We’re home… now what?

Visit a pediatrician with your child for a thorough medical examination, including testing for international adoption related issues. Click here to view the American Academy of Pediatrics brochure to help prepare you for what  to expect during the exam. Bring a copy for your doctor, as well. 

Contact your Social Worker to announce your arrival and to schedule Post-Adoption visits.

Within 45-90 days of entry into the US you will receive your child’s Certificate of Citizenship if your child entered the US on an IR-3 visa. If your child entered on an IR-4 you will receive an Alien Registration Card (green card).

Apply for proof of citizenship for your child, if your child entered on an IR-4 visa.

Take care of your re-adoption or adoption recognition and/or legal name change (if necessary).

Apply for a state birth certificate for your child.

Apply for your child’s Social Security number.

Provide your local Social Security office with proof of citizenship so that your child’s legal status will be updated to “US Citizen” in their system.

Send copies of all adoption documents and certificates to Children's Hope for inclusion in your adoption file. The original documents should be stored safely. Consider scanning them and saving onto a CD, making multiple copies and storing all files in a safe deposit box. Childnen's Hope cannot help you recover lost documents unless copies are forwarded: 11780 Borman Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.