Return to:
Index of "International Adoptions Reports"
Index of "Population, Refugees and Migration" ||
Electronic Research Collections Index ||
ERC Homepage
U.S. Department of State
1995: International Adoption -- Costa Rica
Bureau of Consular Affairs
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION - COSTA RICA
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IN THIS CIRCULAR RELATING TO THE
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN COUNTRIES IS PROVIDED
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. QUESTIONS INVOLVING
INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO
FOREIGN COUNSEL.
PROVISO: Costa Rica does allow United States citizens and
other foreigners to adopt. All adoptions are full and final
when completed in Costa Rica. Children may not be taken
outside of Costa Rica on a temporary guardianship for adoption
abroad. Foreign adoptions are a subject of intermittent
controversy in Costa Rica.
GENERAL: The following is a guideline for U.S. citizens who
are interested in adopting a child in Costa Rica and applying
for an immigrant visa for the child to return to the United
States. This process can be expensive, time-consuming and
difficult, involving complex foreign and American legal
requirements. Adoptions are given careful consideration on a
case-by-case basis by both foreign judicial authorities and
American consular officers to ensure that the legal
requirements of both countries have been met for the protection
of the adoptive parent(s), the natural parent(s) and the
child. Interested Americans are strongly advised to read the
following information carefully. Contact the U.S. Immigration
and Naturalization Service early in the process, before you
have identified a specific child to adopt. Contact American
consular officials in Costa Rica before formalizing an adoption
agreement to ensure that appropriate procedures have been
followed which will make it possible for the Embassy/Consulate
to issue a U.S. immigrant visa to the child. The American
Embassy and the Department of State stand ready to assist
adoptive parents, within the limits of our authority. Please
share your experiences and suggestions about how we can improve
this information and better assist Americans adopting abroad.
Reports to the American Embassy or the Department of State
about successes or problems with foreign adoptions are very
useful and any assistance adoptive parents can provide in this
regard is much appreciated.
AVAILABILITY OF CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION: Recent U.S. immigrant
visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance
to orphans:
IR-3 Immigrant Visas IR-4 Immigrant Visas
Fiscal Issued to Costa Rican Issued to Costa Rican
Year Orphans Adopted Abroad Orphans Adopted in U.S.
FY-1991 56 -
FY-1992 60 -
FY 1993 47 -
FY-1994 29 -
COSTA RICAN ADOPTION AUTHORITY:
Adoptions of all abandoned orphans who are in public
institutions are handled by the PATRONATO NACIONAL DE LA
INFANCIA (PANI). This is the official Costa Rican government
agency responsible for the general welfare and protection of
children. PANI can be contacted by mail at the following
address: Patronato Nacional de LA Infancia, P.O. Box 5000, San
Jose, Costa Rica. PANI is a professional child welfare
organization which is meticulous in assuring that children they
place go to proper homes. PANI has a number of requirements
for placing children with adoptive parents and will inform
inquirers directly (in English) of their policies and
procedures. If you apply for an adoption through PANI, they
will contact you when they find a child that meets your needs.
They will also call you collect, if you authorize such calls in
your application. Pictures and related information about the
child will be sent by air mail.
Note: In October of 1993, the law in Costa Rica was changed so
that only a family court judge can declare a child in a state
of abandonment, and a home study must be done on each child so
declared. Previously, PANI sometimes made this decision
administratively , and not all judges required a home study for
the child being adopted. This new requirement has led to a
backlog in the courts, because now children already in PANI
orphanages awaiting adoption must first be declared in a state
of abandoment by the court.
COSTA RICAN ADOPTION PROCEDURES:
Existing Costa Rican adoption law provides both for adoptions
through the Child Welfare Agency, the Patronato Nacional de la
Infancia (PANI) and for private adoptions in which children are
released to private attorneys who arrange foreign adoptions.
Virtually all complaints and allegations of adoption fraud in
Costa Rica focus on private adoptions. Costa Rican adoption
law provides no legal impediment to adoptions by foreigners.
