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Thailand Adoption Information |  |
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Thailand Adoption From Outside ThailandThailand adoptions from out side of Thailand will require assistance from an approved adoption agency. Your agency will give step-by-step instructions on the adoption process. Here is a brief overview to help you get started. To begin an adoption from outside Thailand, you’ll need to complete forms for your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. The first USCIS form is I-600A, "Application for Advanced Processing of an Orphan Petition." You must turn in a completed I-600A to be pre-approved for an imigrant visa for your child. However, an approval from the I-600A does not guarantee the issuance of an immigrant visa. The supplementary form I-600, "Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative", will be required later in the process after you have been matched with a child from Thailand. An approved I-600 will allow you to request an immigrant visa from the U.S. embassy in Bangkok when it is time to bring your child home. Both forms include instructions or ask for assistance from your adoption agency.
The normal processing time for an I-600A is six to 12 weeks. With your I-600-A, you’ll also need to send the following items to your local USCIS office:
In some cases you may also need to file form I-864, "Affidavit of Support". However, orphans who will receive automatic U.S. citizenship upon entering the U.S may be exempt from this requirement. For more information visit the USCIS web site or call them at 1-800-870-3676. Home Study Procedures Prospective Adoptive Parents who live outside Thailand will have a home study done by their agency of choice. The home study can be completed by an agency other than the one responsible for your Thailand adoption. Please see the visa information page for more details and requirements concerning the home study. |