Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Indonesia

Indonesia
Republic of Indonesia
Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not travel to:

  • The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.

Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services.

Demonstrations occur frequently and have the potential to become violent.  Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 

Indonesia’s revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. It is unclear how Indonesian authorities will implement the revised criminal code.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Indonesia.  

If you decide to travel to Indonesia:

Central Papua and Highland Papua– Level 4: Do Not Travel

In Central Papua and Highland Papua, violent demonstrations and conflict could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Papua and Highland Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas.

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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No
Are Intercountry Adoptions between this country and the United States possible?
Intercountry adoptions from Indonesia to the United States and from the United States to Indonesia are possible.

Hague Convention Information

Indonesia is not a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention).  Please see more detail below in the Who Can Adopt, Who can be adopted, and How to adopt for more details on the intercountry adoption steps involving Indonesia

In Indonesia, an adopted child must share the same religion as the prospective adoptive parents (PAPs).  If the child’s origin is unknown, the Indonesian government will determine the child’s religion to be the same as the religious majority in the neighborhood or community where the child was discovered.

There have been several instances in which U.S. citizens have been advised by legal practitioners to enter fostering or adoption arrangements which, even though endorsed by local Indonesian courts, do not meet the requirements of Indonesian adoption law. Adoptions that do not meet Indonesian requirements will not meet the requirements for the issuance of U.S. immigrant visas for the children. U.S. citizens intending to adopt a child in Indonesia should ensure they are following the proper Indonesian and U.S. legal processes for intercountry adoption.

We are aware there are also PAPs who reside abroad who wish to adopt a child from the United States.  Please see our section on Adoptions from the United States for more information on the process for adopting a child from the United States.  

Under the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA), which became effective on July 14, 2014, the requirement that adoption service providers be accredited or approved, and therefore meet the accreditation standards, which previously only applied in Convention cases, also applies in non-Convention (“orphan”) cases under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  The UAA requires that an accredited or approved adoption service provider act as the primary provider in every non-Convention intercountry adoption case, and that adoption service providers providing any adoption services, as defined at 22 CFR Part 96.2, on behalf of prospective adoptive parents be accredited or approved or be a supervised or exempted provider.  See additional Department of State guidance and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required.  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Convention countries continue to be processed under the Orphan Process with the filing of the Forms I-600A and I-600.  However, adoption service providers should be aware of the information on the USCIS website on the impact of the UAA on Form I-600A and Form I-600 adjudications, including the requirement that all home studies, including home study updates and amendments, comply with the home study requirements listed at 8 CFR 204.311, which differ from the orphan home study requirements that were in effect before July 14, 2014.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Indonesia, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements.  USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law. For more information, please see USCIS webpages on suitability determinations and USCIS policy guidance on adoptive parent suitability determinations.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Caution:  Although U.S. citizens generally must follow the orphan adoption process to adopt a child from a non-Convention country, the Family-Based Petition Process (Form I-130) may be an option for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for their adopted child.  There are significant differences between the orphan and the Family-Based Petition Process.  For more information about specific Form I-130 requirements for adopted children, see the USCIS website and the USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 5.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to being found suitable and eligible to adopt by USCIS, prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a child from Indonesia must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum Residency:

Foreign PAPs must be residents of Indonesia and must have been living and working in Indonesia for at least two years prior to applying to adopt. 

In cases where one PAP is a foreign national and the other is an Indonesian citizen, the residency requirement does not apply if the Indonesian citizen resides in Indonesia until they complete adoption process.

U.S. Embassy Jakarta strongly recommends that PAPs contact Yayasan Sayap Ibu (YSI), an Indonesian organization that facilitates intercountry adoptions, for further details before initiating an intercountry adoption in Indonesia.

Regardless of residency, both PAPs must appear at required court hearings. Additionally, PAPs need to obtain separate domicile statements issued by local authorities and must have a sworn statement notarized at U.S. Embassy Jakarta providing their Indonesian address and length of residence.

  • Age of Adopting Parents: 

  • Minimum age to adopt: 30 years

  • Minimum age gap with the child: No regulations related to age gap

  • Maximum age to adopt: 55 years

  • Marriage:

Individuals wishing to adopt must be married for a minimum of five years. Considerations include:

  1. Married couples with children. 

  1. Married couples without children. PAPs must present a statement issued by an OB/GYN or physician appointed by the Department of Health regarding fertility. 