However, it is the policy of the Child Welfare Agency (PANI) to
encourage the adoption of abandoned infants by Costa Rican
citizens. To give Costa Rican citizens an opportunity to
adopt, current PANI policy prohibits foreign adoptions of
children under four except in cases in which the child is part
of a family group or is difficult to place. There is no limit
on the age of children whose adoptions are arranged by private
attorneys. Adopted children do not need to be orphans, under
Costa Rican law (but see requirements of U.S. immigration law
regarding definition of orphan for U.S. visa purposes). Under
Costa Rican law, children to be adopted must be abandoned or
irrevocably surrendered for adoption. Abandoned children may
be taken to a government facility, be lodged in a private
orphanage or foster home or be placed in the custody of a
relative or friend. Children may also remain in the custody of
a biological parent prior to formal relinquishment of custody
before a judge.
Foreigners must complete the adoption process in Costa Rica and
have the adoption formally inscribed in the civil registry
before permission is given for the child to leave the country.
Because of Costa Rican concerns about child smuggling and the
need for follow-up in the adoption process, it is unusual for
permission to be granted for a child to leave Costa Rica to be
adopted elsewhere.
The government, acting through the PANI, is responsible for the
welfare of all children. Those who are formally abandoned or
removed from their families by the PANI remain in government
orphanages until adopted. In these cases, the PANI handles all
the paperwork and screening of adoptive parents. In private
adoptions, the court reviews the qualifications of the adoptive
parents.
CIVIL STATUS:
Costa Rica allows for adoption by married persons and by a
single adoptive parent.
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Costa Rica requires that at the initial stage of the adoption
process, both adoptive parents must be in Costa Rica to sign
the official consent documents before the Costa Rican court.
In the case of adoption by a single parent, that parent must be
present to sign the documents. Allow at least fifteen days for
this initial trip. At the end of the process, one of the
adoptive parents, or the sole parent if it is a single parent
adoption, must be in Costa Rica to finish the paperwork for the
adoption, obtain a travel document for the child and complete
immigration procedures at the U.S. Embassy. Since the length
of time for the entire adoption process may vary and take as
along as several months, many parents make two trips to Costa
Rica; others prefer to remain in Costa Rica for the entire
process. While in Costa Rica, the adopting parents need to
take the following steps to satisfy the country's legal
requirements:
- meet the child;
- give formal consent for the adoption at the court;
- obtain a certified copy of the final adoption decree from
the court;
- register the adoption at the local Civil Registry;
- obtain a birth certificate from the Civil Registry with the
new name of the child;
- obtain PANI authorization for the child to leave the
country;
- obtain a passport for the child.
COSTA RICAN EXIT CONTROLS:
Controls on removal of children from Costa Rica are strict and
written permission from both parents or a legal guardian must
be presented to PANI which then grants approval. PANI will not
approve the departure of a child if they are aware that the
intent is to complete an adoption in a foreign country.
TIME FRAME:
An adoption in Costa Rica generally takes from four to eight
months from the time a decree of abandonment has been issued or
an official request for adoption of a specific child is placed
before the court.
COSTA RICAN FEES:
Official fees for an adoption are set at a minimum of
approximately one hundred and fifty dollars, which represents
the total court costs when an adoption is processed through
PANI. Payments to parents or guardians were condemned as
immoral by the 1991 legislative investigation in Costa Rica and
could be subject to investigation and possible prosecution.
The fees generally charged in private adoptions can be as high
as fifteen thousand dollars. It is useful if American adoptive
parents keep the Embassy and the Department of State informed
about exorbitant fees for adoptions.
ADOPTION AGENCIES AND ATTORNEYS:
Adoptions in Costa Rica can be arranged through the government
agency, PANI or through private channels. PANI works with
established international adoption agencies in placing
abandoned children. In private adoptions, where children are
released by their parents directly to a private attorney, the
PANI is consulted and will give an opinion on the adoption, but
the judge is not bound to accept that opinion. Locating and
adopting children abroad can be a difficult and time consuming
experience. The U.S. Embassy has found that parents who employ
the services of a well established adoption agency in Costa
Rica or who work directly with PANI have had the best results.
U.S. citizens interested in adopting a child from Costa Rica
may wish to contact the American Embassy in San Jose before
retaining the services of a particular agency or attorney to
ascertain whether the individual or agency has been the subject
of investigation or indictment in Costa Rica which has been
brought to the attention of the Embassy.
