Adoption Information: Republic of the Congo

On April 1, 2020, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention, or Convention) went into effect in the Republic of the Congo. The U.S. Department of State (DOS), however, has determined that it will not be able to process Hague Adoption Convention cases from the Republic of the Congo, because the country does not yet have implementing legislation to carry out its responsibilities under the Convention. Consequently, U.S. consular officers cannot issue the required Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Certificate at this time. Therefore, we advise prospective adoptive parents not to file Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country or Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, for children under the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Congo. We will reject Form I-800 petitions filed for these children.

For reference, before the Hague Adoption Convention went into effect in the Republic of the Congo, intercountry adoption cases were processed using Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, and Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative. As of April 1, 2020, prospective adoptive parents generally can no longer initiate a new intercountry adoption under the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Congo using these forms.

We will promptly advise the public if a future determination is made that the processing of intercountry adoptions from the Republic of the Congo under the Hague Adoption Convention may proceed.

For the latest information , go to the following DOS links: Republic of the Congo - Country Information and DOS adoption notices.