A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s Are Difficult, Ya'll!

So much paperwork, so little understanding of it all.

I600-A = Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition (Need to be fingerprinted. The application is valid for 18 months but the fingerprints only 15 months.)

I171-H = Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition

IR-3 = AN IR-3 visa (the “IR” stands for “immediate relative”) is given to a child adopted overseas when the adoptive parent (if a single parent) saw and observed the child prior to the adoption, and the adoption is completed in the foreign country. (The foreign adoption bestows upon both adoptive parents and child the same rights, responsibilities, and privileges as would an adoption in the United States.) Children who are issued IR-3 visas do not, under Federal laws, require adoption or re-adoption in the United States (although your state of residence may require a re-adoption procedure).

Ohio Re-adoption = Ohio recognizes foreign adoptions. However, it is best to apply for re-adoption in order to be given an Ohio birth certificate (will make school enrollment easier).

IR-4 = Denotes a child coming to the United States for adoption. An IR-4 visa is issued to a child under the following circumstances: The foreign country’s laws only permit the adoptive parents to obtain guardianship of the child, rather than to fully adopt the child in that country, and/or the prospective adoptive parent(s) did not see and observe the child prior to the adoption process. With the IR-4 visa, the foreign adoption does not meet the federal U.S. equivalent requirements of severing biological parent(s) ties and/or ensuring that both the adoptive parents and child have the same rights, responsibilities, and privileges. The adoption of children who have been issued IR-4 immigrant visas must be completed in the United States.

The IR-3 and 4 are confusing for me. Although my child's adoption will take place in Uzbekistan, it will take place BEFORE I see her.

According to the law, children who enter the U.S. on an IR-3 visa are automatically granted U.S. citizenship, and under the new regulations, will be sent a Certificate of Citizenship within 45 days of their entry. Parents do not need to complete a separate application on behalf of their children for this document.

BUT.. from what I understand from someone who has already adopted from Uzbekistan, they entered the US on an IR-3 visa and has already received her daughter's Certificate of Citizenship.