What is the IH-3 Visa? A Guide to Adoption and Citizenship
Definition & meaning
The IH-3 visa is an immigrant visa specifically designed for children who have been fully and finally adopted from a country that is a party to the Hague Convention. This visa applies when the adoptive parents have met the child in person before the adoption is finalized in the foreign country. A child entering the United States with an IH-3 visa automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon arrival, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a Certificate of Citizenship without requiring additional forms or fees.
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The IH-3 visa is primarily used in the context of family law and immigration law. It facilitates the adoption process for children from Hague Convention countries, ensuring that the adoption is recognized in the U.S. and that the child gains citizenship automatically. Users can manage some aspects of the adoption process and visa application through legal templates and forms available on platforms like US Legal Forms, which can help simplify the legal requirements.
Key Legal Elements
Real-World Examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A couple from the United States travels to Colombia to adopt a child. After meeting the child and completing the necessary legal procedures in Colombia, they return to the U.S. with the child on an IH-3 visa. Upon entry, the child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.
Example 2: A family adopts a child from a Hague Convention country, such as France. They meet the child during the adoption process and finalize the adoption before bringing the child to the U.S. The child enters on an IH-3 visa and receives U.S. citizenship immediately. (hypothetical example)
Comparison with Related Terms
Term
Definition
Difference
IH-4 Visa
A visa for children who are adopted but did not meet the adoptive parents before the adoption was finalized.
The IH-4 visa does not grant automatic citizenship upon entry, unlike the IH-3 visa.
Green Card
A document that grants lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
The IH-3 visa provides immediate citizenship, while a Green Card requires a separate process for citizenship.
Common Misunderstandings
What to Do If This Term Applies to You
If you are considering adopting a child from a Hague Convention country, ensure you understand the requirements for obtaining an IH-3 visa. It's advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or use resources like US Legal Forms to access legal templates that can guide you through the process. If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal assistance may be necessary.
Quick Facts
Attribute
Details
Visa Type
Immigrant Visa
Automatic Citizenship
Yes, upon entry
Application Requirement
Meeting the child in person
Fees
No additional fees for citizenship certificate
Key Takeaways
FAQs
The IH-3 visa is an immigrant visa for children adopted from Hague Convention countries, granting them automatic U.S. citizenship upon entry.
A child with an IH-3 visa automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon entering the United States.
No additional fees are required for the issuance of the Certificate of Citizenship for children with an IH-3 visa.
If you did not meet the child before the adoption, you would need to consider the IH-4 visa instead, which does not grant automatic citizenship.
