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This in no way impacts the right of FSM citizens to continue "legitimate residence" in the United States. Nor does it affect the right of FSM parents to take their own children to the United States for this purpose. This issue concerns only those children of the FSM traveling to the United States with their U.S. citizen adoptive or prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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Enforcement of the requirement that [[adopted]] children from the FSM obtain U.S. immigrant visas is in the children's best interests. U.S. citizen prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will now have to petition USCIS for permission to [[adopt]] a child from abroad, and as part of this process undergo an exhaustive background investigation that includes criminal record checks and a [[Home Study|home study]] to determine their suitability to [[adopt]]. Furthermore, enforcement of the immigrant visa requirement will ensure that only children who are legitimately adoptable orphans will receive immigrant visas.
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from the Federated States of Micronesia, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements]. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Who Can Adopt] under U.S. immigration law.  Additionally, a child must meet the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php definition of orphan] under U.S. law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from the Federated States of Micronesia:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from the Federated States of Micronesia. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from the Federated States of Micronesia]].
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==Residency==
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There is a three-year residency requirement for all U.S. citizen prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in the state of Pohnpei, codified by law, meaning that the parents must have lived in the FSM for three years prior to [[adoption]] proceedings. The three other states in the FSM (Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap) have no law specifically pertaining to [[adoption]]. Adoptions are handled in the court [[system]] and addressed entirely on a case-by-case basis.
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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There is no codified requirement on [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] related to age. This would be addressed on a case-by-case basis during the [[adoption]] proceedings. The local attorney representing the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] would be able to address and answer these issues.
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==Marriage==
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There is no codified requirement on [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] related to marital status. This would be addressed on a case-by-case basis during the [[adoption]] proceedings. The local attorney representing the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] would be able to address and answer these issues.
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==Income==
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There is no codified requirement on [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] related to economic eligibility. This would be addressed on a case-by-case basis during the [[adoption]] proceedings. The local attorney representing the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] would be able to address and answer these issues.
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==Other==
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None
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
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# Bring your child home
 
# Bring your child home
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from the Federated States of Micronesia]].
  
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The recommended first step in adopting a child from FSM is to decide whether or not to use a licensed [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that can help you with your [[adoption]]. [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. The Department of State provides information on selecting an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] on its website.
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''NOTE:''' There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in the FSM; however, the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia has a list of lawyers who have identified themselves as willing to assist U.S. citizen clients. Send an email request to: USEmbassy@Mail.FM
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). 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 about [[Traveling Abroad in the Federated States of Micronesia]].
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In order to [[adopt]] a child from the FSM you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of FSM and U.S. immigration law. You must submit an application to be found eligible to [[adopt]] with the FSM.
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You may also file an [[I-600A]], Application for Advance Processing of an [[Orphan]] Petition with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to [[adopt]].
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=After Adoption=
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
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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 individual state court will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a particular child.
 
  
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
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The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to FSMrequirements, as described in the Who Can Be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law.
 
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''4. [[Adopt]] or Gain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in the FSM'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in the FSM generally includes the following:
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
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*'''Role of [[Adoption]] Authority:''' There is no central [[adoption]] authority in the FSM.
 
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*'''Role of the Court:''' Each state has its own court [[system]] and these courts are responsible for making the first and final determinations related to intercountry [[adoption]]. Since each court is independent, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should contact the appropriate court regarding a possible [[adoption]] in that [[jurisdiction]]. In Pohnpei, typically both the child and the adopting parents must be present at the court. In Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap the parents do not necessarily have to be present to complete the [[adoption]] at the discretion of the court.
 
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*'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in the FSM at present.
 
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*'''[[Adoption]] Application:''' The application process may vary depending on the [[jurisdiction]] in which the [[adoption]] is taking place.
 
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*'''Time Frame:''' There are no specific time frames provided by the FSM.
 
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*'''[[Adoption]] Fees:''' Attorneys' fees vary. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' local attorney can advise on any FSM or local court fees.
 
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*'''Documents Required:''' There are no special documentary requirements published for any of the local courts. Certain documents are required, however, including adoptive child's birth certificate and legal status, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' marriage certificate, proof of identity, and proof of nationality (passport). The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' attorney would address the required documents on a case-by-case basis.  '''NOTE:'''  Additional documents may be requested.
 
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*'''Authentication of Documents:''' You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic. If so, the Department of State, Authentications Office may be able to assist.
 
  
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status'''
 
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After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in the FSM, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. law. You will need to file a Form [[I-600]], Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as an Immediate Relative.
 
  
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=Contact Information=
  
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia'''
 
    
 
    
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Once your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), you need to apply for several documents for your child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States:
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U.S. Embassy Kolonia
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P.O. Box 1286
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Pohnpei, FM 96941
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Tel: (691) 320-2187
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Fax: (691) 320-2186
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Email: USEmbassy@mail.fm
  
  
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::1. Birth Certificate
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'''U.S. Embassy in the [[Philippines]]'''
  
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If you have finalized the [[adoption]] in the FSM you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
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(The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, Micronesia, does not process immigrant visa cases for [[adopted]] children. All such cases are handled at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the [[Philippines]]. See the contact information below.)
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U.S. Embassy Manila
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PSC 500
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APO AP 96515-1000
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Telephone: +63-2-528-6300, ext 2324
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E-mail: MNLIVCONG@state.gov
  
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If you have been granted [[custody]] for the purpose of adopting the child in the United States, the birth certificate you obtain will, in most cases, not yet include your name.
 
