[OptingtoAdopt2007]

We are not planning on actually starting the process until Aug. 2007 and I am wondering about a few things:

Can we apply to an agency and just work slowly on our dossier or should we not bother to submit the agency application until Aug?

Are there forms that we can start gathering now that don't have time limits on them?

Anyone heard rumors about China slowing down on foreign adoption leading to longer referral waits?

Ok, I think that's it for right now! Thanks so much!!

[lharbert]

Hi I hope this helps:

Check with the agency on the timeframe. Our agency did have a timeframe between the application and when we had to have our dossier completed. As for the forms, most have to be to China within 6 months of the time they are certified so you would not be able to start on them yet.

As for your last question, I do not want to sound like I am telling you what to do but I ask you to think about why you want to wait.(and you may have a VERY valid reason) We waited and I am kicking myself for it. We started to talk adoption late in 2005 and really made the choice about christmas 2005. However we waited until July 2006 to start the paperwork and with the wait times getting longer it looks like we may not have our referral until Juneish 2008 (I did that with a 18 month wait from LID) If I knew it was going to be that long I would have started much sooner.

With that said... we do not know how long the wait could be. It could speed up or slow down at any time so guestamating (sp?) is the best we can do.

But my husband and I were ready for a baby, had the resources and time for a baby and waited for what seemed like a good reason but now seems silly in light of the process.

Good for you for asking questions and doing your research. This is a GREAT forum!

[specialk4b]

If you want to submit your dossier to China in August, I would start on the paperwork about six months before.

The thing you most have to worry about timing with is the 171h. It is included in the dossier and is only good for 18 months. At this point it will cost a minimum of $645 to renew it if it expires.

Also, if your documents have to go through the Houston Consulate for authentication, they won't accept documents older than six months.

Does that help?