COSTA RICAN DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS:
If you arrange an adoption through PANI, that agency will
provide you with a list of their documentary requirements. If
you arrange an adoption through a private attorney, the
attorney will likewise advise you what documents you will need
to submit in support of an adoption application. In general,
the documentary requirements will be similar to those required
for a U.S. visa petition:
Certified and authenticated copies of the adoptive
parent(s)' birth certificate(s).
Certified and authenticated copy of the adoptive parent(s)'
marriage certificate (if applicable) and proof of termination
of any previous marriage (certified copy of spouse's death
certificate or divorce decree).
Medical certificate(s) for adoptive parent(s) notarized by
physician and authenticated.
A certificate of good conduct/no criminal record for each
adoptive parent from a local police department notarized or
bearing police department seal and authenticated.
An FBI report is acceptable in lieu of local police record.
This is separate from the FBI check conducted by INS as part of
the petition process. You can request an FBI record check by
sending two sets of fingerprints, a $17 money order, your full
name, date and place of birth, social security number and
letter requesting and explaining the purpose for the clearance
to: FBI ID Division, Room 10104, Washington, D.C.
20537-9700. The FBI certificate should also be authenticated.
Verification of employment and salary notarized and
authenticated.
Two letters of reference notarized and authenticated.
A certified and authenticated copy of your property trust
deeds, if applicable.
A home study prepared by an authorized and licensed social
agency certified and authenticated.
Bank statements notarized/certified and authenticated.
Family letter of intent to adopt, describing child adoptive
parent(s) is/are willing to adopt notarized and authenticated.
Note: that additional documentation and procedures may be
required.
Authentication Summary:
Generally, U.S. civil records, such as birth, death, and
marriage certificates must bear the seal of the issuing office,
then be authenticated by the state Secretary of State in your
state capital, then by the U.S. Department of State
Authentications Office, then by the foreign Embassy or
Consulate in the United States.
Check with the foreign Consulate in the U.S. with
jurisdiction over your state to see what seals and signatures
the Consulate can authenticate. It may be possible to
eliminate some of the authentication steps if the Consulate has
the seal of the local issuing authority on file.
Tax returns, medical reports and police clearances should
likewise be authenticated, beginning with the seal of a notary
public in the United States or some appropriate issuing
office. The notary's seal should be authenticated by the clerk
of court of the county where the notary is licensed or some
similar authority. The document should then be authenticated
by the state Secretary of State (in your state capital), the
U.S. Department of State Authentications Office, and the
foreign Embassy or Consulate.
The U.S. Department of State Authentications Office is
located at 2400 M Street, N.W., Room 101, Washington, D.C.
20520, tel: (202) 647-5002. Walk-in service is available 8
a.m. to 12 noon Monday-Friday, except holidays. The Department
charges $4.00 per document for this service, payable in the
form of a check drawn on a U.S. bank or money order made
payable to the Department of State.
Translation Requirements:
All documents prepared for transmission to Costa Rican adoption
authorities must be accompanied by a certified Spanish
translation. The translator must execute a statement before a
notary public as to the validity of the translation. The
notary's seal must then be authenticated.
Special Instructions For Persons Born or Married in Third
Countries: Individuals who were born or married in third
countries should have their birth or marriage certificates
authenticated by the issuing authorities, and then
authenticated by the American Embassy in the country in which
the birth or marriage took place for a fee of $10.00 per
document payable to the American Embassy. Such documents must
then be authenticated by the Embassy or Consulate of the
country of origin for the child to be adopted in that country
if one exists. If not, the document bearing the
seal of the American Embassy must be forwarded to the U.S.
Department of State Authentications Office for authentication
of the American Embassy's seal for a fee of $4.00 payable to
the Department of State. It will then be necessary to obtain
the seal of the foreign Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Individuals born abroad who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth
and whose parents applied for Foreign Service Reports of Birth
for them at the American Embassy or Consulate may obtain a
Certification of Birth Abroad by contacting the U.S. Department
of State, Office of Passport Services, Correspondence Branch,
1111 19th Street, Suite 500, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20522-1705, tel: (202) 647-0518. There is a fee of $10.00
payable to the Department of State for this service. This
document would then have to be authenticated by the foreign
Embassy or Consulate.
