Kazakhstan Adoption Factsheet, Page 2

PATTERNS OF IMMIGRATION OF ADOPTED ORPHANS TO THE U.S.: Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans

Fiscal Year	Number of Immigrant Visas Issued
FY 2004	843
FY 2003	825
FY 2002	819
FY 2001	757
FY 2000	398

ADOPTION AUTHORITY IN Kazakhstan:

Ministry of Education Committee on Guardianship and Care
83 Kenesary St.
Astana, Kazakhstan 010000

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS: There are no age or marital status requirements stated in Kazakhstani regulations at this time, except that an unmarried prospective adoptive parent must be at least 16 years older than the child s/he intends to adopt. Prior to 2005, some single parents have found it difficult to adopt a child, but the situation seems to have improved.

RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: Prospective adoptive parents must reside with the child for a minimum of two weeks at the child’s habitual place of residence in Kazakhstan prior to the adoption (“the Bonding Period”). The pre-adoption bonding period cannot be waived. Kazakhstani law also provides for a 15-day waiting period (“the Appeal Period”) after the court hearing before the adoption becomes final. A judge can waive this period at his or her discretion but this has become an increasingly rare occurrence. The court decision, adoption certificate, post-adoption birth certificate and child’s Kazakhstani passport cannot be obtained until the judge finalizes the adoption.

TIME FRAME: Prospective adoptive parents can expect to stay in Kazakhstan anywhere from 40 to 60 days, and occasionally longer, to complete Kazakhstani adoption requirements.

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Credits: U.S. Department of State, 2005