The Marshall Islands is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Marshall Islands did not change.

Although the Compact of Free Association between Marshall Islands and the United States permits Marshallese citizens to travel to and live in the United States without a U.S. visa, this provision is NOT applicable to adopted children (Click here for more information.) Prospective adoptive parents of Marshallese children must go through the appropriate Marshallese adoption procedures as well as the relevant U.S. immigration procedures related to adopted foreign orphans. Adopted Marshallese children who enter the United States without a visa will later have difficulties adjusting their U.S. immigration status and, eventually, acquiring U.S. citizenship.

For specific information regarding the adoption process in the Marshall Islands click here.

Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Majuro does not issue immigrant visas, including for adopted children. All immigrant visas are processed through the U.S. Embassy in Manila.