Prospective adoptive parents, who are considering international adoption, need to understand the two types of visas that make it possible for them to bring home their foreign-adopted child into the United States. The two main visas involved are the IR-3 and the IR-4. It is especially important that adopting parents understand the differences between these visas and the legal processes for each.
If your family is considering international adoption, having an experienced adoption attorney is crucial, especially when considering adopting a foreign national. International adoptions are a particularly complex legal exercise, but our experienced Kansas adoption lawyer is ready to help you avoid the legal snags that often cause immense heartache and headaches. To schedule a consultation, call McDowell Chartered at (316)-269-0746.
The Two U.S. Adoption Visas
As previously mentioned, adopting a child internationally requires that you obtain one of two different types of visas for your adoptive child- the IR-3 or the IR-4.
The IR-3 Visa
An IR-3 visa is special because your adopted child instantly becomes a U.S. citizen once they enter the United States. The IR-3 visa is typically issued as part of a legal process in the child’s original home country. One benefit of filing for an IR-3 visa is that there is no requirement to go through the adoption process in the U.S. to acquire citizenship. We advise our clients to go through the IR-3 visa process so their child can receive a Kansas birth certificate, obtain a legal name change, and receive a Social Security Card with their U.S. designation and American name.
The IR-4 Visa
An IR-4 visa will not automatically grant your adopted child American citizenship when they enter the United States. IR-4 visas are commonly when neither parent goes to the child’s home country or when only one parent visits the adoptive child’s home country. Moreover, the adoption process happens a proxy or power of attorney.
When your adoptive child enters the United States, you will be required to adopt, register, or re-adopt your child under Kansas’s adoption laws for your child to be granted U.S. citizenship. As previously mentioned, this is a legal process that our firm can quickly handle after your family is together in the United States. After the adoption, re-adoption, or registration process is finished, the adoptive parents then apply for their child’s Certificate of Citizenship.
Considering an International Adoption in Kansas?
Working with the help of our experienced Kansas International Adoption attorney can help you successfully navigate the international adoption process. Our law firm has helped countless families bring children from foreign countries into their homes here in Kansas and can do the same for you. Speaking with an experienced Kansas adoption attorney is the first step to bringing a child ace into your home through the adoption process. Call us today at (316)-269-0746 or Email Us to schedule an appointment to discuss any one of many types of adoption with a full-service adoption firm.
