Thursday, March 12, 2009

We're Out of IBESR!!!

I left out an important detail in my last post that I hadn't realized until I heard back from my orphanage director this morning...

The presidential approval, for us, means that we are out of IBESR! Finally!!!!

So what's next? Well, more waiting, but at least there's one less thing to wait for now!

Here's a more detailed description of the remaining steps (taken from this website):

Parquet (2-12 weeks)
This step involves one person(?) releasing the child(ren)'s file(s). Parquet is the head commissioner. He is intertwined with court. He asks all of the birth parents to come for interviews to make sure that they understand that there children are being adopted. Apparently there was some fraudulent activity going on and he wants to protect the birth parents interests. i.e. make sure they are in agreement.

Civil Court Legalization (2-8 weeks)
The adoption is finalized. After this point, the children are legally yours. (2nd Legal)

Minister of Interior Affairs (MOI)/Haitian Immigration (2-14 weeks)
The file is submitted into the passport process. The passports are printed in the adopting parents last name.

DHS Processing (U.S. Parents) (1-3 weeks)
I-600 is filed by adopting parents. File is reviewed and approved by DHS.

DNA Testing (0-6 weeks)
May or may not be necessary. Depends on DHS' opinion.

Consulate/Visa Appointment (1 week lead time)
Child receives visa in preparation for travel to their new home

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Total (Hopeful) Time Left: 8 weeks - 44 weeks (~2- 11 months)