Intercountry Adoption Guide for American Citizens

Each year the United States welcomes more children into homes through intercountry adoption than any other country.

Adoption is a wonderful way for many orphaned children to find a loving, permanent home. However, the process of adopting a child from another country—and following all the regulations—can be confusing.

While the procedures vary from country to country, under U.S. law, there are two general processes that families must follow: the Hague Convention process, or the non-Hague Convention process. Which one you follow will depend on whether or not the other country involved is also a party to the Hague Convention.

Regardless of which process you use, most adoptions will include the following steps:

1) Selecting your adoption service provider;

2) Gaining approval to adopt abroad from the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS);

3) Being matched with a child;

4) Adopting or obtaining legal custody of the child in the foreign country;

5) Applying for a visa from the American Embassy or Consulate for the child to move to the United States;

6) Traveling home with your child.

Ready to get started? The State Department is here to help.

To learn more about country specific requirements, download the State Department’s Intercountry Adoption Guide at http://adoption.state.gov/content/pdf/Intercountry_Adoption_From_A_Z.pdf. Or, you can visit our website http://adoption.state.gov for answers to many international adoption questions.

How to Register to Vote Overseas

For American citizens, 2012 is a major election year. This year's election will be held Tuesday, November 6, and will include the presidential race, 33 seats in the U.S. Senate, as well as all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Overseas voters have to send in a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to their local election officials every year (even if they’ve previously voted overseas), and every time they change their name, physical address, or email address.

Use the FPCA to request an absentee ballot, and to register to vote if you’re not currently registered.  The easiest way to fill out this form is to use the online tool available at www.fvap.gov that walks you through the process based on your state’s specific voting rules. 

For a video Introduction to online voter registration as an overseas citizen, check out the video below from the non-partisan Overseas Vote Foundation:

 

State-by-state voter registration guidelines are also available on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov.

Need additional help? The American Citizen Services Unit of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv is always willing to help and provide more information.  Stay tuned for election events and information!

How to Report the Death of an American Citizen Abroad

The American Citizen Services Unit of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv is ready to assist you, as needed, in the event of the death of an American citizen abroad. We can provide information regarding the shipment of remains to the United States.

We can also prepare a Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad, a document that is acceptable in any jurisdiction in the United States for the settlement of legal, financial and estate matters. You may request up to 20 originals at no cost. Processing time is 5 to 10 workdays.

In order for us to prepare this document, we request that you visit the American Citizen Services Unit in person during public reception hours and provide the following:

•    Original death certificate from the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPanim). The document does not need to be translated into English;

•    Most recent U.S. passport of the deceased for proof of citizenship;

•    Social security card or number of the deceased, if s/he had one.

•    The deceased's last address in the United States;

•    Place of burial;

•    Name of person or official who has possession of the deceased's personal effects;

•    Name and address of next of kin, to whom the Report of Death will be sent.

Visit our website for more information at: http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/death.html. You may also contact the American Citizen Services section by calling 03-519-7475, Monday through Thursday, between 2:00PM and 4:00PM, or emailing us at AMCTelAviv@state.gov.

For additional information about disposition of remains in Israel, including embalming, burial, cremation and exportation, visit the following link: http://israel.usembassy.gov/disposition.html.

Video: Your Visit to American Citizen Services

Check out our new informational video on how to access some of the services available to Americans at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. The video will explain procedures for entering the Embassy, making an appointment, and applying for a passport or consular report of birth abroad. For additional information please visit http://israel.usembassy.gov/.

Ask the Consul: What is a photo progression and why do I need one?

Answer: Great question! When a U.S. passport is being renewed, the consular officer must ensure that the person appearing at the Embassy is the same person that is in the photograph in the expired U.S. passport.

As a minor child’s appearance can change drastically in the five years between passport applications, the consular officer may ask that you provide age progression photos.  Age progression photos are pictures of your child between the time of the last passport application and now.

While not every case requires age progression photos, we recommend you bring such photos with you to the initial interview at the Embassy. If the consular officer determines that a photo progression is necessary, it may delay your child's application if you do not have photos on hand.

