Posts Tagged U.S. immigration
Adopting a Baby to Bring to United States
Posted by Josun in Child Adoption Overseas on June 5, 2010
Short story of adopting a baby overseas
If you are living in the United States and planning to adopt a baby from another country, then here’s a story of one of our client’s that may help you:
Irene emigrated from India with her parents when she was 3 years old. She married and got divorced four years ago. She didn’t have any child from her marriage. Instead of living alone, she wanted to raise a child. She went back to New Delhi to visit her relatives and told them about her plans.
Irene visited four orphanages and decided to adopt a five-month old baby boy who was left at a hospital.
Requirements for adopting a baby
She contacted consular section of the U.S. Embassy and learned about the requirements for adoption of a child: she must be an American citizen and over 25 years old (she met these requirements). She was reminded that she should first meet the adoption requirements of the Government of India. She contacted a local attorney to avoid any legal problem.
Irene had two options to adopt the baby: one option was to bring the baby to the United States as orphan and adopt him in the U.S. The other option was to complete all adoption paperwork in India. She preferred to do it while she was in India as she missed her home country so much and had enough time.
Forms and application to U.S. embassy abroad
She filed Form I-600 “Petition to Classify an Orphan as an Immediate Relative” and submit it with visa application. She had an interview at the embassy by bringing the baby. She also brought legal papers allowing her to have the legal custody of the child from local authority along with a medical examination report. Medical report showed that the baby boy needed a testis operation. This was no problem for the adoption and bringing him to the United States.Irene obtained a “Non-Availability of Birth Certificate” from the local authority as the baby didn’t have a birth certificate.
Consular officer at the U.S. embassy was very much familiar with adoption process and helped Irene in preparing and completing all paperwork within a very short period of time.
Certified translation of adoption papers
Irene is back to the United States with her baby. She contacted us for certified translation of her baby’s Non-Availability of Birth Certificate and is living happily with her son in Los Angeles.
Marriage Certificate Translation for U.S. Immigration
Posted by Josun in Certified translation of your documents on May 24, 2010
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Requirements for Married Couples
You must have a marriage certificate or marriage license if you are married. If you re-married, then you need to present one of the following documents:
- Divorce decree. Make sure that you have the finalized copy after right to appeal was exercised or waived.
- Death certificate if previous spouse died.
- Annulment certificate.
What happens if you are married but don’t have marriage certificate?
If are married but lost your marriage certificate, then you need to obtain a document from the official agency stating the case with official seal/stamp and signature. You may also get an affidavit from relatives or friends who have witnessed your marriage and this affidavit must be executed before an official agency.
Some countries, such as India, issue non-availability of marriage certificate (as well as birth certificate) in cases where marriage has not been officially recorded.
Who issues divorce decrees?
In many countries, including China, Russia, and in most Christian counties, courts handle divorces cases and issue divorce decrees for dissolution of marriage union. Some courts require passage of certain period of time before deciding on divorce or separation of marriage.
In most Muslim countries, Religious or Sharia Courts issue divorce decrees.
Marrying American citizen to get your Green Card faster
Many citizens of other countries get their permanent resident visa by marrying a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service – INS) scrutinizes such marriages carefully non-immigrants who have to leave the United States get married fast, or marriage creates some doubts if married persons are not living together.
If you are married an American citizen, it will help if you arrange a wedding attended by the relatives, especially the relatives of the U.S. citizen, joint tax returns that you filed, receipts and utility bills, and bank accounts carrying both of your names. Having a joint child also helps in getting your Green Card.
You need to get certified translation of your marriage certificate into English
If your original marriage certificate is not in English language, then you need to submit “certified” translation of your marriage certificate into English language to submit to the USCIS.