Guatemala Adoption Factsheet, Page 7
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IV. U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS:
Children adopted abroad who have been in the custody of the adoptive parents for less than two years require U.S. immigrant orphan petitions and orphan visas to enter the United States. Generally speaking, the process involves prospective parents being found suitable to adopt, a petition being filed on behalf of the potential adoptee, an investigation into the adoptee’s “orphan” status, and adjudication of the visa application for the adoptee.
A. Determining suitability, orphan status (the I-600A, I-600)
Prospectiveadoptive parents should be aware that, whether they identify a child prior to leaving the United States or locate the child on a trip to Guatemala, certain time-consuming processes will have to be completed before the required U.S. immigration petition for the child can be approved by DHS. The first of these processes is a demonstration of prospective adoptive parents’ eligibility and suitability to adopt an overseas child, usually documented with an I-600A form and supporting documents submitted to USCIS. Prospective adoptive parents are encouraged to check the DHS website for the I-600A form and instructions. Some of the I-600A requirements include:
- satisfactory completion and submission to DHS of a home study of the adoptive parent(s),
- compliance with any state pre-adoption requirements,
- fingerprint check by DHS of the adoptive parent(s),
- submission of certified copies of the prospective adoptive parent’s(s’) U.S. birth certificate(s) or other evidence of U.S. citizenship,
- submission of a certified copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable), and
- submission of a certified copy of the death certificate or divorce decree reflecting termination of previous marriage (if applicable).
Credits: U.S. Department of State
