Factsheet

DISCLAIMER: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel.

Prospective adoptive parents are advised to fully research any adoption agency or facilitator they plan to use for adoption services. For U.S. based agencies, it is suggested that prospective adoptive parents contact the Better Business Bureau and licensing office of the Department of Health and Family Services in the state where the agency is located.

GENERAL : The following is a guide for U.S. citizens who are interested in adopting a child in Taiwan and applying for an immigrant visa for the child to come to the United States. This process involves complex Taiwan and U.S. legal requirements. U.S. consular officers give each petition careful consideration on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the legal requirements of both countries have been met, for the protection of the prospective adoptive parent(s), the biological parent(s) and the child. Interested U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the American Institute in Taiwan before formalizing an adoption agreement to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed which will make it possible for the American Institute in Taiwan to issue a U.S. immigrant visa for the child.

AVAILABILITY OF CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION : Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans:

FY-1996: IR-3 immigrant visas issued to Taiwan orphans adopted abroad - 8
IR-4 immigrant visas issued to Taiwan orphans adopted in the U.S. - 9
FY-1997: IR-3 Visas - 4, IR-4 Visas - 10
FY-1998: IR-3 Visas - 14, IR-4 Visas - 14
FY-1999: IR-3 Visas - 4, IR-4 Visas - 27
FY-2000: IR-3 Visas - 5, IR-4 Visas - 23

ADOPTION AUTHORITY : Children's Bureau, Ministry of Interior. The articles of law relating to adoption in Taiwan are found in the Civil Code (Family and Children Welfare Act in Book VI), Articles 1072 through 1083.

Credits: U.S. Department of State