In the case of infants and children, progression photos should establish a clear likeness between the applicant’s current appearance and the photograph used to obtain the previous passport or proof of citizenship. 

The Embassy recommends bringing any foreign passports, and at least two photographs per year, from the time of the prior U.S. passport issuance.  Acceptable photographs should show a full front view of the applicant’s face with eyes open.

A family from Beit Shemesh submits a creative photo progression to
consular staff at an American Citizen Services outreach event Dec. 15.

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Ask the Consul is a regular feature on the Consular Round Up blog. Every few weeks, one of the Embassy's Consular Officers answers an interesting consular question we've received from one of our readers. Think you can stump us? To submit a question, leave a comment, post one on our Facebook wall or send us an email at NIVTelAviv@state.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!

ACS Team Adjudicates Passports in the House of the Sun

Beit Shemesh families submit consular reports of birth abroad and passport applications
during a U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services outreach Dec. 15, 2011

As part of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services’ ongoing effort to provide services to U.S. citizens in their home towns in Israel, a team of consular officers and locally employed staff sojourned to Beit Shemesh, “House of the Sun,” to adjudicate Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport applications.

In addition, Federal Benefits representatives from U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem answered questions, such as how a new parent could apply for a child’s Social Security number.

This beautiful town boasts many historical landmarks and a population of 80,000, with a growing contingent of U.S. citizens. Historians believe ancient residents named Beit Shemesh after a Canaanite sun-goddess and sacred Jewish and Christian scriptures mention Beit Shemesh in multiple places. Beit Shemesh’s Muslim past is evidenced by the Abu Mizar mosque. In modern times, the region boasts buildings industries, including many carpentry and metalwork workshops. Beit Shemesh has witnessed a great deal of history and now Americans are having a significant impact due to the large influx of newcomers with large families.

During the Dec. 14, 2011 visit, the busy consular team reviewed 78 passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad requests of many grateful families. “You definitely saved us a lot of time!” said one excited applicant. Would you like the American Citizen Services team to visit your town? Send us an email at telavivacs@state.gov.

Consul Announces Launch of New U.S. Citizen Services Facebook page at TAU

A U.S. Embassy, Consular Section representative joined a gathering of the English Speaking Friends of Tel Aviv University.

Professor Asher Susser, the guest speaker at the Nov. 11 session, lectured on the “Arab Spring” and the implications of demographic changes and unemployment throughout the region. His books and discussions on this topic in Israel and the United States have inspired many long, complex conversations and this session was no different.

The U.S. official also used the opportunity to promote the launch of the American Citizen Services’ new Facebook page. In addition, he provided attendees the opportunity to ask questions regarding passports, consular reports of birth abroad, and any issue of concern.

Home Sweet Home



Consular staff members help local families apply for passports and
consular reports of birth abroad during a Nov. 16 visit to Beersheva.



Have you ever wished a consular

officer could come to your house to pick up your passport application? Well, sometimes wishes come true!

U.S Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services representatives occasionally travel to cities throughout Israel to process passport and consular report of birth abroad applications, saving Americans a trip to the Embassy.

During a Nov. 16, 2011 visit to Beersheva, Americans who were a few months old and some who were older didn’t receive a home visit, but they experienced the next best thing: a local visit! Consular staff from the Embassy set up shop at a library to process applications for passports and consular reports of birth abroad. “We really appreciate you being here!” was the response Embassy staff often heard as Americans submitted their final paper work.

The staff also used the opportunity to provide contact information for the American Citizen Services section, including e-mail addresses, websites, and public phone hours. Of course, they didn’t forget to plug this website, as well as the new ACS Facebook page.

All About Notarials

Notarial services are provided to American citizens as well as foreign citizens at U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, by appointment only. You must bring your passport or Israeli ID for identification.

You can schedule an appointment at: http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/appointments.html.

Notarial services are also available at the U.S. Consular Agency in Haifa by appointment. For the current fees for notarial services, visit http://travel.state.gov/law/judicial/judicial_2086.html.

