Family Name:________________________________ Child__________________

This page is a checklist of the documents needed for adoption in Guatemala. All documents 1-14 must be notarized, and then sent to the Secretary of State for the authentication. The ONLY documents (1-14) that DO NOT have to go to the Secretary of State or be notarized are: Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificate and Divorce Decrees.

Send all documents to Special Delivery. Note** If you intend to adopt more than one child, you must get a complete set of originals for each child.

(Two photocopies of all documents, one for your file and one for Special Delivery)

1. Original home study.
2. Power of Attorney (provided once child is accepted).
3. Birth certificates for husband and wife (certified copy does not need to be notarized or state sealed).
4. Marriage certificate (certified copy does not need to be notarized or state sealed).
5. Two witness papers (we supply the sample). *Must be different people from References.
6. Reference letter from your pastor.
7. Reference letters from two other people.
8. Proof of termination of any marriages (certified copy does not need to be notarized or state sealed).
9. Two police letters, 1 each (example provided). *New requirement, they must be state clearances, not local PD.
10. Letter from your doctor (on his letterhead) stating your are “ in good physical and mental health.” (Husband, Wife, and Children). *Can be all on one letter if everyone sees same doctor.
11. Letter from your bank, (also on letterhead) stating your status as a customer(s), and balance of checking and savings the past 12 months.
12. Letter from your employer should be length of employment, salary, and make reference to your character on the job. *Self employed persons may submit a letter from your accountant.
13. Name affidavit, type in all names that appear on all documents. Husband and wife will sign the two bottom lines (we provide the sample).
14. Letter stating your adoptive child will have the same rights and privileges as biological children (example enclosed).
15. Two G-28’s signed and notarized.
16. Affidavit of Support I-864 (does not need to be submitted with dossier).
17. Two I-600’s (filled out only what you know, leave rest blank and sign without a date).
18. I-171H (notarized copy).
19. Copies of last three years tax returns and three years W-2 forms (do not send in if you are traveling to pick up child).
20. Two family photos, one house, one child room.
21. Photocopies of passport for both husband and wife.

Note: Begin letters To Whom It May Concern: Send all of the above documents to Special Delivery, and we will begin processing as soon as possible.

You will have a list of documents needed for Immigration Naturalization Service (INS). You will also have a list of documents required for adoption in Guatemala. Some of the documents are required by both, and some are unique requirements of INS. Review the lists before requesting the documents in order to request the proper number.

FIRST: INS
Contact Immigration and request the following forms. Or access our website and print them out. These forms represent documents that allow an international adoption to begin.

1. I-600A this document is an (Application of Advance Processing of Orphan Petition). This petition requests approval for international Adoption.
2. I-600 this document is a petition (To Classify an Orphan As an Immediate Relative). This petition requests approval for a travel visa.
3. G-28 this document is a Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney of Representative. This petition allows the Guatemalan Attorney to present papers to USCIS formerly knows as (INS).

Fill out the form I-600A. The following documents will be required along with the I-600 A form when submitted to immigration.

1. Proof of citizenship -- Birth Certificates for both husband and wife, from the department of vital statistics in the sate where you were born. Certified copy.
2. Proof of marriage -- (marriage certificate) certified copy.
3. Home Study -- Two originals. May be submitted 6 months after it was competed.
4. Divorce Decree (if applicable).
5. Fee. The fee is currently $525.00 for I-600A and $70.00 for fingerprints per person.

Submit the I-600A immediately, with your fee and whatever of the above list you already have completed. If you do not have all documents to submit, include a note stating that the items will follow so they can begin processing as soon as possible.

Certified copies of birth and marriage certificates do not require a notary, but all other documents do require notary services. Notaries should be notarized with a raised seal.

You will be notified by INS of when to go in for your fingerprint appointment.
When all is submitted to INS, the will notify you that you are approved and that they have sent your 39# cable, (Cable/Visa for the child to come to the USA) to the Guatemalan Embassy in Guatemala City. Please notify us, and send a certified copy of the INS approval letter once you receive it.

** Note: If you intend to have an escort once the adoption is final, you must fill in the I-600A on question number 16: Where do you intend to file your Orphan Petition? You need to put in that blank, the office located at your state INS office...example: Kansas City, MO.