[sak9645]

If both parents traveled and saw the child prior to the overseas finalization -- which is mandatory for Russia -- he/she came home on an IR-3 visa. As of the date the Child Citizenship Act was passed in 2001, children on IR-3 visas become U.S. citizens the moment they enter the U.S.

In general, they are not issued green cards, although some offices may still be sending them, since a green card is given only to a permanent resident alien, not a citizen. As of early in 2004, the USCIS began sending out citizenship certificates to IR-3s without requiring the parents to apply for them.

Children who were not seen by all relevant parents prior to a final adoption overseas, or who were brought to the U.S. under a decree of guardianship for adoption here, come home on IR-4 visas. These children must generally be readopted before they become U.S. citizens. If a state "recognizes" foreign adoptions, an official document showing that a child's adoption is recognized can be an alternative. Once a child has been adopted or readopted in the U.S., the parents should apply for a certificate of citizenship for him.

Children who come home on IR-4 visas are supposed to get green cards to use until they become citizens. However, many children never receive a card, or wait over six months for one.

If your child came home on an IR-3, I'm not sure why you want a green card. You do not need it for ANY purpose, regardless of what anyone says to you.

As an example, you do NOT need it at Social Security, although some clerks may tell you that you do. All the SS folks need is the child's "A-number" (alien registration number). The A-number is found BOTH on the green card and in the foreign passport. So if you show a foreign passport, you do NOT have to show a green card.

You also do not need the green card to get a certificate of citizenship or U.S. passport for your IR-3 child.

As to IR-4s, the only time you will need a green card is if you plan to travel outside the U.S. with your child, before you complete adoption/readoption in the U.S. You will NOT need it to get an SSN or to readopt.

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sharon