Adoptions

Introduction

A child adopted by an American citizen or citizens (including a child who will be re-adopted in the United States) needs an immigrant visa to enter the United States. This visa can only be issued after the Embassy has received preliminary approval from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (former INS), and the additional requirements discussed in the following pages have been met.

U.S. law requires either a final adoption decree or a legal decree granting custody for adoption abroad in order to obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for the child. This decree must be from a court in the country of the child's citizenship or habitual residence.

In addition, there are several other important requirements that must be met before an immigrant visa can be issued. The fact that a court has approved an adoption is not enough to qualify an adopted child for a U.S. immigrant visa.