Countries | Kazakhstan |
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Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world stretching from Europe to the borders of China. Kazakhstan gained independence from the former Soviet Republic in 1991. The people are relishing the joys of freedom and the new opportunities gained by their independence. It is a country deeply rooted in cultural tradition with clear goals for economic prosperity. Education is deeply valued by the people. Kazakhstan is strikingly beautiful with a multi-ethnic population. Shiloh Adoptions works in several regions of Kazakhstan. Children are always available for adoption. Most adoptions are complete within one year of dossier submission.
Children Available
Healthy girls and boys- 6 months of age and older. Children with minor correctable, special needs.
Multi-ethnic population, due to its proximity to European and Asian borders.
Sibling groups are available.
Requirements for Adoptive Parents
- Single or married couples may adopt.
- Single parent must be 16 years older than the child s/he intends to adopt.
- Prefer that adoptive parent not be more than 45 years older than the child they wish to adopt. This varies according to the local judge.
- May have children in the home.
- Both parents must appear in court.
- No more than 2 divorces allowed.
Travel/Time Commitment
- Both parents must travel
- Unique to Kazakhstan is a 14 day "Bonding Period". Upon identification of your child, starts a 14 day period of time which you will visit the orphanage, in most cases, twice daily. This period of time is meant to allow for both the adoptive parent and the child to become familiar with one another's personality, routine, and demeanor. It facilitates a smoother transition between institutional care and family life.
- Following the 14 day "Bonding Period" the adoptive parents may petition the court for adoption.
- On the 15th day a judge will rule on your behalf.
- After this ruling, Kazakhstani law requires a 15 day waiting period before the court decision will go into effect. This means that the adoption will not be final until the 15th day following the judges ruling.
- Adoptive parents then have several options:
- Stay and continue scheduled visits to the orphanage and on the 15th day pick your child up at the orphanage and move forward with the adoption.
- Return home and make a second trip about 15 days later.
- Return home and have Shiloh Adoptions arrange for an agency approved escort to bring your child home (contact agency for more details).
- Note: Although some people are cautious of Kazakhstan adoption due to length of stay, please consider the opportunity you will have to appreciate and learn the culture of your child's birth country. The bonding period allows for a glimpse of the life your child lived prior to your arrival. This is a unique and awesome experience. You will have time to learn lots of information if you are interested.
Adoption Expenses
- Application fee: $200 (non-refundable)
- Shiloh Service Fee: $5,500
- Kazakhstan Foreign Fee: approx. $10,500 - $12,000 (varies by region)
- $3000 is due with the submission of the dossier
- $4500 is paid upon acceptance of a child or before travel
- Remainder will be paid in country unless wired in advance
Additional Expenses
The following expenses will vary by state, season, number of documents, etc... We have included some "estimates" for you which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Orphanage Donation $1,000-$1,500 per child, depending on region
- Home Study fees: varies by state from $1000-$3,000
- Vital Records (birth certificates, marriage, divorce, death) $12 fee for certified document (varies by state) estimate is you may need a total of 5 copies ($60)
- USCIS I-600A processing fee: $670
- USCIS fingerprinting is required for all persons aged 18 or over living in the home: $80 each
- Document delivery fees (USPS, Fed Ex, DHL, etc.) $200
State Apostilles of required documents $200, varies by state
- Passport
- Age 16 and older: the passport application fee is $67 and the execution fee is $30. The total is $97 per person.
- Under age 16: the passport application fee is $52 and the execution fee is $30. The total is $82 per person.
- Kazakhstan Visa $185 per person + $15 courier fees + $200 each
- Airfare to and from Kazakhstan for two parents (varies by season) approximately $1500-$2,000 per person
- Flights between Almaty and adopting region vary. Cost is $200-$500 per person
- Airfare to U.S. for infant approximately 10% of adult fare, varies by airline and season
- Arrival to Almaty, Kazakhstan, transportion to and from airport and hotel $100
- Arrival to Almaty, hotel stay for one night $50-$200 depending on selection
- Once in region of adoption, your stay could range anywhere from 21-42 days at a rate of $50-$200 a night, depending on selection
- US Visa for adoptive child $400 for each child
- Physical exam in Almaty $100 for each child
- Child's Kazakhstan Passport $150
- Passport expedition $500
- Consular Registration fee $150
- Invitation letter to Kazakhstan $95
- Almaty Facilitator fee $400
- Transportation
- Filing Embassy application
- Making arrangements and escorting to and from health care center
- Booking hotel, etc.
- Post-Placement Reports (3), at 30 days, 6 months, and one year. $200 each (varies by state). Thereafter a family is required to report to the Ministry of Education each year the child's progress until the child reaches age 18. Post placement reports via a social worker are not required except for the first 3 reports.
- Not included are your meals and spending money as this is up to your discretion.
- Also you will have daily driver and translation fees which vary according to region of travel.
Estimated TOTAL adoption expenses for a Kazakhstan Adoption including all adoption fees: $25,800-31,000. This is based on 2 people traveling. Your trip can become more expensive based on what type or living arrangements you choose. Also these fees change if you choose to make one trip, two trips, or use the escort service. Fees differ in certain regions. This is why there is a range in some of the fees.
Program Directors
Becky Seele
(785) 582-4370
becky@shilohadoptions.org
Addendum
Please keep in mind our estimated total adoption fees are only estimates and cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding as actual fees may vary according to circumstances pertinent to each individual adoption.
Fees and program overviews are subject to change at any time. Please contact our office or program director for accuracy of information.