Services include: notarization, affidavits, acknowledgments, and certification of true copies. Please note that the Embassy can only make certified copies of U.S. passports, Reports of Birth issued by U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, and Israeli passports for the purpose of obtaining tax id numbers.

What to Bring

You must bring the documents that that need to be notarized, the fees and your U.S. passport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring your passport or Israeli ID.

For more information about notarial services at Embassy Tel Aviv, visit our website at: http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/notarialservices.html.

Meet Our Consular Agent in Haifa: Jonathan Friedland

Jonathan Friedland serves as the Consular Agent in Haifa for U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, providing U.S. citizen services to Americans in the north of Israel.

He is available to process routine passport renewals and consular reports of birth abroad. His office also provides assistance with regard to notarials, absentee voting and registration for the Selective Service.

A native New Yorker, Friedland has served as the Haifa Consular Agent for more than 25 years and enjoys the opportunity to help Americans in need.

“The best part of my job is walking into a room full of people and knowing that I can solve each and every problem,” Friedland says. 

Before moving to Haifa, Friedland lived in Jerusalem and New York where he practiced admiralty law. While he’ll always be a New Yorker, Haifa has earned a place in his heart.

“Haifa is the number one city in Israel for nature activities and yet has the advantages of a big city,” he says. “It’s a great place to raise a family, and above all, it’s the only completely mixed city in the entire Middle East— religiously, ethnically, and socially—that enjoys actual, day-to-day coexistence.”

To learn what you need to bring to his offices to receive consular services, please call or email Mr. Friedland, or visit our website to review the requirements: http://israel.usembassy.gov/service.html. You must make an appointment for passport, report of birth, and notarial services.

The Consular Agency in Haifa is open Sundays through Thursdays, and is located in the German Colony in the lower part of Haifa. Appointment hours are generally in the morning. The Consular Agency’s role is limited to assisting American citizens.  It does not provide visa services and cannot answer questions about visa processing or law.

Contact Information:

26 Ben Gurion Blvd.

Haifa 35023

Tel: 04-853-1470

Fax: 04-853-1476

E-mail: consage@netvision.net.il

How to Apply for a Report of Birth Abroad

Have a new baby? Mazel tov on your child’s birth!

Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may have a claim to U.S. citizenship. If the parent(s) have lived in the United States long enough to transmit U.S. citizenship to their child, that child's birth may be reported at U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv and the child may obtain a U.S. passport and social security number. We strongly recommend that the birth of your child be reported to us as soon as possible after the birth.

The following information will assist you in determining whether or not your child is a U.S. citizen and serve as a step-by-step guide for how to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

STEP ONE: Determine if You Can Transmit U.S. Citizenship to Your Child

The law on acquisition of U.S. citizenship for a child varies if one or both biological parents are U.S. citizens, and if the child is born in or out of wedlock. To determine if the child’s U.S. citizen parent(s) were in the United States long enough to transmit U.S. citizenship, please read the following:

·       Child born abroad to two U.S. citizens:
A child born outside of the United States or its outlying possessions to parents, both of whom are U.S. citizens at the time of the child’s birth, is entitled to citizenship provided one of the parents had, prior to the birth of the child, been resident in the United States or one of its outlying possessions. (No specific period of time is required.)

·        Child born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-U.S. citizen:

o    If your child was born after November 14, 1986, the U.S. citizen parent must prove a total of 5 years of physical presence in the United States prior to the birth of the child. At least 2 of the 5 years must be after that parent turned 14.

o    If your child was born before November 14, 1986, the U.S. citizen parent must prove that he or she was physically present in the United States for a total of 10 years prior to the birth of the child.  At least 5 of the 10 years must be after that parent turned 14.

·       Child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother:
A child born outside of the United States and out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother is entitled to U.S. citizenship providing the U.S. citizen mother can prove she had been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year at some time prior to the birth of her child.

