Adoption Information: Russia

Recent Developments

Please see the Department of State website for the most current information on Russian legislation that may impact intercountry adoptions from Russia.  At present, USCIS continues to accept and process paperwork filed by prospective adoptive parents intending to adopt children from Russia. We, along with the Department of State, are monitoring the situation and will inform prospective adoptive parents of any changes.

November 2012 Agreement

The Agreement between the United States of America and the Russian Federation Regarding Cooperation in Adoption of Children entered into force on Nov. 1, 2012.

Both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and DOS work to promote a safe, ethical, and transparent adoption process for prospective adoptive parents, birth families, and children involved in intercountry adoptions. This Agreement will enhance the safeguards and protections for all involved in adoptions between the United States and the Russian Federation.

The Agreement’s entry into force on Nov. 1, 2012, began a period of transition from the procedures in place before the Agreement to the new procedures called for in the Agreement. Not all of the provisions of the Agreement will take effect immediately on Nov. 1. We anticipate that the transition period will take six to nine months to complete. Most cases already in progress as of Nov. 1 will be able continue under the old procedures. However, it will be important to monitor and track the effective dates of various provisions in the Agreement to ensure that cases are in compliance with all the requirements throughout the transition period. USCIS and DOS will be conducting regular outreach in the coming months to ensure that new guidance and information is available.

See the “Adoption Agreement Between the United States and Russia” for additional information and guidance. The full text of the Agreement and an updated Frequently Asked Questions can be found online at http://adoption.state.gov. Please visit www.uscis.gov/adoption and www.adoption.state.gov regularly for the most up-to-date information.