Getting
Started On your Adoption Process
The task for completing your dossier
for your international adoption, can be overwhelming at best. Don't
let this discourage you, we will be there to help you each step
of the way! This process normally takes 4-5 months to complete,
and then you will be ready to sit back and wait for the next step
in the process!
Contact our office.
You can obtain an information packet
by filling out our online information packet
, calling us toll free at 800-350-7338, or email us at wpajim@aol.com
We will be happy to answer all of your questions about our adoption
programs.
Send in your WPA
application
to our office so we can begin to process
your application.
All of the information in your application is confidential.
Obtain your BCIS
forms
Visit the State
Departments website or download
the I-A600 form. There are additional forms you will need later
in the process but we will provide them to you when the time comes.
Filing the
I-600-A form
"Application for Advanced Processing
of an Orphan Petition." This application is what gives you
immigration clearance and you cannot bring a child back into the
United States without it. We provide you with all the instructions
you will need to file this form in our information packet. If you
don't already have them, you will need photocopies of your birth
certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and finally
the completed homestudy to turn in with your I-600-A.
Schedule a homestudy
with a local homestudy agency.
It must be a licensed social worker
or agency eligible to do international
homestudies.
We can help you by referring you to one of our network agencies
in your area. The normal processing time for a homestudy is about
3-4 months.
Start
collecting the necessary documents
for your dossier and adoption. The
documents for your dossier vary by the program you choose. We will
help you in obtaining all the necessary documents and assist you
with the authentication process.
Obtain a passport.
Instructions can be found at any US
Post Office. Passports generally take 6-8 weeks to complete. Take
a look at the US
Department of State's site for more information.
Start reading materials
about adoption,
your child's culture, travel, and other
relevant information to help prepare yourself for your new arrival.
Check out our online bookstore
for some suggestions.
Work closely with
your WPA Adoption Coordinator
about your trip and referral. We will
provide you with information tailored to our adoption programs to
help keep you organized and on track.
Wait...
This is the hardest part, waiting for
your referral, travel dates and paperwork finalization. All of this
is out of your control, so this is the must frustrating part.
Receive referral!
This is the most exciting aspect!
Obtain your travel
visa.
Some countries require you to have a letter
of invitation from the inviting country.
This will be provided closer to when you travel.
Prepare to travel!
You are on your way to being a forever
family!
Make
sure to read about the homestudy process!
