Adoption of Haitian Orphans in Order to Obtain Lawful Permanent Residents

Haitian orphans adoption

U.S. immigration through adoption from Haiti: the basics

Intercountry adoption and U.S. immigration must both be satisfied. However, adoption alone does not grant a green card. For Haiti cases, the process typically follows Hague Convention steps; therefore, you must confirm which USCIS forms and Haitian authority approvals apply to your family.

Two systems you’ll hear about

• Hague process (common for Haiti): Usually I-800A/I-800 after the U.S. finds you suitable and a Haitian authority matches you with a child.

• Orphan process (non-Hague countries): Uses I-600A/I-600.
  Because rules change, we verify which framework Haiti requires at the time you start.

Who may qualify as a “habitually resident” U.S. parent

U.S. citizens must be found suitable and eligible to adopt. In addition, some states require extra home-study steps. We coordinate the state, federal, and Haitian requirements so paperwork lines up.

Which children may qualify

For U.S. immigration, the child must meet the Hague “Convention adoptee” or INA “orphan” definition (depending on the process). Therefore, documents about parental status, abandonment/consent, and care history are critical. We confirm eligibility before you accept a match.

Key steps (simplified)

1. Home study & suitability (U.S.)

2. USCIS pre-approval (I-800A or I-600A)

3. Match/authorization from the Haitian authority (often IBESR)

4. USCIS child-specific petition (I-800 or I-600)

5. Visa stage (immigrant visa for the child) and finalization as required

6. After entry: re-adoption or recognition in your state, plus proof of citizenship steps if applicable

As a result, the immigration path stays aligned with the adoption path.

Common pitfalls (and how we prevent them)

• Wrong form set: Filing I-600 when the case requires I-800 (or vice versa). Instead, we verify the correct framework first.

• Timing errors: Adopting or taking custody before U.S. suitability approval. Therefore, we lock the sequence in writing.

• Paper gaps: Missing consents, court orders, or translations. In addition, we use certified translations and checklists.

• Guardianship confusion: Private custody or humanitarian programs rarely convert to LPR by themselves; consequently, you still need the proper immigrant visa route.

Evidence checklist (quick guide)

• Home study and state clearances

• USCIS approvals (I-800A/I-600A; later I-800/I-600)

• Child’s records: birth, care history, consents, court orders, and certified translations

• Match/authorization from the Haitian authority

• Civil status of the U.S. parent(s): marriage/divorce/death certificates if relevant

FAQs

Can we complete a domestic adoption first and handle immigration later?
Possibly; however, doing it out of order can block a visa. We align the steps before you proceed.

Is a humanitarian parole enough to get a green card?
Usually no. Instead, parole is temporary; you still need the immigrant-visa process.

When does the child become a U.S. citizen?
It depends. For example, some children acquire citizenship automatically after entry and finalization; others need additional steps. We map this at the start.

How we help

First, we confirm which process (Hague vs. orphan) fits your case. Next, we build a document plan for U.S. and Haitian authorities. Then, we file USCIS petitions and guide the visa stage. Finally, we support re-adoption, proof-of-citizenship, and travel planning.

Need a step-by-step plan for a Haiti adoption case? Schedule a consultation or call (562) 495-0554.

Disclaimer: General information only; intercountry adoption and immigration rules change. We confirm the requirements in effect when you file.

In regards to Adoption of Haitian Orphans to Obtain Lawful Permanent Residents, USCIS has issued a list of questions and answers that will be used for adoptive parents of paroled Haitian orphans. On obtaining lawful permanent residence (LPR) status and U.S. citizenship. There is a huge need for families in our Haitian Orphans Adoption program. Children of All Nations is excited to receive accreditation from IBESR, Haiti’s central authority in charge of Haiti’s inter country adopting haitian orphans. Haiti recently implemented new adoption procedures and is now party to the Hague convention. We will continue to work hard to find loving homes for the Haitian children.