[Pattyo11275]

Under what circumstances is it possible to have only 1 trip to Russia? Our caseworker has mentioned a referal that only needs one trip for the parents. I know that the "hosting" programs can eliminate on of the two trips, but this is not the case for this little one. What other conditions can do this?

[britfish]

I know our agency works in several one trip regions. Basically from what I've been told you sign all the paperwork claiming your intent to adopt the child and get your court date scheduled and then you go on your one (and only trip).

[kimber413]

That's not quite the way it worked for us. You still have to officially accept your referral in country and sign the paperwork there. They can approximate a court date before you leave the U.S., but as I found out, nothing is set in stone until you get there and sign the official acceptance and it's sent off to the MOE for processing. Our estimated court date changed while in country. Didn't delay us much, but did result in a change of return travel plans.

I would assume that agencies are not encouraging one trip at the present time due to the temporary suspension of issuance of release letters from the MOE, since this would affect the scheduling of a court date. Also, be aware that if your region is somewhat remote, a month or more is a long, long time to spend there unless you speak Russian very well or are willing to pay for an interpreter whenever you want to go out. We loved our time there, but I think we'll opt for two trips next time.

[Abdulina]

Hosting programs and one trip regions. There are a few, and I mean only a few, one trip regions left. Also, if you have an extreme medical issue, sometimes they will do just one trip. Has to be a special need basis though. Usually, surgery. Those are the only 3 circumstances that I know of. I know someone on this forum had a list of one trip regions. Good luck. Much easier doing one trip. All four of ours were one trip.

Stephanie.

[Remmy]

Hi,

We just got home Saturday from Izhevsk, Russia. That is in the region of Udmurtia. We did one trip, and were in Russia for exactly 2 weeks. We adopted 2 children, ages 12 months and 18 months. This region is normally one trip, but for awhile this fall most people were doing two trips. They told us that it might be two trips when we went, but I brought my embassy paperwork just in case. Worked out well since they told us the second day in the region that we could do it in one trip.

I would recommend one trip regions if you can, because the jet lag was bad for us. It is also expensive to fly back and forth. I was so happy to get my kids home to be checked out by our doctors too. I have heard that for Moscow's region (also one trip from what I hear) that you have to stay for almost a month. That might be a little difficult, but my two weeks went fast.

Good luck to you!

Renae