·       Child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father:
A child born abroad and out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father is entitled to U.S. citizenship if the U.S. citizen father can prove he had been physically present in the United States for the period of time as specified in the above paragraphs on children born in wedlock to one U.S. citizen and one non-U.S. citizen parent.

Proving Physical Presence

Documents usually accepted as primary evidence include original signed and sealed school transcripts or report cards, tax returns stamped by the IRS, or W-2 Forms, list of entries and exits out of Israel from the Israeli Ministry of Interior. U.S. passports bearing entry and exit stamps are accepted as secondary evidence. Other types of secondary evidence include immunizations records, evidence of medical treatment or court appearance, or bank statements demonstrating checking account activity. Legally, the burden of proof lies upon the U.S. citizen parent to provide this information.

Did you reside in the United States long enough to transmit citizenship to your child?

If yes, proceed to Step Two.

STEP TWO: Make an Appointment Online

The next step is to make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy. If your child has a claim to U.S. citizenship, it is necessary for the U.S. citizen parent to complete the application for a "Consular Report of Birth Abroad" in-person, before a consular officer. Follow this link to make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv: http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/appointments.html.

You may apply for a passport for your child at the same time, but must have a separate appointment for each child. For example, if you have four children and want to report all  four births at the same time and want also to apply for their passports, your family will need four appointments—one for each child. 

Got your appointment?

If yes, proceed to Step Three.

STEP THREE: Prepare Your Application

Did you know that many applications are not accepted because applicants forget to bring one or more of the required documents? Don’t make the same mistake! To avoid making additional trips to the U.S. Embassy with your entire family in tow, please follow carefully the below checklist to ensure you have ALL the items you need for a successful application.

What to bring:

ü  Child: the child who is being reported must appear at the Embassy.

ü  U.S. citizen parent: the U.S. citizen parent(s) must appear at the Embassy.

ü  Birth Certificate: Please bring the child's original, official birth certificate listing both parents’ names (abstracts of birth, also known as birth abstracts, and hospital birth certificates are NOT accepted).

ü  Marriage Certificate: If the parents of the child are married, please bring an original certificate. If your marriage certificate is in a language other than English, you must have the document translated before coming to the Embassy.

ü  Evidence of Parents' Citizenship and Identity: Parents' current U.S. passports must be submitted at time of application.  The non-U.S. citizen parent should present his/her foreign passport.

ü  Divorce Decrees/Death Certificates: It will be necessary to show termination of all prior marriages for both parents (and certified translations, if appropriate).

ü  Form DS-2029 (pdf 100kb).

ü  Affidavit of Physical Presence:  If only one parent is an American citizen, that parent must fill out this affidavit fully and completely. In addition to the affidavit, you should
bring documentary evidence of physical presence supporting your application. Documents that usually accepted as primary evidence include original signed and sealed school transcripts or report cards, tax returns stamped by the IRS, or W-2 Forms. U.S. passports bearing entry and exit stamps are accepted as secondary evidence. Other types of secondary evidence include immunizations records, evidence of medical treatment or court appearance, or bank statements demonstrating checking account activity. Photocopies of the birth certificate, marriage certificate and both parents passports.

ü  100 USD fee, payable by cash (dollars or shekels) or international credit card.

ü  Envelope: The report of birth is sent back to the applicant once it has been processed.  In order to receive the document back, please either bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope (A4 size) with at least 16.70 NIS of postage, or request a delivery by courier service when you come to the Embassy. The fee is 40 NIS payable to the delivery company by phone by credit card.

Are your application(s) fully prepared and all the necessary documents gathered?

If yes, proceed to Step Four.

STEP FOUR: Arrival at the U.S. Embassy

The next step is to arrive at the Embassy for your appointment. We look forward to seeing you! Visit our website for a list of prohibited items that, for security reasons, you will not be able to bring into the Embassy: http://israel.usembassy.gov/prepare.html.

If your application is approved by the Consular Officer, congratulations! Your child is an American Citizen and you may proceed to Step Five.

