[Dee_ders]

I apologize if this is long in advance.

We completed our adoption in March 06, we have received our COC. I am now wanting to get file the G-884 in hopes that I can get a copy of the DNA picture - just would love to have this.

We are Americans living overseas so the USCIS office that issued our I-171H form is in Greece, I called them this morning and 1. they did not know what form I was talking about and 2. the only things they have in our file is a copy of the home study, a copy of the I-171H form and a letter from our attorney (so don't really feel I need those documents back).

I am wondering though could there be another USCIS office that has more of our items? The advice of the USCIS office in Greece was to contact the US embassy in Guatemala but I don't feel they will help with anything - am I wrong?

Our COC came from the Buffalo office if that helps any.

Any advice or opinions? I have asked my attorney if she knew how to get a copy of the DNA picture but she did not have one.

Again, thanks for any help!

Dee Dee

[melissa41]

I am sorry I cannot help you but I am also an American living overseas. I am curious to find out the answer to this as well. We are in the middle of our adoption so we still have a little time until we are at your stage. I have a couple of questions that I will IM you. One suggestion for finding your answer. There is a yahoo group called adoptionforamericansabroad. It is for Americans living all over the world and adopting from any country. You can post your question there. Good luck!

[DPline]

The G884 will get you the sealed packet that you turned into Immigration when you entered the US. The packet first goes from where ever you entered the US to the office who issues the COC. (In your case, Buffalo.) It is eventually routed to the National Records Center in Lee's Summit MO.

I would go ahead and send the G884 to the Buffalo office that issued the COC. There is a good chance the packet is still there. And if it has been moved to the National Records Center, the Buffalo office should forward it on for processes there.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Debbie

P.S. The DNA photo should be in there.

[AdoptAmiga]

Did your CoC arrive at your overseas address? Is your address an APO or FPO? A concern with your situation is where it would (could) be sent. If you are using a stateside address and have proof of the address (ie. DL or voter ID, etc), there shouldn't be a problem. Connecting w/ the that yahoo group sounds like a great idea.

PS: In my two kids' packets, the DNA photo was NOT included. I did receive 2-4 additional photos of the birthmother and/or child. If you are hoping of a photo of the two together, it may or may not happen. I only have the b/w photocopy of the DNA pictures.

[Dee_ders]

Thanks girls for your help I really appreciate.

Our COC arrived at our IL's address, we use their address as a residence address and have a PO Box address from dh's company for all our mail. Our DL's have the IL's address on it. The residence address is in California, which is also the port of entry for our son.

Again, really appreciate your help

HUGS
Dee Dee

[AdoptAmiga]

I just wanted to add that our files were started in 2002 and 2003. Maybe now there is more consistency of including the DNA photos. Let us know when your packet arrives!