  1. Couples who have previously adopted an Indonesian child.

Single individuals are prohibited from adopting in Indonesia.

  • Minimum Income:  

The Indonesian government does not specify a minimum income requirement for PAPs. However, when PAPs submit an adoption application, they are required to include financial documents such as a copy of their employment letter, pay stubs, and tax information. Indonesian adoption authorities will review these financial documents to determine if the PAPs have sufficient income to support the adopted child.

Other requirements:  

PAPs will need to complete a six-month foster care period before the adoption is completed in the court. 

If PAPs do not meet all above requirements, they may be able to apply for a special exemption, which must be approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (DEPSOS).

It is advisable for PAPs to complete all required documentation and obtain approval before identifying a potential child for adoption.

Please note that DEPSOS is the agency designated by the Indonesian government to manage the administration of intercountry adoption laws and regulations.

LGB individuals or couples cannot legally adopt in Indonesia, as there are no laws or regulations that explicitly allow for adoption by same-sex couples or LGB individuals.

Who Can Be Adopted

Under the INA 101(b)(1)(F), a child can be considered an orphan because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from both parents, or in the case where there is a sole or surviving parent who is incapable of providing the proper care and has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption.

In addition to qualifying as an orphan under U.S. immigration law, the child must also meet the following requirements of Indonesia:

  • Eligibility for adoption: According to the Government of Indonesia, the following are eligibility requirements for a child to be adopted:

  • A child who is not yet 18 years old

  • A child who is abandoned or neglected

  • A child who is in the care of a family or in a childcare institution

  • A child who has special needs

If the prospective adoptive child has a living parent or legal guardian, PAPs need to submit the following documents:

  • A letter of relinquishment from the child’s biological mother or legal guardian to a hospital, local police, or a local community, followed by the handover of the child to a social welfare organization in Indonesia. Note: The letter must be written on Indonesian stamped duty paper (a special paper used in Indonesia for legal documents or statements).

  • A statement from the prospective adopted child, where the child is old enough to express his/her opinion as determined by DEPSOS, indicating their consent or objections to adoption.  

  • A handover letter from the social welfare organization to YSI

If the child has no living parents or was abandoned, the prospective adopted child must be in the care of a registered and authorized social welfare organization that has been licensed by the DEPSOS in order to be eligible for intercountry adoption. 

Note that “abandonment” is a legal term of art in the U.S. intercountry adoption process, defined in Department of Homeland Security regulations and USCIS policy, as part of the definition of an orphan. A child who is considered “abandoned” by Indonesian authorities must also meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law.  

  • Age of Adoptive Child: The adoptive child must be under 18 years old and fall into one of three categories:

 1. Children under six years old, (i.e. neglected children who are in an urgent situation and require special protection); 

2. Six years old to 12 years old, on the condition that there are compelling reasons based on social reporting stating that the neglected child is in an emergency situation; and 

3. 12 to 18 years old (neglected children who needs special protection). 

  • Please note that for a child to meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law, a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, must be filed on the child’s behalf while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if the child is the birth sibling of another adopted child who meets the age and other requirements to immigrate based on adoption by the same adoptive parent(s)).  Please see the USCIS website and Form I-600 instructions for special rules on filing dates for children aged 15-16 or siblings under 18.

Caution:  Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are eligible for adoption.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when possible.  In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to the adoption of their child(ren).

How to Adopt

INDONESIA'S ADOPTION AUTHORITY

The Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Directorate of Child Social Service Development (DEPSOS) is the agency designated by the Indonesian government to oversee the administration of Indonesian intercountry adoption law and regulations.  YSI has been designated by DEPSOS to provide intercountry adoption services in Indonesia. 

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Indonesia generally includes the following steps:

1.  Choose a U.S. Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider To Act as Your Primary Provider
2.  Apply to USCIS to be Found Suitable and Eligible to Adopt (Form I-600A) (or file a Form I-600 combination filing to have USCIS review both your suitability and eligibility as an adoptive parent and the child’s status as an orphan at the same time)
3.  Apply to Indonesia’s Authorities to Adopt, and to be Matched with a Child
4.  Adopt the Child in Indonesia
5.  Apply for Your Child to be Found Eligible to Immigrate to the United States as an Orphan (Form I-600)
6.  Secure a U.S. Immigrant Visa if You Intend to Reside with Your Child in the United States
7.  Obtain U.S. Citizenship for Your Child 

1.  Choose a U.S. Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider to Act as Your Primary Provider that has been authorized by the Government of Indonesia. 

