[MJane]

Help - What is the difference in adoption procedures if we don't travel to Guatemala before PGN is over?

Does it matter if we travel or not?

Thanks in advance for any advice we get.

[RLadd21]

We decided to go visit Gabby and so she is coming home on an IR-3 visa and will get her certificate of citizenship automatically. Also when you have your embassy appointment, the paperwork is a little less. I'm sure there are others who have a more in depth knowledge but that is what I know! Good luck!

[Guatemomtobe]

I went to visit so she will come home on an IR-3. In Missouri you don't have to readopt to get a birth certificate issued but in my county they do require readoption if you don't visit. So it is saving me a lot of paperwork and the time and expense of readoption.

[pjeanmm]

We did go and visit our daughter and should have come home on an IR-3, but were coded wrong when entering the US. So we had to apply for citizenship and go through all that. Double check when they go through your documents at the embassy and at the airport!!

[DPline]

If both parents (assuming married) meet the child before the case exits PGN, the child will come home on an IR3 visa and be a citizen upon entering the US. If both parents do not see the child before exiting PGN they will come home on an IR4 visa.

From there it is VERY dependent upon your state, and sometimes county. With an IR4 visa, you will have to go through some kind of court procedure to establish citizenship, but it can vary from inexpensive and easy, to expensive and involved. With an IR3, in some states you can do a legal name change and get a state issued birth certificate with a very simple procedure, and in others you have to go through a readoption, regardless of visa type. To know how the visa type will affect your situation, you need to know the specifics for your state and county.

[kimy]

My son came home in April on a IR4. I live in Tn and you are require to readopt anyways. The process cost around $1,000 and that includes his name change and immediate citizenship. I just sent off for his COC and was told the wait is about a year but it will come back in his new name so that's a plus.
The only thing that I will have to redo is his SS number.
I'll have to go get it in his old name (even though it has been changed but I have to wait for the COC) then when I get the COC I just take it down to the office and they will reissue it in his correct name. Kinda like when you get married.
good luck,
Kim