COSTA RICAN EMBASSY AND CONSULATES IN U.S.:
Embassy of Costa Rica
and Consulate of Costa Rica
1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 211
Washington, D.C. 20009
tel (Embassy): (202) 234-2945, -2946, -2947
tel (Consulate): (202) 234-2945 or (202) 328-6628
Consulate of Costa Rica
80 Wall Street
Suite 1117
New York, N.Y. 10005
tel: (212) 425-2620
In addition, Costa Rica has honorary consuls located throughout
the United States.
WORKING WITH THE U.S. CONSULATE ON THE VISA
Consular Authority to Approve a Case:
Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), consular
officers can only adjudicate clearly approvable I-600
petitions. Cases involving relinquishment of parental rights
by a sole or surviving parent are often not clearly approvable
and must be referred to INS for adjudication. In all private
adoption cases processed in Costa Rica, arrangement must be
made for interview of the biological parent(s) by a consular
officer. If there are any questions regarding the eligibility
for orphan status or whether petition conditions have been met,
consular officers must refer these petitions to the nearest INS
office. When an orphan petition (I-600) is sent to an American
embassy or consulate for possible issuance of an immigrant visa
(Form OF-230) to the child or when an orphan petition is filed
at an American embassy or consulate, a consular officer does an
overseas orphan investigation as part of the normal
processing. This is usually done very quickly. However, the
investigation and visa processing can sometimes be lengthy,
especially when adoptive parents employ irregular practices to
adopt a child, making the petition "not clearly approvable".
INS Form I-604, Request for and Report on Overseas Orphan
Investigation is used by INS and consular officers.
Scheduling Appointment With U.S. Consular Officer:
It is advisable to contact the U.S. Embassy at least three
working days in advance to check that the documents are in
order and to set an appointment to file the immigration visa
(I-600) application and schedule the immigrant visa interview.
Since the documentation required is slightly different from
that required for the I-600A, adoptive parents should contact
the Embassy during the adoption process to request a packet of
instructions listing the documents necessary for immigrant visa
issuance. Included in this packet of instructions is an
"Immigrant Visa Checklist" form. The Embassy will schedule a
final appointment in an adoption case once all documents have
been assembled and the form has been signed and returned to
the Embassy.
What Documents to Bring With You to U.S. Embassy Consular
Section:
Note: Since each case is different, it is possible that the
Embassy will request additional documents after a preliminary
review of the application of the prospective adoptive parent(s).
For the immigrant visa application the child will need:
1. Certified copy of child's birth certificate issued by the
civil registrar indicating the name of both parents if known.
2. If birth father, mother or both are deceased, certified
copy of death certificate issued by civil registrar.
3. Relinquishment of parental rights executed before
appropriate Costa Rican authority.
4. Certified copy of Costa Rican final adoption decree,
including a copy of the home study done on the child.
5. Certified copy of the new birth certificate from the Costa
Rican Civil Registry showing names of adoptive parent(s).
6. Valid Costa Rican passport.
7. Two 1 3/4 inch color visa photographs.
8. Medical examination (according to Embassy instructions).
If the minor has a physical or mental disability, a notarized
statement will be required from the prospective adoptive
parent(s) in the United States indicating that they are fully
aware of the physical or mental disability of the minor and in
spite of that fact that they have the intention of finalizing
the adoption. This statement can be included in item 19 of
form I-600 and also in the home study if more convenient. In
that case a separate notarized statement will not be required.
9. Currently, only adopted children can obtain permission to
depart Costa Rica. However in any case where the minor has not
been seen or observed in person by the prospective adoptive
parent(s), a notarized statement by those parents will be
required indicating that although they have not seen or
observed the minor in person, they are nevertheless willing to
adopt or re-adopt the minor in the United States. Both parties
must sign the I-600 after the child has been identified. This
means that if one party has
gone abroad to arrange the adoption, and the other remained in
the U.S., the I-600 must be sent by one spouse to the other
with the child's identity information completed and an original
signature of the spouse reflecting their concurrence with the
procedure. This is generally done by express courier in the
interests of time.
10. In the case of a minor taken to the United States by a
third party, for example a legal representative or social
assistant of an adoption agency or other entity, a notarized
statement will be required authorizing that person to take the
minor to the United States with the purpose of placing him/her
with the prospective adoptive parent(s). This statement can
also be included in the Judge's authorization for the child to
leave Costa Rica.
