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International FAQs

Can I apply to USCIS(formerly INS) before the homestudy is complete?
If I live in the Columbus area, what USCIS office do I submit the I-600A form?
Will I need to get fingerprinted for the homestudy and for USCIS?
How long does the homestudy process take?
How long is a homestudy valid in Ohio?
What education is needed?
What are the fees associated with international adoption services?
Does Adoption Circle facilitate International Adoption?
What other informational websites are there?
How do I contact the International Adoption Services Coordinator?
Can a homestudy be updated after expiration date?
How long is USCIS approval good?

 

Can I apply to USCIS(formerly INS) before the homestudy is complete?

Yes. Send a letter with the I-600A application that the homestudy will follow.

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If I live in the Columbus area, what USCIS office do I submit the I-600A form?

Columbus: USCIS Leveque Tower 50 West Broad Street, Suite, 306, Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-469-2913 ext 2006 Cincinnati area and Dayton area families apply to: Cincinnati: USCIS JW Peck Federal Building 550 Main St. Room 4001 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-684-2934 Cleveland area families apply to: USCIS 1240 E. 9th St., Room 1917, Cleveland, Ohio 44199 216-535-0530 USCIS website: www.usdoj.gov

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Will I need to get fingerprinted for the homestudy and for USCIS?

Yes. This is the requirement of the state and the government. At this time the fingerprint checks are not used from the same database.
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How long does the homestudy process take?

Approximately 6-8 weeks from the time you submit your application to the agency. This is an approximate time and subject to change.
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How long is a homestudy valid in Ohio?

A homestudy is valid for 2 years and expires 2 years from the approval date. If you have a change such as a move, change in family dynamics, etc., you will have to either update your homestudy or have an amendment to your homestudy
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What education is needed?

CPR certification, homestudy and education about adoption issues are required. Hague requires 10 hours of education. Attending a seminar(s) or adoption education series on adoption (ex. Children's Hospital Academy) is strongly recommended.
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What are the fees associated with international adoption services?

Please refer to our information packet.PDF

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Does Adoption Circle facilitate International Adoption?

Adoption Circle has worked with several international placement agencies. Though Adoption Circle does not recommend certain agencies, the links below are international child placing agencies that may be used:
Children's Hope International
Families Thru International Adoption
Christian World Adoption Agency
European Adoption Consultants
Great Wall China Adoption
Chinese Children Adoption International
A Helping Hand Adoption Agency
China Adoption with Love
Celebrate Children
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What other informational websites are there?

Attach-China/International
Guatemala Adoption
International Adoption Center(Cincinnati)
International Adoption Center (Columbus)
www.assistantstork.com (Authentication of Documents)
www.abcofohio.net (Bonding and Attachment Center)
www.columbuschildrens.com (Adoption Academy)

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How do I contact the International Adoption Services Coordinator?

Pamela Hook, 614-529-7183 or email PamBr3@aol.com.
Email is used very frequently.Pamela Hook, 614-529-7183 or email PamBr3@aol.com.

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Can a homestudy be updated after expiration date?

No, you would have to complete a full homestudy.

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How long is USCIS approval good?

18 months from approval and you must reapply if you have not adopted in that time period. USCIS fingerprints are good for 15 months.
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