The accredited agency or approved person you identify as the primary provider is responsible for:

  • Ensuring that all six adoption services defined at 22 CFR 96.2 are provided consistent with applicable laws and regulations
  • Supervising and being responsible for any supervised providers, and otherwise complying with the requirements regarding the provision of adoption services using other providers.   (see 22 CFR 96.14); and 
  • Developing and implementing a service plan in accordance with 22 CFR 96.44.

Only accredited agencies, approved persons, supervised providers, exempted providers, public domestic authorities, and public foreign authorities that have been authorized by the Government of Indonesia may provide adoption services in intercountry adoption cases.

For more information on primary providers and the UAA, please see Universal Accreditation Act of 2012.  See additional guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required.  Learn more about Agency Accreditation.

YSI is the only organization in Jakarta licensed by the DEPSOS to facilitate intercountry adoptions. In areas of Indonesia where YSI is not represented, DEPSOS should be the first point of contact.

2.  Apply to USCIS to be Found Suitable and Eligible to Adopt (or file a Form I-600 combination filing to have USCIS review both your suitability and eligibility as an adoptive parent and the child’s status as an orphan at the same time)

In order to adopt a child from Indonesia, you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Indonesia and U.S. immigration law.  

To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may choose to file a Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, with USCIS, to be found suitable and eligible to adopt. Please see the USCIS website for more information about filing options.  If you have already identified the child you wish to adopt, you may alternatively choose to file the Form I-600 petition for the child and include all the required supporting documentation for the Form I-600A application (i.e. an approved home study) so USCIS can make a determination on your suitability and eligibility to adopt before reviewing the child’s eligibility as an orphan.  Please see USCIS webpages on suitability determinations and USCIS policy guidance on adoptive parent suitability determinations.  Unless an exception applies, the home study must be prepared by a person who is authorized under 22 CFR 96 to prepare home studies and who holds any license or other authorization required by the law of the jurisdiction where the home study is conducted (unless a public domestic or public foreign authority).  The home study must comply with the requirements in 8 CFR 204.311 and USCIS policy.

3.  Apply to Indonesia’s Authorities to Adopt, and be Matched with a Child

If you are found suitable and eligible to adopt under U.S. immigration law, Indonesia [requires/does not require] you to submit an [adoption/guardianship/adoption or guardianship] application to the [adoption authority or a competent authority] of Indonesia to be found eligible to adopt by Indonesia.

PAPs are strongly encouraged to consider contacting the YSI orphanage (Jalan Barito II, No 55, Kebayaron Baru; Phone: +62217221763 / +62217266317) if they are interested in adopting an Indonesian child from anywhere within Indonesia. PAPs can schedule an appointment with YSI orphanage for adoption consultations. Both PAPs should attend the consultations, during which they will meet with a social worker to discuss their qualifications, modifications, and eligibility to adopt. PAPs should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria to initiate the adoption process in Indonesia before proceeding with an adoption in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

The competent adoption authority or other authorized entity in Indonesia will review your adoption dossier and, if an appropriate match is found, may provide you with a referral.  We encourage families to consider consulting with a medical professional and their adoption service provider to understand the needs of the specific child, but you must decide for yourself whether you will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a specific child.  You must also ultimately adhere to the USCIS’ suitability determination (i.e. typically the Form I-600A approval notice) with respect to the number of children you are approved to adopt and the characteristics of the child(ren) ( such as age, sex, nationality, and/or special need, disability, and/or impairment) that you are approved to adopt.  Learn more about Health Considerations

The child must be eligible to be adopted according to Indonesia’s requirements, as described in the Who Can Be Adopted section.  For example, in Indonesia, the child must share the same religion as the PAP. Additionally, the PAP must be married.  The child must also meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law.  

4.  Adopt the Child in Indonesia 

The process for finalizing the adoption in Indonesia generally includes the following:

  • Role of Adoption Authority:   DEPSOS is the agency designated
    by the Indonesian government to manage the administration of Indonesianintercountry adoption law and regulations. YSI has been designated bythe DEPSOS to handle the intercountry adoption process. 

  • Role of the Court:  A six-month foster care period with a final home visit will be conducted by an Indonesian social worker before the adoption is complete. After the visit, a final report will be prepared and presented to the inter-departmental committee (known as TIM PIPA) for their review and approval. If all conditions have been met, TIM PIPA will issue approval to proceed with the legal process in court. 

