International
OCSE is the U.S. Central Authority for international child support. We work with states and countries to provide assistance to families seeking support when family members live in different countries.
Foreign Reciprocating Countries
The U.S. government has arrangements with 26 foreign reciprocating countries and Canadian provinces (FRCs) to provide child support services. Click on a particular country to access the official reference documents, contact and payment processing information.
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International Policy Documents
In its capacity as the Central Authority, OCSE develops and implements national policy for the child support program. We provide guidance to help states process their international cases according to federal law. We also issue guidance for our international partners.
Resources:
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Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support
The President signed the Instrument of Ratification for the Hague Convention on August 30, 2016. The Hague Convention becomes effective about 3 months after the U.S. deposits the Intrument of Ratification with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For more information, see DCL-16-11, IM-15-01 and the resources below.
Resources:
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Hague Convention Forms
Hague Child Support Convention forms (fillable PDFs - English) are used for processing cases between Hague Convention countries. The Hague forms include 2 mandatory forms and 12 recommended forms.
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Training Materials - International Case Processing
To help trainers, central registry staff and caseworkers process international child support cases under UIFSA 2008, OCSE developed an eight-part webinar series. We will post training materials after each webinar.
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Parents and International Cases
International cases are complex, and either parent’s place of residence will impact the steps you take to obtain the services of a state child support agency.
Visit our parents page on international cases or FAQs for more information. To contact OCSE with an international question, please use the online form.
Top International Resources
U.S. Department of State - Passport Services and Child Support
U.S. Department of State information about passport denial for child support arrearagesU.S. Department of State - International Child Support Resources
International child support resources from the U.S. Department of StateNCSEA - International Child Support
Information from the National Child Support Enforcement Association on International child supportOCSE International Program Contact
Use our online webform to ask a questionChild Support Worldwide Network
Information from the global child support network on international and national child support lawEuropean e-Justice Portal: Maintenance Claims
European Union countries provide answers to frequently asked questions on maintenance claims (child support)- View More International Resources >