Russia

July 2007

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow was recently informed that the Russian Ministry of Education has accredited or reaccredited seven American adoption service providers (adoption agencies) to operate in Russia. We understand that more accreditations will be forthcoming . For additional information on which U.S. agencies have Russian accreditation, please visit the U.S. Embassy in Moscow website.

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ELIGIBILITY TO ADOPT:  Married couples may adopt. Single persons may adopt but there must be at least a 16-year age difference between the prospective parent and the prospective adoptive child.  Russia also has medical requirements for adoptive parents.  Persons considering adoption in Russia should consult their adoption agency about medical conditions that may disqualify them. Theseinclude TB, active and chronic; illness of internal organs and nervous system; dysfunction of the limbs; infectious diseases; drug and alcohol addictions; psychiatric disorders; and, any disability which prevents the person from working.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:  There are no residency requirements for prospective adoptive parents.  However, prospective adoptive parents will have to travel to Russiatwice during the adoption process.

TIME FRAME: The average time for the adoption process is 6-12 months from the time the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) approves the I-600A petition to the date of the immigrant visa interview.  (Please see below for further information on the various steps in the intercountry adoption process.)

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

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_441.html