Important Moscow inf. re: I-604 reviews
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There are some changes taking place in Moscow affecting families when they make their final trip to bring their children home. When the I-600 is filed in Moscow there is also a I-604 review that takes place. Traditionally, this review was conducted by a Department of State Consular Officer even though the legal responsibility for this actually resided with USCIS. USCIS had delegated this responsibility to the DOS Consular Officer. The I-604 review confirms the child's status as an orphan and eligibility for adoption. It also confirms that the child/ren "fit" the criteria in the home study regarding age, gender, special needs and number of children to be adopted. This means that not only are the child's documents examined but also the home study of the adoptive parents.
This procedure is in the process of changing and the reviews will now be conducted by USCIS beginning in January, 2009. This change could affect the outcome and timing of the issuing of the child's visa. They have already begun with just a few cases.
Although it isn't likely to happen, adoptive parents should be prepared that this could potentially extend their time in Moscow by an additional day or two. Once the official transition is made, we will have a better idea as to how and how many families this may impact. It is understood that USCIS doesn't intend to delay or disrupt the adoption process in Russia but rather to insure that all is done according to the U.S. law. Yesterday I participated in a conference call with JCICS. They have reached out to USCIS and other stakeholders in an effort to join USICS in ensuring that I-604 reviews are completed according to U.S. law and regulation while at the same time seeking to provide timely service to U.S. adoptive families. They will be meeting with USCIS in both Washington and in Moscow during the next few weeks as part of the implementation plan.