Please note that the final court decision must reference the committee's approval and the letter of recommendation from DEPSOS. 

The court hearing will officially establish the prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) as the child’s adoptive parents and issue a final adoption decree to legalize the adoption.

  • Role of Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Providers:  Indonesia no longer has an accredited ASP working in Indonesia. Embassy Jakarta advises PAPs to find a licensed and accredited social worker within the region to conduct a home study report. A home study not prepared by an accredited agency must be reviewed and approved by an accredited agency.

As noted above, any agency or person providing an adoption service on behalf of prospective adoptive parents in any non-Convention intercountry adoption case must be accredited or approved or be a supervised or exempted provider.  

Adoption service means any one of the following six services, 22 CFR 96.2 Definitions: 

  • Identifying a child for adoption and arranging an adoption;
  • Securing the necessary consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption; 
  • Performing a background study on a child or a home study on a prospective adoptive parent(s), and reporting on such a study;
  • Making non-judicial determinations of the best interests of a child and the appropriateness of an adoptive placement for the child;
  • Monitoring a case after a child has been placed with prospective adoptive parent(s) until final adoption; or 
  • When necessary because of a disruption before final adoption, assuming custody and providing (including facilitating the provision of) child care or any other social service pending an alternative placement. 

Note: See additional guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required. 

  • Adoption Application:  U.S. citizens wishing to adopt a child in Indonesia should start by contacting YSI or DEPSOS. There are several required documents (see below) that prospective adoptive parents must complete before directing their application through YSI or another designated social organization to DEPSOS.

In order to obtain a valid adoption decree, all intercountry adoptions must be vetted and authorized by TIM PIPA. The final court decision must refer to the approval decision made by TIM PIPA and letter of recommendation by DEPSOS.

  • Time Frame:  Intercountry adoptions in Indonesia may take approximately 12 to 18 months to complete.  

  • Adoption Fees: The legal fees paid to YSI for adoption are approximately $2,000. This fee does not include fees for the passport, document translation, the court process, and document authentication. Additionally, it is unlawful under the Uniform Adoption Act of Indonesia, the U.S. Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA), and the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA) to improperly influence relinquishment of parental rights, parental consent relating to adoption of a child, or a decision by an entity performing Central Authority functions.

We encourage prospective adoptive parents to obtain detailed receipts for all fees and donations paid, either by them directly or through their U.S. adoption service provider, and to raise any concerns regarding any payment that you believe may be contrary to U.S. law, or the law of Indonesia, with your adoption service provider, and, when appropriate, through the Complaint Registry.  Improper payments violate applicable law,  or create the appearance of buying a child, and could put all future adoptions in Indonesia at risk.  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, for instance, makes it unlawful to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business.  Further, the UAA and IAA make certain actions relating to intercountry adoptions unlawful, and subject to civil and criminal penalties.  These include offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting inducement by way of compensation intended to influence or affect the relinquishment of parental rights, parental consent relating to adoption of a child, or a decision by an entity performing functions as a competent authority, or to engage another person as an agent to take any such action.  

In the adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process, your adoption service provider will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process.  Some of the fees specifically associated with adopting from Indonesia include:  

  • Documents Required: If YSI determines that the PAPs are suitable to adopt, both PAPs will have to submit the following paperwork:

