Nicaragua Media Reports Allege Irregularities in Nicaraguan Adoption Procedures

Nicaragua Media Reports Allege Irregularities in Nicaraguan Adoption Procedures

The Department of State is aware of recent Nicaragua media reports alleging inconsistencies in Nicaraguan procedures for finding children eligible for intercountry adoption. Prospective adoptive parents and adoption service providers should be aware that the Government of Nicaragua’s efforts to investigate these allegations may result in delays in Nicaragua’s adoption process.

The Department seeks to ensure that all adoptions or grants of legal custody in Nicaragua by U.S. citizens are carried out in an ethical and transparent manner, in accordance with Nicaraguan law, and are in the best interests of the child.

Nicaraguan children who were adopted by, or are in the process of being adopted by, U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa only after completing the adoption process in the Nicaraguan courts. We encourage all individuals involved in the Nicaraguan adoption process to follow Nicaraguan laws and procedures.

Please continue to monitor travel.state.gov for updated information on adoption in Nicaragua.