Kazakhstan

ELIGIBILITY TO ADOPT:  Officially, Kazakhstan allows both single and married people to adopt, and there are no age requirements other than that an unmarried prospective adoptive parent must be at least 16 years older than the child s/he intends to adopt.  In practice, however, some unmarried prospective adoptive parents have found it difficult to adopt, as have prospective parents over age 60.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:  Prospective adoptive parents must reside with the child for a minimum of 14 days at the child’s habitual place of residence in Kazakhstan prior to the adoption (“the Bonding Period”).  This pre-adoption bonding period cannot be waived.  Kazakhstani law also provides for a 15-day waiting period (“the Appeal Period”) after the court hearing, before the adoption becomes final.  A judge can waive this period at his or her discretion but this is a rare occurrence.  The court decision, adoption certificate, post-adoption birth certificate and child’s Kazakhstani passport cannot be obtained until the judge finalizes the adoption.

TIME FRAME:  Prospective adoptive parents should expect to stay in Kazakhstan a minimum of 60 days (sometimes longer) to complete Kazakhstani adoption requirements.  This period includes those listed under the “Residence Requirements” section above as well as the completion of all post-adoption and U.S. immigration paperwork. 

(All information taken from the U.S. Department of State website)

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_408.html