1. PAPs' health certificate from an Indonesian government hospital.
2. Health certificate from the Indonesian Government Mental Health Specialist describing the PAPs' mental health.
3. Statement from an Indonesian government hospital OB/GYN regarding fertility.
4. Copy of both PAPs' birth certificates, authenticated by the Indonesian Embassy or consulates in the country of issuance. If there is no Indonesian Embassy or consulate in the country of issuance, the PAPs must contact the Indonesian Embassy or consulate responsible for providing consular services to that country.
5. Copy of both PAPs' Passports and Residency Permits (KIMS / KITAS).
6. Copy of ID cards for the prospective adoptive child and his/her biological parent(s) and/or a copy of the family card of the child's biological parent(s) and/or proof of religious affiliation of the child's biological parent(s) and/or a court decision regarding the child's religion.
7. Certificate of Good Conduct for the PAPs from Indonesian National Police. 8. Copy of PAPs' marriage certificate, authenticated by the Indonesian Embassy in the country in which they were married, by U.S. Embassy Jakarta of the country in which they were married, and by U.S. Embassy Jakarta of their country of origin. (For example, if U.S. citizens were married in Singapore, their marriage certificate will need to be authenticated by the Embassy of Singapore in Jakarta as well as by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore. They must also execute a sworn statement certifying their marriage certificate before a consular officer at U.S. Embassy Jakarta.
9. Copy of birth certificates for any other children of the PAPs' authenticated by the Indonesian Embassy or consulate in the country of issuance.
10. Income statement from the PAPs' employers, notarized at the embassy of the PAPs' country or origin, and reviewed and recorded by the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Law and Human Rights, which has authority to accept or reject such income statements.
11. Family photos of the PAPs and photos of their home and surroundings.
12. Three photos (3x4cm) of each PAP.
13. Statement from the prospective adoptive child, in cases where the child is able to express his/her opinion as determined by DEPSOS.
14. Letter of voluntary relinquishment from the prospective adoptive child's biological parent(s) or legal guardian(s), if applicable.
15. Statement by the PAPs that they will report the development of the child to the Indonesian Embassy every year until the child is 18 years old.
16. Statement by the PAPs that they will contact the Indonesian Embassy or consulate when they move, both within a country or to another country. PAPs need to inform the appropriate Indonesian Embassy or consulate of any change of address.
17. Statement by the PAPs that they agree to be visited by a representative from the Indonesian Embassy or consulate to monitor and report on the child's development until the child is 18 years old.
18. Statement from the PAPs stating that all documents submitted in connection with the application to adopt are valid and factual.
19. Statement by the PAPs that they will raise the child as if s/he were their own child, with no discrimination, in accordance with the child's rights and needs.
20. Statement by the PAPs that they will notify their adopted child of his/her origins and biological parents based on the readiness of the child.
21. A letter issued by the PAPs' embassy, stating that the PAPs' country of residence has found the PAPs eligible and suitable to adopt intercountry. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta provides this letter when USCIS has approved the PAPs' Form I-600A.
22. A sworn statement provided by PAPs and notarized at U.S. Embassy Jakarta that provides the PAPs' address and length of residency in Indonesia and separate statements of domicile from the local Indonesian authorities (RT, RW and Kelurahan).
23. Letters from close relatives (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles) of the PAPs supporting their intention to adopt an Indonesian child.
24. Social report about the child written by a social worker from the childcare agency.
25. Letter of relinquishment from the child's biological mother or legal guardian to a hospital, local police, or a local community, if applicable. The letter terminates the mother's or legal guardian's parental rights to the child.
26. Handover letter of the child from the social welfare organization to a childcare agency (orphanage).
27. Social report about the PAPs written by a social worker from the DEPSOS.

Note: Additional documents may be requested.

•All statements must be written on Indonesian stamped duty paper (a special paper used in Indonesia for legal documents or statements).
•All documents written in languages other than Bahasa Indonesia must be translated into Bahasa Indonesia by an official sworn translator. PAPs may obtain a list of sworn translators from the U.S. Embassy Jakarta’s website. Yayasan Sayap Ibu can assist with translation if necessary.
•Once all required paperwork is complete, PAPs can submit the adoption application to Yayasan Sayap Ibu, which will then forward it to DEPSOS.

  • Authentication of Documents:  You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic.  The U.S. Department of State’s Authentications Office has information on the subject.

5.  Apply for Your Child to be Found Eligible to Immigrate to the United States as an Orphan

After you finalize the adoption in Indonesia, USCIS must determine if the child meets the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order for the child to immigrate to the United States.  You will need to file a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, on behalf of the child and unless a limited exception applies, you must identify a primary provider. 

If you have a valid Form I-600A approval, you may file your Form I-600 petition in the United States with the USCIS National Benefits Center, or at U.S .Embassy Jakarta [  Please see the USCIS website for more information about filing options.

When a Form I-600 petition is adjudicated by USCIS in the United States, the U.S. Embassy, must complete a Form I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption (sometimes informally referred to as an orphan determination), to verify the child’s orphan status.  

When a Form I-600 petition is filed with U.S. Embassy Jakarta consular section, the consular officer must complete the Form I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption, to verify the child’s orphan status.  

Conducting the Form I-604 determination is a critical part of the non-Convention adoption process.  It can take approximately 6-8 weeks] to complete, depending upon the circumstances of your case.  Consular officers appreciate that families are eager to bring their adopted child home as quickly as possible.  Some of the factors that may contribute to the length of the process include prevailing fraud patterns in the country of origin, civil unrest or security concerns that restrict travel to certain areas of the country, and the number of determinations performed by available staff.  Consular officers make every effort to conduct them as quickly and thoroughly as possible.  You are advised to keep your travel plans flexible while awaiting the results.

