Eligibility for intercountry adoption under the Hague Convention

If you are a US citizen interested in adopting a child from a country other than the United States, it is important to understand intercountry eligibility under the Hague Convention prior to moving forward with your plans. When you live in the State of Texas, understanding the Hague Convention and its process can help to streamline and expedite the adoption process with little to no interference.

What is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention is an international treaty that was entered into effect in the United States in 2008 to provide additional protections to children. In family law, the Hague Convention is used to safeguard the best interests of both the adoptive parents as well as the child who is being adopted.

Hague Convention eligibility

In order to qualify for the Form 1-800 and Form 1-800A (Hague Convention), you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• You must be a habitual or ongoing US citizen
• You must be a U.S. citizen
• If you are unmarried, you must be at least 24 years old prior to filing Form 1-800A. If you are unmarried, you must be at least 25 years old to file Form I-800.

Steps of the process and assistance

Working together with a family law firm is a way to streamline the process while providing you with relief and guidance along the way.

You will need to choose a US-approved (and accredited) ASP to act as your provider while also obtaining a home study from an authorized agent. Filing Form 1-800A and obtaining a proposed adoptive placement with the Hague country’s Central Authority are the next steps in the process. Before the adoption process is finalized, you will also need to verify the child’s eligibility to immigrate to the USA.

If you are living in the State of Texas and are seeking intercountry adoption, working alongside a law firm that understands the Hague Convention can help the process significantly. With proper support, backing, and guidance, move forward with your intercountry adoption plans knowing you have completed the required steps properly along the way.