The first question that parents ask as soon as their child arrives in this country is: “What now?” IFI understands that you child’s arrival is not the last step in your journey, just the most rewarding! Depending on what type of visa your child has (IR 3 or IR 4), you may not have to readopt in this country. If your child arrives with a 1R3 visa, the adoption is complete overseas, and the US recognizes that as a valid adoption and does not require families to readopt. If your child arrives with an IR4 visa, you have to readopt in the United States. You must readopt in the US before applying for citizenship Regardless of your child’s visa, IFI recommends readopting in the US. The main reason for this is if your original documents are lost or destroyed it would be harder to obtain replacements from a foreign country, due to language differences or differences in foreign government. Readopting laws differ between states. Please consult one of the many attorney’s specializing in international adoptions to assist you in finding out the laws of your state, and finalizing the readoption. According to the Child Citizenship Act updated in January 2004, children who arrive with an IR 3 visa, will automatically receive a certificate of citizenship within 45 days of their arrival, providing at least one parent is a US citizen. Please review more detailed information at http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/CCA_Update.htm.