6.  Secure a U.S. Immigrant Visa if You Intend to Reside with Your Child in the United States 

Once your adoption is complete and the Form I-604 determination has been completed, finding that your child meets the legal definition of an orphan for immigration purposes, there are a few more steps to take before your child can enter the United States.  

Your child will need an immigrant visa if you intend to reside in the United States with your child.  If instead you intend to continue residing overseas with your child but still seek naturalization of your child by application (Form N-600K), you will not need an immigrant visa, but you may need a different type of visa to complete the process. Please discuss this with the consular officer handling your case and consult the USCIS website for more information.

You need to obtain three documents before you secure a visa so your child can travel to the United States:

Birth Certificate
You will need to obtain a new or updated birth certificate for your child.

If you have finalized the adoption in Indonesia, you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child with your name on it.

YSI will assist PAPs in obtaining the birth certificate for their adopted child.

Indonesian Passport
Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Indonesia.

To obtain a passport for a child adopted from Indonesia, the adoptive parents must submit an application to the Directorate General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia, located at Jalan Rasuna Said Kav.X6 No. 8, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan with the following documents:

1.The adopted child's birth certificate.
2.Copies of both adoptive parents' passports.
3.Copies of both adoptive parents' residence/work permits.
4.Copy of the court adoption decree.
5.A fee of IDR 950,000.

The process can take up to 4 business days to complete. It is possible to request an expedited process for an additional fee of IDR 1,000,000.

Note: YSI is available to assist with this process.

U.S. Immigrant Visa
After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form I-600, you will then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from U.S. Embassy Jakarta if you intend to bring your child to reside in the United States with you.  This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you and be admitted to the United States as your child.  Please contact U.S. Embassy Jakarta by email at JakIV@state.gov to schedule your child’s immigrant visa appointment.  As part of this process, you must provide the consular officer with the Panel Physician’s medical report on the child.  Read more about the Medical Examination.

You must complete an Electronic Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) online at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) after receiving a letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) confirming receipt of the approved Form I-600 petition and assignment of a case number and an invoice ID number.  Print and bring the DS-260 confirmation page to the visa interview.  Review the DS-260 FAQs, our Online Immigrant Visa Forms page, or contact NVC at NVCAdoptions@state.gov if you have questions about completing the online DS-260 form.

Upon receipt of the case at post, the Consular Section generally notifies the petitioner. Visa issuance after the final interview generally takes three to four business days.  It is not usually possible to provide the visa to adoptive parents on the same day as the immigrant visa interview.  You should verify current processing times with U.S. Embassy Jakarta before making final travel arrangements.  Additional information on immigrant visa processing can be found on our website: https://id.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/.

If you will reside outside the United States with your child, you should contact the adoption authority or competent authority where you reside for additional information about how to bring your child to that country. 

7. Obtain U.S. Citizenship for Your Child 

If you obtain an immigrant visa for your child, USCIS will mail your child either a permanent resident card (green card), or a Certificate of Citizenship, after your child enters the United States. If you plan to reside outside the United States with your child (and, therefore, may not benefit from an immigrant visa for your child), please see the relevant section below. 

For adoptions finalized abroad before the child’s admission into the United States:  A child who was adopted abroad and has satisfied Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 101(b)(1)(E), INA 101(b)(1)(F), or INA 101(b)(1)(G) requirements, who is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence generally will acquire U.S. citizenship after admission if the child is under the age of 18 when these conditions are met. 

Depending on the visa your child receives, their age, and the other INA 320 requirements, you may not need to take any additional action for your child to acquire U.S. citizenship.  However, if your child does not meet the requirements of INA 320 at the time of admission into the United States, you may file a Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, once the requirements are met.  More information is available on the USCIS website.

For adoptions not finalized until after the child’s admission to the United States:  

If the adoption is not finalized before the child is admitted to the United States, the child’s adoptive parent(s) must complete the adoption (or re-adoption or obtain judicial recognition of the foreign adoption) in the United States before the child turns 18 for the child to automatically acquire U.S. citizenship (if the child otherwise meets the requirements of INA 320).  You may file a Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, once the requirements are met.  More information is available on the USCIS Fact Sheet:  Securing U.S. Citizenship for Your Child.