If your application is denied because you are unable to confer U.S. citizenship to your child, your child may still be eligible for citizenship via naturalization. If your parents (the child’s grandparents) are both U.S. citizens, they may be able to apply for expeditious naturalization for their grandchild. Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, www.uscis.gov, for additional information.

STEP FIVE: Receive Your Child's Certificate of Report of Birth Abroad

The Certificate of Report of Birth Abroad is printed in the United States and usually is delivered to us approximately two to three weeks after approval.  In most cases, it will be mailed to you. In some cases, the child’s Certificate of Report of Birth Abroad and U.S. passport may be picked up at the Embassy by the child, applicant’s parents, or authorized representative.

Still have questions? Visit our website:  http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/crbaservices.html. Or, send us an email at: amctelaviv@state.gov.

Ask the Consul: How Do I Renew My U.S. Passport?

Answer: Thanks for your question! If your U.S. passport has expired or is about to expire, we strongly recommend that you renew as soon as possible. We recommend that all Americans living abroad maintain a valid passport at all times for proof of citizenship in case of emergency.

Most adult passport renewals can be done by mail or drop off without the personal appearance of the applicant at the Embassy. You can use our Application For U.S. Passport By Mail (DS-82) service if ALL of the following are true in your case: 

·   You can submit my most recent, undamaged passport AND

·   You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued AND

·   You were issued your most recent passport in the last 15 years AND

·   You use the same name as on your most recent passport or since your passport was issued, OR you have had your named changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper original documentation to reflect your name-change

If you answered NO to any of the four statements above, stop! You cannot use Form DS-82. You must make an appointment and apply in person.  For information about making an appointment, visit: http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/appointments.html. For complete application instructions, visit our website.

First time applicant? The application process is a bit different. Please make an appointment at http://israel.usembassy.gov/consular/acs/appointments.html, then follow the instructions here.

Still have more questions? Send us a note at AMCTelAviv@state.gov. We’re happy to answer!

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Ask the Consul is a regular feature on the Consular Round Up blog. Every few weeks, one of the Embassy's Consular Officers answers an interesting consular question we've received from one of our readers. Think you can stump us? To submit a question, leave a comment, post one on our Facebook wall or send us an email at NIVTelAviv@state.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!

Federal Benefits Unit Moves to U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem

Due to the decision of the Social Security Administration to consolidate Federal Benefits workloads within Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, the Federal Benefits Unit in Tel Aviv closed permanently on Wednesday, June 22, 2011.  

All Federal Benefits work from Tel Aviv has been transferred to the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv no longer has access to the Social Security Administration computer system and cannot provide Federal Benefits services.    

To receive direct service from trained Federal Benefits specialists, you should direct all such inquiries towards the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.  They can be contacted at:

Website: http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/federal_benefits.html

Telephone: Call Center Hours 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Monday - Thursday at 02-630-4031   

Fax: 02-630-4070

Email: fbu.jerusalem@ssa.gov

In-person inquiries by appointment only: U.S. Consulate General, Consular Section, 14 David Flusser, Jerusalem 93392 

Mailing Address: U.S. Consulate General, Attn: Federal Benefits Unit, P.O. Box 290, 91002 Jerusalem

State Department Retires "Warden Message" Title for Emergency Communications

The U.S. State Department has announced the retirement of the title "Warden Message" for its emergency communications with American Citizens overseas.

Embassies will continue to employ wardens as local contacts and spot reporters in times of crisis. However, due to changes in technology, Embassies now communicate directly with members of the local U.S. citizen community without using wardens as intermediaries.

Future messages to American Citizens will be divided into two categories:

1) "Message for U.S. Citizens" will be the label for routine but important messages such as voting news, outreach trip information, or newsletters.

2) "Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens" will be the label for breaking news messages containing advice for the resident community, such as those alerting U.S. citizens to demonstrations, a political crisis, a natural disaster, or a terrorist attack.

To receive both "Messages" and "Emergency Messages" from U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, subscribe to our email list-serv at the following link: http://israel.usembassy.gov/service/subscribe2.html. These will also be posted on our Consular Round Up blog and Facebook page.