[ryansbella]

I am just looking into adopting from Kaz and was wondering if anyone can give me the run down on the process, expenses, etc...any info would be great!

[2Bulgarianbeauties]

There are good and bads with Kaz. On the bad side - it is expensive ($30k +), a LONG time in country (5 - 7 weeks depending on region). Process varies by region.

On the plus side. It is a pretty easy dossier, althrough they are starting to add more requirements. It is a quick process, generally 4 - 6 months from dossier submission to agency until you travel. Young children are available (under 1 year). They tend to be pretty healthly, although they are institutionalized, so they will be delayed.

Top line process is:

Submit dossier to agency
Dossier goes to translation ( takes about 1 month)
Dosser goes to consulate in DC (takes 2 weeks to 2 months)
Dossier goes to 2 agencies in the Kaz government, and then you are issued an invitation to travel (takes 6 - 10 weeks)

Kay

[maevyn]

I can't speak for all areas or agencies, but as someone who is also adopting as a single, here is what I've had to do:

Homestudy
4 copies of my passport and birth certificate
a copy of my divorce decree since I was previously married
3 sets of at least 10 total photos of myself, my home, the child's room, my friends and family
FBI background check - need to get fingerprint card from your local police
Bank letter stating accounts and current balances
Immigration approval through USCIS

Agency provided documents:
4 copies of Kaz power of attorney
Letter of Intent to Adopt
Commitment to post-adoption reports
Commitment to register with the consulate
Guardianship affadavit signed by someone who will care for the child should something happen to me
Home ownership form - this one was a little tricky since I rent, but it was handled through my home study agency

And everything has to be certified and apostilled.

With all the charges, I will end up somewhere between $26-30,000. I've chosen to travel twice, which, of course costs more, but I only get a total of 8 weeks off work. Based on a couple who just returned from Kaz through my agency, they were there just under 3 weeks the first visit and will go back for 2-4 days. You can also choose to stay the entire time, which ends up around 5-7 weeks. Some agencies, like mine, have a coordinator who finds you a referral before you travel, and some don't. I'm sure this affects the time spent in country as well.

I've also found that the airfare is much less expensive if you fly through Amsterdam. Northwest flies this route, and also has special international adoption rates you can apply for. I haven't yet applied, so I can't speak to any savings.

I'm in MA and would highly recommend my agency to anyone in the area.

[ryansbella]

Thanks so much for all the info on adopting from Kaz. I really appreciate it. I will continue my research and hopefully decide soon what we plan on doing. Take care and good luck as you get your little miracles!