The current wait for referral is 15 months. We received three referrals in February and the children were 12 months old. Children will be 12-18 months at the time of referral for future referrals and the age at the time of home coming will be up to 24 months old. There were no travel visas issued in the month of February from the Ministry of Health and Welfare from Korea. This is due to reviewing/revising of adoption policies within the ministry. We are hopeful that the travel will begin in March.
Due to the slowdown of referrals and travel, the age requirement for the Korea program has changed. Families need to submit their registration packet to Spence-Chapin no later than 40 ½ years old and must submit their full dossier to Korea, including the I-600a approval, before their 41st birthday. This is effective immediately for all new applicants. Families currently in process (at least approved through Spence-Chapin registration phase) must submit their dossier before their 43rd birthday. Please consult with your social worker to expedite your case if you are currently in between 41 and 43 years of age.
Korea is working towards finalizing the adoption in country by August of this year. It is yet to be determined how this is going to affect the timeline and paperwork for adoptive parents. As soon as we are notified by the ministry, we will prepare our families to finalize their adoption in country appropriately.
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