Adopting Children Affected by the Earthquake in Nepal

USCIS is warning U.S. citizens that they must follow inter-country adoption procedures before legally adapting a child from Nepal! The country of Nepal was devastated by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit on April 25, 2015 and another magnitude 7.3 that hit on May 12, 2015.

Before a child may immigrate from Nepal to the United States, USCIS must determine that the child qualifies as an “orphan” under the immigration laws of the United States, and that the adoptive parents are capable of providing proper care. Also the Nepali authorities must determine whether the child can be legally adopted under their country’s laws. The USCIS will consider each case individually before making a final determination.

Source of Information:

USCIS.gov, 5/12/15, News Alert:
Children Affected by the Earthquake in Nepal
USCIS.gov, 5/13/15, Web Page:
Adoption Information: Nepal

Department of State, 5/1/15, Notice:
Notice: Children Affected by the Earthquake in Nepal