All families need to initially plan on two 4-7 day trips to Taiwan. Both parents should plan on attending the first trip where you will appear in front of the Judge to approve your request to adopt a specific child. In some cases, the judge may waive the adoptive parent’s appearance in court allowing the parents to travel for only one trip. This decision is up to the judge and occurs on a case by case basis.
SECOND TRIP: 1 week: Typically, within three or four weeks of a court finalized adoption in Taiwan, your family travels to Taiwan to bring home your newly adopted child. During this trip, Cathwel will assist you in applying for and obtaining the child’s U.S. visa from AIT (The American Institute in Taiwan). Once the visa is obtained, you can return to the US. This trip will last approximately one week.
Please remember that timelines are controlled by the Taiwanese government offices and are subject to change.
Throughout the wait, families are encouraged to check in with CCAI regularly. We maintain a library of books and resources at our office and are able to recommend relevant reading materials to families as they wait.
* The timeframe may lengthen while you are in process. However, the outline above reflects the timeline that families have experienced. This may not be your timeline.
CCAI will work with your family to determine the best option for your family related to travel. CCAI’s Taiwan coordinator will assist you in arranging your local travel, accommodations, and visit to the orphanage. CCAI recommends that you hire our Taiwanese contact to meet you at the airport and he will accompany you at all times. CCAI will provide you with the needed travel training.