Note: There are no provisions in INS regulations for approving
petitions signed by agents with powers of attorney.
Consequently, even if an agent is physically accompanying the
child to the U.S., the petition itself must be signed by the
adoptive parent(s), after the child has been identified.
The child must be present at the U.S. Embassy for the immigrant
visa application process. The medical examination must be
performed by a physician from an approved list of physicians
using a specified form provided by the American Embassy.
Unless special circumstances, such as a physical handicap,
indicate the child's care will be particularly costly, the
adopting parents will not be required to provide further proof
of their financial situation, as this information will have
already been provided at the time of petition (I-600A or I-600)
approval.
Note About Additional Documentation Requirements: Since each
case is different, it is possible that the Embassy will request
additional documents after a preliminary review of the
application of the prospective adoptive parent(s). For
example, if the minor has a physical or mental disability and
only one adoptive parent (in the case of married couples) is
present abroad, a notarized statement will be required from the
absent prospective adoptive parent in the United States
indicating that they are fully aware of the physical or mental
disability of the minor and in spite of that fact that they
have the intention of finalizing the adoption. This statement
can be included in item 19 of form I-600 and also in the home
study if more convenient. In that case a separate notarized
statement will not be required.
Married Couples: When Both Spouses Have Not Seen The Child:
In cases where the minor has not been seen or observed in
person by both prospective adoptive parents (in the case of
married couples), a notarized statement by the absent parent
will be required indicating that although they have not seen or
observed the minor in person, they are nevertheless willing to
adopt or re-adopt the minor in the United States. In the case
of a minor taken to the United States by a third party, for
example a legal representative or social assistant of an
adoption agency or other entity, a notarized statement will be
required authorizing that person to take the minor the United
States with the purpose of placing him/her with the prospective
adoptive parent(s). However, this procedure may not be
acceptable to foreign authorities. Consequently, even if an
agent is physically accompanying the child to the U.S., the
petition itself must be signed by the adoptive parent(s), after
the child has been identified.
U.S. IMMIGRATION CHECKLIST
The Immigration and Naturalization Service pamphlet entitled
"The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children"
(M-249Y, Revised, 1990) includes a checklist on orphan petition
procedures. That checklist is annexed to this information
flyer for the convenience of prospective adoptive parents to
help in tracking the immigration requirements.
U.S. FEES:
INS Fees for I-600 and I-600A Petitions: There is an INS fee
of $155.00 for an I-600 or I-600A petition. If you have a
valid I-600A and file an I-600 within 18 months of the approval
of the I-600A, no fee will be charged for the I-600 provided
you are only petitioning for one child or for siblings. If you
have a valid I-600A and within 18 months of approval of the
I-600A are petitioning for more than one child and the children
are not siblings, the I-600 fee will be charged for each child
after the first child except for the first child.
U.S. State Department authentication fee: If you are having
documents authenticated by the Department of State
Authentication Office, there is a fee of $4.00 per document.
Medical Examination Fee:
The adopted child must have a medical examination performed by
one of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate's panel physicians before
the immigrant visa can be issued. The cost of this medical
examination is approximately U.S. $25.00 and must be borne by
the adoptive parent(s).
U.S. Immigrant Visa Fee: The fee for the immigrant visa is
$200.00 and may be paid either in U.S. dollars or local
currency. This $200.00 does not include medical examinations,
costs of documents, the petition, etc. The American
Embassy/Consulate does not accept personal checks or credit
cards.
Authentication of Documents by U.S. Embassy or Consulates: If
you are having documents authenticated by a consular officer at
a U.S. embassy or consulate, there is a fee of $10.00 per
document.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Prospective adopting parents should consult INS publication No.
M-249, "The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive
Children" and the Department of State information flyer
"International Adoptions".
AMERICAN EMBASSY/CONSULATE ASSISTANCE
Upon arrival in Costa Rica to try to arrange an adoption, U.S.
citizens should register at the American Embassy, Consular
Section, American Citizens Services. The Embassy will be able
to provide information about any outstanding travel advisories
and to provide other information about Costa Rica including
lists of physicians, attorneys, interpreters and translators.
