International adoption is time consuming and expensive. Dossier compilation is a major component of the foreign adoption process.
Many individuals who are just beginning the process may ask, "What is an adoption dossier?" The answer: An adoption dossier is a binder containing a wide array of official documents that are used to confirm that an individual or couple meets the country's adoption standards.
What's Included in a Dossier for International Adoption?
The precise components of an adoption dossier will vary depending on the child's country. Some nations require short, simple dossiers, while others are very involved and the preparation process can be lengthy and expensive.
The following documents are usually included in a dossier for a foreign adoption:
- Adoption petition stating the parents' intent to adopt;
- Birth certificates for all family members living in the household;
- Marriage certificate;
- Divorce decrees and/or a former spouse's death certificate;
- Proof of employment (i.e. a letter from an employer);
- Proof of income (i.e. tax returns);
- Proof of residence (i.e. mortgage statements or rental agreements);
- Proof of health insurance (i.e. insurance policy documents)
- Documents proving favorable home study findings;
- Clearance letters from law enforcement to indicate that the adults in the household do not have a criminal record;
- Driver's licenses and passports;
- High school and college diplomas;
- Biographical information about the couple/family;
- Photographs of the family/couple and home;
- Immunization records;
- Physician-issued letters stating that the adoptive parents are in good health.
In addition, some countries require that parents sign a contract stating that they agree to post-adoption terms, like annual progress reports. A letter granting power of attorney is another common component of the adoption dossier, as is a commitment letter stating that the adoptive parents will register the child with the nation's consulate in the U.S.
The components of the dossier must be notarized and apostilled. Apostille certification is provided by the U.S. State Department; it's simply another validation of a document's authenticity. According to Apostille.com, apostilled documents are accepted internationally, whereas a notarized document is only accepted in the U.S.
Adoptive parents can opt to compile the dossier independently as a money-saving measure. Others may opt to pay for dossier compilation services which are typically offered by international adoption agencies. Dossier creation services can range from $500 to well over $2,000; this fee may or may not include the costs associated with obtaining each dossier component. Notary fees are almost always included; apostilling fees are only included by the more expensive, comprehensive services.
International Adoption Dossier Translation Cost and Process
Foreign adoption dossier translation is required for virtually all international adoptions, as in most cases, English is not the official language in the child's country. Virtually every international adoption agency offers dossier translation services.
Adoption dossier translation services typically range from $450 to $600. A few factors can affect the cost of translation, such as the languages involved in the translation and the adoption country. The latter will determine the number of documents included in the dossier; some countries like Ukraine, China and Russia require a wide array of documents, while other nations (like Serbia, Liberia and Bulgaria) require fewer documents.
Generally speaking, it takes approximately two weeks to get an adoption dossier translated. In rare cases, adoptive parents can pay extra for expedited translation services, though this can significantly increase the cost.
USCIS Approval for International Adoptions
Before an adoption dossier is sent to the child's country, the soon-to-be adoptive parent(s) must obtain clearance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). USCIS approval is required in order to ensure that a visa will be issued for the adopted child.
The USCIS 1-600A application must be completed, submitted and processed. As of May 2010, the application fee was $670, plus a fingerprinting fee of $80 per person. Once the USCIS 1-600A form is processed, adoptive families receive an appointment for fingerprinting at a USCIS Application Support Center. Within 90 days, the adoptive parents will receive a Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition (USCIS Form I-171-H). This USCIS approval form must then be submitted with the adoption dossier.
Once the dossier is compiled and the documents are notarized, apostilled and translated, it's time to submit the dossier to the country from which the child will be adopted. Each nation's government has a branch or department that handles international adoptions; for instance, Ukraine has the SDA – the State Department of Adoptions.
After the foreign adoption dossier arrives in-country, the process varies slightly depending upon the child's country of residence. Generally, the dossier is reviewed and once approved, the adoptive parents are provided with an appointment at the country's SDA (or equivalent government agency) to begin the finalization stages of the adoption.
Considering international adoption? Read International Adoption Requirements and Restrictions: Guidelines to Adopt a Child from a Foreign Country to learn more about the various restrictions and requirements adopting a child from overseas.
Sources:
Children's Hope International website at ChildrensHopeInt.org. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
"Apostille.com Questions and Answers" on Apostille.com. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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