Updates Regarding the Hague Adoption Convention

On February 29, 2008, a news release was posted on the U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Web site. In it we learned that, effective April 1, 2008, there will be new safeguards in place by the USCIS under the Hague that will include 2 new forms and a centralized examination process for intercountry adoption. This special unit will process all of the Hague intercountry adoption applications and petitions at the USCIS National Benefits Center(NBC).

The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is an international agreement between participating countries on best adoption procedures. These procedures have basically two goals in mind:

• The best interest of children are considered with each intercountry adoption.
• The prevention of abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.

The 2 new forms are the Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country (I-800A) which reviews the suitability and eligibility of prospective adoptive parents and Petition to Classify a Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative(I-800) which determines a Convention child's classification eligibility.

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Suggested Reading:
What Is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?
What Is the Difference Between Member and Non-Member Countries of the Hague?
What Countries Are a Part of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?