Home

ECAS Agency
  About ECAS
  Exploring Adoption Together
  ECAS Services
  Frequently Asked Questions
  Calendar of Events
  How to Apply

International programs
  Adoption from Russia
  Adoption from Ukraine
  Adoption from Guatemala
  Journey of Hope
    Orphan Hosting Program

About the Children
Photo gallery of
adopted children

Humanitarian Aid to Orphaned Children

Adoption Process
   Overall Process
   The Homestudy
   Dossier Checklist

References from Clients
Adoptive family websites

Resources

Links

ECAS will assist you with paperwork preparation!

1. Register with ECAS by E-mail: zina@ecasus.org
2. ECAS will mail to you an Application, Program Description, Fee Disclosure, instructions and all the forms you will need.
3. Fill out the Application and mail it to ECAS along with the Application fee and completed forms.
4. Start gathering documents necessary to complete your Home Study and apply to INS Office.
5. File I-600A with your local INS Office and arrange for fingerprinting.
6. Arrange for travel passport.
7. Arrange with the local adoption agency for Home Study.
8. Start preparing documents for your Adoption Dossier.
9. Obtain Home Study and INS approval.
10. Receive a child referral.
11. Commit to a child.
12. Make arrangements with ECAS for your trip.
13. Obtain invitation to travel from ECAS and make arrangements with us for Visa and travel.
14. Obtain all documents required by US embassy abroad.

How to File and Obtain INS Approval

To bring a child from another country into the United States for the purposes of adoption, you must comply with the requirements of Immigration and Naturalization, the laws of your state and also the laws of the child's birth country. An I-600-A Orphan Petition Application is the first step you must take to begin the adoption process. It takes 4-6 weeks to have your fingerprints processed. We include the I-600-A Orphan Petition form in our adoption package with instructions and a sample application. Forms may also be obtained from the INS Forms line: 1-800-870-forms, or they may be downloaded from the Internet here.

You will need the following documentation and fees to be included when mailing the I-600-A forms to Immigration:

1. Photocopy of Certified Birth Certificates or proof of citizenship
2. Photocopy of Certified Marriage Certificate
3. Photocopy of divorce decree (if applicable)
4. Approved Home Study (can be sent later)
5. $405.00 plus $25.00 per person for fingerprints

The next step is to begin your Home Study Process. We will provide you with a case worker who will meet with you to accomplish this. Soon after your Home Study is completed you should receive INS approval. This will complete the client file with Immigration.

European Children Adoption Services
6050 Cheshire Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55446
Phone: (763) 694-6131 / Fax: (763) 694-6104 / E-mail: info@ecasus.org

Please note: All of the children pictured on this website have already been adopted.