When adopting from Viet Nam, your dossier is the large group of documents that is sent over to Viet Nam. In this post I will list some of the basic documents that will make up your Vietnamese dossier and explain what each document is. Your adoption agency should help you through compiling your dossier and guide you through any questions you may have. There will be other documents (powers of attorney for your agency to act on your behalf, etc.) as well as photographs required; your agency will tell you what is required when you get to this step in the process.

Home Study – this is the final report from your U.S. state licensed home study agency that states that you are approved for a Vietnamese adoption. Be sure that your home study agency includes a copy of their license in with your completed report.

Employment Letter – this letter from your (and your spouse’s if applicable) employer states your job title and annual salary.

US Passport – this government issued document states your identity and citizenship and allows you to travel outside of the US. You will need to submit two copies of the signature page. **there have been problems with passports being issues in a timely manner, so if you need to apply for or renew your passport, please click here and here for more information.**

Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates – these official documents can be received from your local department of vital statistics.

Divorce Decree – if you have remarried, you may submit a copy of your decree, but if you have not remarried, you have to submit a certified divorce decree.

Medical Clearance Letter – this letter (on letterhead) from your doctor will state that you are in good health and free of communicable diseases.

Police Clearance Letter – this letter issued from your local police department must include your social security number, address and birth date. It will state that there are no criminal arrest records found for you.

I-171H or I-797C – These forms serve as your pre-approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) The I-171H is headed “Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition.”

For more information on required documents and the Viet Nam adoption process as a whole, please visit the U.S. Department of State's website here.

More Reading:
A Viet Nam Adoption Glossary

Adoption Glossaries

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