Steps to complete a Guatemalan Adoption

Summary of important chronological steps to complete a Guatemalan adoption:

1. Complete the home study process and United States Citizens Immigration Services (USCIS) I-600A filing procedures in order to receive an I-171H approval letter.



2. Compile the necessary dossier documentation as required by United States and Guatemalan government for our review. The agency will then forward these documents to the appropriate United States government offices prior to express mailing them to the Guatemala attorney's office.



3. Guatemalan attorney will review document package upon receipt and submit the family's dossier to the USCIS Guatemala office for pre-approval.



4. If a child has yet to be referred and accepted for placement, child referrals will be made occur at this point in the adoption timeline.



5. After the family accepts the child referral, the Guatemalan adoption attorney will seek authorization to conduct the DNA testing procedure.



6. When completed, the lab test results are sent directly to the USCIS Guatemala office.



7. If the DNA test results are favorable, the USCIS office will issue an adoption pre-approval and notify the attorney and adoptive parents by e-mail.



8. After the pre-approval is granted by the USCIS office, the Guatemalan attorney can then process the adoption dossier through the Procuraduria General de la Nacion (PGN).



9. The family's dossier along with the socioeconomic situation of the child is reviewed by a social worker that is authorized to conduct a thorough investigation by the PGN.



10. The PGN then reviews the social worker's findings and gives clearance for the adoption or requests that they be provided with additional information.



11. The PGN notary writes a resolution (Resolucion Notarial) when it grants approval for the adoption to be completed.



12. The Guatemalan attorney then drafts the Notarial Decree of Adoption, the legal document that formalizes the adoption.



13. The Guatemalan attorney then provides to the USCIS office the final document package along with PGN approval.



14. USCIS reviews the validity of the family I-171H approval letter, fingerprints and document package for compliance and accuracy. If a favorable determination is made, a "pink slip" or visa interview appointment is scheduled.



15. Child's required medical exam is performed by a US Embassy authorized Panel of Physicians.



16. Adoptive parents and child (or an authorized family representative) appear for the scheduled US Consulate exit interview and receive either an IR-III or an IR-IV exit visa.