Home » Adoptive Family » 3 Common Questions About Citizenship for International Adoptees 3 Common Questions About Citizenship for International Adoptees The Office of Children’s Issues recently issued a notice in response to a high number of inquiries regarding citizenship for adopted children. Many have asked whether children adopted internationally have obtained U.S. citizenship and how to go about documenting U.S. citizenship if acquired. Here, find answers to common questions regarding citizenship for adopted children from the Department of State and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. What is the Child Citizenship Act of 2000? The Child Citizenship Act automatically grants American citizenship to certain foreign-born children adopted by U.S. citizens. Adopted children who satisfy the following conditions before turning 18 will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship: Qualify as a child as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Be admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, and Be residing in the United States in the physical and legal custody of the U.S. citizen parent(s) In order for a child to qualify under the CCA, the adoptive parents must have finalized the adoption in the United States or abroad. For additional information, visit USCIS. Questions regarding Certificates of Citizenship for children who entered the United States with IR-3 or IH-3 visas can be directed to Child-Citizenship-Act@uscis.dhs.gov. How do I know if my international adoption was finalized? In order for the CCA to apply to your international adoption, your adoption must be “full and final.” Whether your adoption is considered full and final depends on the circumstances of your adoption and the type of visa your child received. Generally, if your child receives an IH-3 or IR-3 visa, the adoption was finalized in his or her birth country, and your adoption will be considered full and final. If your child receives an IH-4 or IR-4 visa, they will not be granted citizenship until you finalize the adoption in the United States. If you have any questions regarding your adoption finalization or citizenship for your child, speak with an adoption attorney. How can I document my child’s U.S. citizenship? There is no law requiring a U.S. citizen to have proof of his or her U.S. citizenship status. However, many adoptive parents choose to obtain evidence of their child’s citizenship. Upon finalizing your international adoption, you may apply for a Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS and/or a U.S. passport to obtain evidence of your child’s citizenship. To learn more about the international adoption process and obtaining citizenship for your adopted child, contact an adoption attorney or adoption service provider to discuss your individual circumstances in more detail. 3 Common Questions About Citizenship for International Adoptees Five Reasons to Take Advantage of Adoption Counseling ServicesWherever you are in your adoption journey, if you are experiencing emotional difficulties, know that you don’t have to go it alone. You are entitled to adoption counseling services, which can be beneficial in a number of ways. Here are just a few benefits of working with an adoption counselor.Learn More Five Ways to Support a Pregnant Friend Considering AdoptionIt can be overwhelming to receive such big news from someone close to you, and you may not know how to react or how...Learn MoreDo Orphanages Still Exist?When many people think of adoption, they think of traditional orphanages — or the negative stereotype of traditional orphanages, involving underfed and mistreated orphans...Learn MoreFive Signs You Are Ready to Start the Adoption ProcessAdoption can be an exciting and rewarding experience — but it’s also a big commitment that requires plenty of time, energy and patience. How...Learn MoreSix Ways to Educate Others About AdoptionIf you have experienced the joy of adoption firsthand, you can help spread adoption awareness. Simply sharing your story with others can help them...Learn MoreCoping with an Adoption DisruptionYour dreams of parenthood are finally within reach — until you get the devastating news that your baby’s prospective birth mother has changed her...Learn MoreFour Ways to Handle the Holidays After PlacementThe holidays are a time of good cheer and celebration — family and friends come together in the spirit of the season to make...Learn MoreFour New Year’s Resolutions for Adoptive ParentsAs you begin the new year, consider setting adoption goals and making adoption an even bigger priority in your life.Learn More Get Free Info