Overview:
This is a very small program.
Children available: Both boys and girls of all ages may be available at the time a family applies to adopt. Children are of Asian/Pacific Islander descent. Children with special needs are in need of families, including children with emotional needs and/or a history of abuse.
Parent Qualifications for Adopting from Samoa:
- Married couples and singles may adopt
- If married, parents must be 23-55 years old
- If single, parent must be at least 24 years old when filing the I-600A and 25 years old when filing the I-600 form
Timeline: Currently referral times are 18-36 months after receipt of prospective adoptive parents’ 171H approval letter from USCIS, depending on age and gender requested. Wait times for older children are much shorter.
Travel: Familes are required to travel once at the end of the process. The trip will include a stay in Samoa for five to seven days and an additional 2-3 weeks in Auckland, New Zealand to attend the embassy appointment and receive the child's orphan visa.
