1. What are the ages of the children available for adoption and are they healthy?
The average age of the infants we place range between 10-36 months of age. Refer to Qualifications to see the age of infant/child you may qualify for.

The infants and children are generally healthy. As they have been in an orphanage/institutional setting, it is not uncommon for them to have physical or developmental delays, colds, upper respiratory infections, rashes, etc. Most adoptive families report that their children flourished in their development shortly after placement.

2. How long will it take to complete the adoption?
The adoption process has several different steps and the length of time it takes to complete those steps is dependent on several factors. The following is an estimate of those steps.

Application/Home study: 2-3months
Dossier and BCIS approval: 3-5 months
Wait for Invitation to Travel: 2-5 months (varies)
Travel to Russia: 1-2 weeks after Invitation to Travel
Your stay in Russia: Trip# 1- 10-12 days
Trip# 2- 10-12 days

Please note that the home study, dossier and USCIS processes are completed simultaneously.

3. Will we receive a referral of a child?
The Russian Federation does not formally issue a ‘referral’ of a child to the agency. Families are invited to Russia to select their child.

4. After we are invited to travel to Russia, how long will it be before we travel and who makes the travel arrangements? Do we travel in groups or on our own?
Most families travel within 1-2 weeks of being invited to travel to Russia. Understand that due to the type of travel required and the short amount of notice given, travel may occur quickly!

You will most likely travel alone. This is due in part to the number of families traveling at different times. Whether you travel in a small group or on your own, please know there is always a guide(s) assisting you throughout the process.

5. Why do I need to travel to Russia for two trips?
You will travel to Russia on your first trip to select and visit with your child at the Orphanage. During the second trip you will complete your adoption and have your child placed with you during this time. This process includes registering your adoption and waiting for necessary documents such as your child’s passport and obtaining your child’s visa to enter into the United States.

Traveling to Russia is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about your child’s culture and heritage and gives you time to get to know your child while still in an environment that he/she is accustomed to.

6. When does my child become a United States Citizen?
Your child will become an U.S. Citizen upon entering into the United States. If only 1 parent of a couple travels to Russia on the second trip to complete the adoption, then you must re-adopt in the U.S. for your child to obtain citizenship.

7. What is the Certificate of Citizenship and why do I need it?
While your child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon entering the U.S., you still will need to obtain proof of citizenship. This is accomplished by completing form N600 available through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Having the Certificate of Citizenship will assist you in applying for your child’s social security card and U.S. passport.

For more information or questions please contact : cindi@familytreeadoption.org