[Mihoshi]

I realize that 99% of all adoptions abroad by US citizens require the parents be at least 25 years of age. Does that mean you have to be 25 before you can apply or just be 25 before you can accept a referal/travel? As some countries have a 1-3 year wait, I'm wondering if it's possible to get things started before turning 25.

I've also seen a very few agencies that allow adoptions from Slovic countries at 21 if married (I understand that in many Slovic nations the rule is you must be 16 years older than the child) - but I've heard the US doesn't approve VISA's in some of these "under aged" cases. Can anyone give me a firm yes or no answer from their personal experiences?

[sak9645]

The USCIS requires any SINGLE person to be at least 24 when he/she files the I-600A, and to be at least 25 when he/she applies for the child's adoption visa. Married couples are NOT required to meet these requirements.

You are right, however, that many countries do not place with people under 25. Also, some agencies will not place with people under 25.

Sharon

[mbandbrent]

My husband and I adopted from Guatemala and had no trouble obtaining a visa. I was 23 and he was 26 when the process was completed.

[char1105]

Hello! Just letting you know I understand you're questions b/c we are a younger couple planning on adopting as well. USCIS requirements is 25 for singles (you can start paperwork at 24 i think), and no requirement for married couples. There are only a few counties that I am aware of that will let younger couples adopt. Vietnam, Guatemala, Liberia, and there are others, just not lots. And then you have to find an agency that will work with you after that, some have requirements of 25 at least. We will be 22 when adopting (from Vietnam) and so far have found a few different agencies that will work with us. Good luck!

[Mihoshi]

Thank you all for the responses. I feel like I need a lawyer to decifer half of the US regulations (the whole thing reads to me like: x is true, except on the third wednesday of every month, unless there's a leap year, then q is true unless it's snowing rabbits, then z is true unless we change our minds again). That clears it up perfectly.

We are very partial to Japan and Taiwan, but we're starting to get antsy with the idea of having six years between having our bio son and our next child. We have become partial to India, and I've found a very few agencies working with people 21+ - so hopefully we'll get to start mid next year.

[Pinkie]

Originally Posted by Mihoshi

(the whole thing reads to me like: x is true, except on the third wednesday of every month, unless there's a leap year, then q is true unless it's snowing rabbits, then z is true unless we change our minds again)

I have just belly laughed reading this!!!

[pinkshoes]

Call USCIS and ask! I called them for a different reason. Also call that a Slovic agency & see if they ever make special exceptions such as you have mucho experience with children or something?