Embassy of the United States Monrovia, Liberia

Intercountry adoptions from Liberia are currently under a moratorium.  Liberia is in the process of redrafting its adoption law and new adoptions have been put on hold until the new law is enacted and new procedures are put in place. 

For families with existing adoption decrees, the Government of Liberia has agreed to allow those cases to proceed. To get a visa for an adopted child, the family will need to provide complete documentation, including:

• Court’s Decree of Adoption
• Approved I-600A petition for eligibility.  Please include copies of the home study, ammendments, and special needs determination.
• Birth certificate for the child (in new name, with adopted parents)
• Attestation of facts (legal document), include copies of death certificates, legal relinquishment from parent, and other papers.
• Case History from Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
• I-600 petition (filed in U.S. or at post)

Once this documentation is received, the Consular Section will conduct an Orphan Status Investigation, which may include:

• DNA testing between birth parent and child
• Interview with birth parent or field investigation
• I-604 report filed

After the investigation report is filed, the visa process may continue with the visa application and exit clearance.

Visa Application (DS-230):

• Visa application fee ($404 per child)
• Medical clearance
• I-864 with recent tax return and W2s
• Two passport photos
• Passport (in new name)

Exit Clearance: Currently, the Government of Liberia is requiring that at least one adoptive parent appear for the exit clearance interview with the Ministry of Justice.

• Interview with Ministry of Justice
• Copies of documents
• Letter issued by Bureau of Immigration

For more information on adoptions, please contact us via email or schedule an appointment to visit during American Citizen Services hours.