  
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::2. FSM Passport
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'''FSM [[Adoption]] Authority: Local Courts'''
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The Honorable Cyprian Manmaw
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Chief Justice, Yap Supreme Court
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P.O. Box 435
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Colonia, Yap FM 96943
  
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from the FSM.
 
  
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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The Honorable Camillo Noket
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Chief Justice
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Chuuk Supreme Court
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P.O. Box J
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Weno, Chuuk FM 96942
  
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form [[I-600]], Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as an Immediate Relative, you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from the United States Embassy in Manila, the [[Philippines]]. 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.
 
  
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Specific questions about [[adoption]] in the Federated States of Micronesia may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia. Questions about the process of obtaining an immigrant visa for an [[adopted]] FSM child should be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the [[Philippines]].
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The Honorable Aliksa B. Aliksa
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Chief Justice, Kosrae Supreme Court
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P.O. Box 610 Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944
  
  
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'''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes a minimum of 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should carefully check the list of local Philippine holidays when arranging their travel plans to avoid unanticipated delays.
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The Honorable Judah C. Johnny
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Chief Justice, Pohnpei Supreme Court
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P.O. Box 1449
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Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941
  
  
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
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'''Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia'''
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1725 N Street NW
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[[Washington]], DC 20036Tel:
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Tel: 202-223-4383
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Email: fsm@fsmembassy.org
  
  
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s entry into the United States:''''' A child will acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry into the United States if the [[adoption]] was finalized prior to entry and the child otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
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The FSM also has consulates in: Guam and [[Hawaii]]
  
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'''''For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States:''''' An [[adoption]] will need to be completed following your child’s entry into the United States for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
 
  
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'''Consulate of the Federated States of Micronesia'''
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[[International]] Trade Center
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590 South Marine Drive
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Tamuning, Guam 96911
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Telephone: 671-646-9154/55/56
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Email address: fsmcongm@kuentos.guam.net
  
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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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'''Consulate of the Federated States of Micronesia'''
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3049 Ualena St, Suite 908
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Honolulu HI 96819
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Telephone: 808-836-4775
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Email address: fsmcghnl@aol.com
  
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Read more about the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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Email: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
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National Benefits Center
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Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
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Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=micronesia
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 13:02, 17 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Kolonia Town looking down from Sokehs Ridge, Phonpei.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Village children.
Source: flickr.com.

Aerial view of .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

, Koror.
Source: flickr.com.

Rock islands.
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 The Federated States of Micronesia

The Caroline Islands are a widely scattered archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean; they became part of a UN Trust Territory under US administration following World War II. The eastern four island groups adopted a constitution in 1979 and chose to become the Federated States of Micronesia. To learn more please read About the Federated States of Micronesia.


Hague Convention Information

The Federated States of Micronesia, is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Federated States of Micronesia and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from the Federated States of Micronesia. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from the Federated States of Micronesia.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, FSM does not have specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption.


Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, with the intention of returning for the child when they are able to do so. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

FSM Adoption Authority

There is no central (federal) FSM government office responsible for adoptions. Each state (Yap, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk) has its own court system in which adoptions take place, and prospective adoptive parents should contact the appropriate court regarding a possible adoption in that jurisdiction.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from FSM generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Adopt the child in FSM
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from the Federated States of Micronesia.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). 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 about Traveling Abroad in the Federated States of Micronesia.


After Adoption

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons


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


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia

U.S. Embassy Kolonia P.O. Box 1286 Pohnpei, FM 96941 Tel: (691) 320-2187 Fax: (691) 320-2186 Email: USEmbassy@mail.fm


U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

(The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, Micronesia, does not process immigrant visa cases for adopted children. All such cases are handled at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the Philippines. See the contact information below.)

U.S. Embassy Manila PSC 500 APO AP 96515-1000 Telephone: +63-2-528-6300, ext 2324 E-mail: MNLIVCONG@state.gov


FSM Adoption Authority: Local Courts

The Honorable Cyprian Manmaw Chief Justice, Yap Supreme Court P.O. Box 435 Colonia, Yap FM 96943


The Honorable Camillo Noket Chief Justice Chuuk Supreme Court P.O. Box J Weno, Chuuk FM 96942


The Honorable Aliksa B. Aliksa Chief Justice, Kosrae Supreme Court P.O. Box 610 Tofol, Kosrae FM 96944


The Honorable Judah C. Johnny Chief Justice, Pohnpei Supreme Court P.O. Box 1449 Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941


Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia

1725 N Street NW Washington, DC 20036Tel: Tel: 202-223-4383 Email: fsm@fsmembassy.org


The FSM also has consulates in: Guam and Hawaii


Consulate of the Federated States of Micronesia

International Trade Center 590 South Marine Drive Tamuning, Guam 96911 Telephone: 671-646-9154/55/56 Email address: fsmcongm@kuentos.guam.net


Consulate of the Federated States of Micronesia

3049 Ualena St, Suite 908 Honolulu HI 96819 Telephone: 808-836-4775 Email address: fsmcghnl@aol.com


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 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

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=micronesia