A common question we get a lot is when are you bringing Parker and Xander home? The answer is...we don't know :-) There are several steps of paperwork collecting and approvals that have to be completed in a certain order before we are able to go to China and bring them home. Below is a list of those steps and as we complete them they will turn grey. Enjoy the countdown with us!
1. Find our new family member- We found him on December 29, 2011
2. Fill out Adoption Application & Pre-Approval Paperwork- January 4th
3. Started on Dossier & I 800a- January 5th
4. Completed I 800a- January 9th
5. Send request to China for Pre-Approval- Sent on January 13, 2012
6. Receive Pre-Approval from China (this means Xin Lei is on hold for us!)- Received our PA
on January 18, 2012!!
7. Mailed Dossier & I 800a Stuff to Adoption Agency- January 18th
8. Complete Home Study
9. Mail Packet (I 800a) to USCIS for Approval
10. Get Fingerprinted
11. Receive Approval from the USCIS (it can take up to 3 mths to complete steps 9-11)- 3/8
12. Have Approval from USCIS Certified and Authenticated - March 13-14th
13. Mail Dossier to China- Sent March 15, 2012!!
13 1/3. Mail request to China for Pre-Approval for Lian Hao- Sent March 29, 2012
13 2/3. Receive Pre-Approval for Lian Hao on April 2, 2012!!!
14. Wait for Letter of Acceptance (this takes anywhere from 1-3 months)
15. Wait for I800 Approval
16. National Visa Center cables our file to the US Embassy in Guangzhou, China
17. Processing of Article 5 Letter (US Embassy looks over everything and confirms we are
ready!!)
18. Wait for Travel Approval (it can take up to 3 weeks)...ugh the 3 longest weeks EVER!!-
TA arrived August 7th
19. Travel to China!!!
20. Adopt Xin Lei AND Lian Hao (During the 1st week in China)
21. Get Xin Lei AND Lian Hao's Visa (During the 2nd week in China)
22. Welcome Home Xin Lei AND Lian Hao :-)
Andrea and James,
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting! Bless you for stepping out and sharing your family with this little boy. We cannot wait to see him! So glad I found out about this blog so we can stay updated on your progress.
Susan and Marvin
Thanks! I'm so glad you're following along on our journey, we can't wait to introduce him to everyone!!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you read this, but we are thinking of you and praying for you every single day!!! Can't wait for the post that says that you have the boys in your arms. We love you! The Stern5
ReplyDelete