The American Embassy is located on Pavas Road in the Rohrmoser
section of San Jose. The telephone number of the Consular
section is (506) 220-3050; ask for extension 2455 or 2456. The
immigrant visa unit is open for walk-in information and
assistance between the hours of 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at window
"D" any workday, except Thursday, or you may telephone directly
Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. to inquire about
your visa petition and adoption case. Prospective adoptive
parents in the United States who wish to write for information
from the United States, should use the following address:
Chief, Immigration Visa Unit, Consular Section, Unit 2501 APO
AA Miami 34020 domestic postage rate). The International
Mailing address is IV Unit, Consular Section, U.S. Embassy,
Apdo 920-1200, Pavas, San Jose, Costa Rica. If, while you are
in Costa Rica, you experience a serious, life threatening
emergency, the Embassy has a duty officer available on call
when the Embassy is closed who can be reached by calling (506)
220-3127 and asking to speak to the duty officer about a
consular emergency regarding a U.S. citizen.
WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR NEW BABY
Since it is difficult to predict how long it may be necessary
for you to remain in Costa Rica with your adopted child, you
may want to consider what articles you might want to bring with
you. You should be aware that not all U.S. style baby products
are readily available abroad. You may wish to consider
bringing certain items with you. These might include:
- Plastic or cloth baby carrier
- Bottle nipples
- Disposable paper diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby blankets
- Infant wear
- Thermos bottle, for hot water to prepare dry formula
-Milk bottles (plastic, glass, and disposable)
- Disposable plastic bags for milk bottles
DOCTORS: The U.S. Embassy maintains current lists of doctors
and sources for medicines, should either you or your child
encounter health problems while still in Costa Rica.
QUESTIONS
Specific questions regarding adoptions in Costa Rica may be
addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. You may also contact the Office of Children's
Issues, U.S. Department of State, Room 4800 N.S.,
2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, telephone
(202) 647-2688 with specific adoption questions. Recorded
information concerning significant changes in adoption
procedures is available 24 hours a day at: (202) 736-7000, or
by automated fax (calling from the telephone on your fax
machine) at (202) 647-3000. If the country you are interested
in is not listed, procedures have not significantly changed.
Information on immigrant visas is available from the State
Department's Visa Office, at (202) 663-1225. This 24 hour
automated system includes options to speak with consular
officers during business hours for questions not answered in
the recorded material. Application forms and petitions for
immigrant visas are available from the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service, the nearest office of which is listed
in the federal pages of your telephone book, under U.S.
Department of Justice.
In addition, the State Department publishes Consular
Information Sheets and Travel Warnings. Consular Information
Sheets are available for every country in the world, providing
information such as the location of the U.S. Embassy, health
conditions, political situations, and crime reports. When
situations are sufficiently serious that the State Department
recommends U.S. citizens avoid traveling to a country, a Travel
Warning is issued. Both Consular Information Sheets and Travel
Warnings may be heard 24 hours a day by calling the State
Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at
(202) 647-5225 from a touch-tone telephone. The recording is
updated as new information becomes available. In addition,
this information is accessible through the automated fax
machine, as above, and is also available at any of the 13
regional passport agencies, field offices of the U.S.
Department of Commerce, and U.S. Embassies and Consulates
abroad. Furthermore, you may write in requesting information,
sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Overseas Citizens
Services, Room 4811 N.S., 2201 C St., N.W., U.S. Department of
State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Finally, information is
available through your personal computer. If you have a
computer and a modem, you can access the Consular Affairs
Bulletin Board (CABB). This service is free of charge, and may
be reached at: (202) 647-9225. Consular Information Sheets and
Travel Warnings may also be accessed by subscribers to many
on-line services. For complete information on accessing
consular information via computer, please request document
1016, entitled "Consular Information Program," from the
automated fax system, which is described in the preceding
paragraph.
CONCLUSION
Interested Americans should be aware that the process of
adopting a child in Costa Rica and bringing the child to the
U.S. may be time-consuming and difficult. The American Embassy
and the Department of State stand ready to assist adoptive
parents, within the limits of our authority. U.S. citizens
arriving abroad to finalize an adoption are advised to proceed
carefully with all local foreign legal procedures. They should
also work closely with the nearest U.S. Embassy throughout the
adoption process to ensure that the child selected will qualify
for U.S. immigration benefits and that all the necessary
documents are in order.
(###)
To the top of this page