If you reside outside the United States with your child, you may file a Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 with USCIS to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for your child if your child satisfies the requirements of INA 322.  Note: If you are a military service member or U.S. government employee who chooses to seek an immigrant visa for your child versus completing the Form N-600K process, you may need to use Form N-600 to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship.  Please note, however, that USCIS cannot mail Certificates of Citizenship abroad for children who acquire citizenship under INA 320.

Read more about INA 320 and 322 in the USCIS Policy Manual and USCIS website U.S. Citizenship for an Adopted Child.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport
U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport.  Once your child acquires U.S. citizenship, s/he will need a U.S. passport for international travel.  Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.

Getting or renewing a passport is easy.  The Department of State’s Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print all in one place.

Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Indonesia
In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa.  Where required, visas are affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Indonesia, see the Department of State’s country page.

Staying Safe on Your Trip
Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country.  The Department of State provides country information for every country in the world about various issues, including health conditions, crime, currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip
When traveling abroad during the adoption process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State through our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the U.S. Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country.  Enrollment makes it possible for U.S. Embassy or Consulate Indonesia, to contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.  Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Indonesia, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.

Enrollment is free and can be done online via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

After Adoption

[Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements]

We urge you to comply with Indonesia’s post-adoption/post-placement requirements in a timely manner.  Your adoption service provider may be able to help you with this process.  Your cooperation will contribute to Indonesia’s positive experiences with U.S. citizen adoptive parents.

The Indonesian government requires that adoptive parents report a child’s development to the Indonesian Embassy every year until the child reaches 18 years of age. Upon arrival in the United States, adoptive parents must contact the Indonesian Embassy or consulate nearest where they live immediately.
They are required to submit a statement with their current U.S. address, email, and phone number.
Additionally, the adoptive parents must agree to allow visits from Indonesian Embassy or consulate representatives to monitor and report on the child's development until the child turns 18.

Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption.  There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  You may wish to take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.  Your primary provider can provide or point you to post- placement/post-adoption services to help your adopted child and your family transition smoothly and deal effectively with the many adjustments required in an intercountry adoption.  

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a website, the Child Welfare Information Gateway, which can be a useful resource to get you started on your support group search. In particular you may find the pages on  Parenting After Adoption - Child Welfare Information Gateway and Post Adoption and Permanency Support Services - Child Welfare Information Gateway useful. 

COMPLAINTS

If you have concerns about your intercountry adoption process, we ask that you share this information with U.S. Embassy Jakarta, particularly if it involves possible fraud or misconduct specific to your child’s case.  The Department of State takes all allegations of fraud or misconduct seriously.  Our Adoption Comment Page provides several points of contact for adoptive families to comment on their adoption service provider, their experience applying for their child’s visa, or about the Form I-600/A process.

The Complaint Registry is an internet-based registry for filing complaints about U.S. accredited or approved adoption service providers.  If you think your provider's conduct may not have been in compliance with accreditation standards, first submit your complaint in writing directly to your provider.  If the complaint is not resolved through the provider's complaint process, you may file the complaint through the Complaint Registry.

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Indonesia
Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan #4-5
Jakarta - 10110
Tel: 62-21-5083-1000
Email: JakIV@state.gov
Internet: id.usembassy.gov

Indonesia’s Adoption Authority 
The Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Directorate of Child Social Service Development
Jalan Salemba Raya No. 28
Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
Tel:  62-21-310-0375
Fax:   
Email: persuratan@kemsos.go.id 
Internet:  https://kemensos.go.id

Embassy of Indonesia 
2020 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel:  202-775-5200
Email:  washington.kbri@kemlu.go.id
Internet:  https://kemlu.go.id/washington

Indonesia also has consulates in: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Embassy of Indonesia
2020 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: 202-775-5200
Fax: 202-775-5365
Internet: https://kemlu.go.id/washington/en

*Indonesia also has consulates in: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, D.C.  20522-1709
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
Email: Adoption@state.gov
Internet: adoption.state.gov

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about a pending Form I-600A application, Form I-600 petition or related supplements: 
USCIS 
Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For other USCIS-related questions:
USCIS Contact Center 
Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet:  uscis.gov

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Jakarta
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No.
3 - 5
Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Telephone
+(62)(21) 5083-1000
Emergency
+(62)(21) 5083-1000 ext. 0 (operator)
Fax
+(62)(21) 385-7189

Indonesia Map