[wannabamom]

Hi,
Could someone please explain the next process for me please ??

We adopted our baby on an IR-4 visa. We completed the Re-adoption in the US, and got a US Birth Certificate. We don't have Certificate of Citizenship. We have the Green Card for the child. We both are US citizens.
Now we need to travel abroad. So, do we apply straight for a US passport, or do we need to apply for the COC ???

Thanks in advance !!!

[cborsa7]

Hi,
Could someone please explain the next process for me please ??

You need to file to get your COC for citizenship after you have readopted in the states. I believe the form is N-600 and you file with your local office.

Congrats and good luck!

[sak9645]

Theoretically, you can apply for a U.S. passport without a COC, if you supply the foreign passport with the visa stamp in it, foreign adoption decree, foreign birth certificate, state readoption decree/recognition statement, and change of name form (which may be part of the readoption decree).

The U.S. State Department, which controls the Passport Agency, is permitted to "adjudicate status", which means "to determine who is and who is not a citizen, by looking at original paperwork". It is not like the Social Security Administration, which MUST see a COC, because it is not allowed to adjudicate status; only the State Department and the USCIS can adjudicate status.

In fact, when the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 took effect, in February 2001, the State Department specifically advised families to obtain a U.S. passport for their child BEFORE receiving a COC, since the USCIS was often taking a year or more to issue the COC.

However, many families are finding that their local Passport Agency is NOT allowing issuance of a passport without a COC. I have emailed the State Department to find out whether or not the Passport Agency is still allowed to adjudicate status, and whether it is correct for Passport Agencies to refuse to accept applications without one, but I have not yet had a response.

Sharon

[wannabamom]

Thank You both for replying. I've been through so much, but the Joy is boundless when that little one is placed in my arms, and now, I've got to go !!!!

Thanks again !!!