What's next?

We received our LOA (Letter of Approval) on Dec. 23! It took less than 1 month. Holt had told us to plan for it to take 3-4 months for approval to arrive. Many of you have joined us in praying for an expedited homecoming for our baby girl, and God is answering our prayers. Keep praying!!! We are on Step 3 of 8. We are praying that we will travel the first week of March. With God, we are confident this miracle is possible. We are trusting in His perfect timing.

Below is a timeline of "What's Next".

China Family Timeline:

1. Family receives match
2. LOA arrives to Holt China Program
3. Family files I-800 Application with USCIS (this is where we are)
4. Family receives I-800 Provisional Approval
5. Family receives NVC confirmation. Holt sends family's documents to China
6. US Consulate will issue Article 5 approval which will be used for final travel approval.
7. Travel approval arrives in Holt Oregon
8. Family travels


What is an I-800?
It is a petition to classify convention adoptee as an immediate relative. China is a Hague Convention Country. Countries that are considered Convention Countries must abide by certain regulations and standards during intercountry adoptions with the US.

Who Approves an I-800?
USCIS-United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is part of the Deptartment of Homeland Security.

What is a NVC confirmation?
National Visa Center letter saying that our case has been forwarded to the China Embassy. This document allows our agency to start the process of arranging appointments for us in China.

What is an Article 5?
The Article 5 is issued by the US Embassy in China. The consulate must review Dottie's visa application (DS-230), to make sure it meets the qualifications for an immigrant visa, and then signs off that everything is in order for the adoption to be completed. We can not obtain custody of Dottie until the Article 5 is issued.

What is the time line?
We really do not know they timeline. We have been told to expect 3-4 months from LOA (Dec. 23). We are praying that we will travel the first week in March.

Please continue to keep praying for us as we continue the paperwork chase, wait for for travel approval, and prepare for family transitions. God hears our prayers!

Thank you for being part of this journey to bring Dottie home. We are so gratful and truly blessed!