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To answer your specific question: The 2.5 years above was from the hiring date of the Lawyer involved. This type of adoption is not applying as a perspective adoptive parent to bring a child home.
Everything depends on your particular situation and the situation of the relative child you want to adopt. Most of this thread addresses the "possibility" of adopting a relative past the 4th degree of relation through ICAB or using the Intercountry process. (I-600). This is a very complicated and involves following both the rules that ICAB has laid out and most of all the best interest of the child. Adopting a pre-Identified child through ICAB (I almost miss-typed "ICAN") is "NOT" something nearly all perspective adoptive parents can achieve nor should they even considered it. It can tear-up your heart.
My wife and I were turned away by ICAB and had to complete our adoption using the domestic process. The Intercountry rules starting from the Hague needs reform to include real life situations. Adoptive parents and children that need a home don't always fit the mold. The rules were designed primarily to protect children and need to be adjusted for the best interest of the children.
According to the rules and from our experience, If you have contact with the child prior to ICAB and DSWD's involvement other than what is written under the rules, ICAB will turn you away.
There is a global community that my wife and I have been a part of. I know of OFW's, Immigrants and relatives that have been in similar situations adopting relatives. Except for one couple, All that I know personally have gone through the Regional Trial Courts and those immigrating to the US went through the I-130 process. I understand from DSWD social workers that they have many clients waiting for the two-year custody requirement.
To sum this up; I will simply say that ICAB has to qualify the child for the Intercountry process.
Now after having written all that if you are related within the 4th degree then the RTC can waive your residency requirement and the time frame can be quicker. How much quicker? I understand that ICAB works with your agency to get it done and you still have to wait in line for your case to be processed.
If you are already pre-qualified (I-600a) then the time frame is a little more than what ICAB posts on their web site.
If you were not confused before you should be now....I think I wrote to much here.... PM me if you need some more info.
HTH, at least a little
Johnny
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