We finally got an email today from the Consulate that indicates our DNA is final…finally. So, basically, the Guatemalan USCIS has issued our case Pre-approval and when we get the social worker to finish up the family court documents our case can now move to PGN (unless there is an issue with our family court papers).
Prospective adoptive parents must receive receipt of “pre-approval” from the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS/USCIS) office in Guatemala before their attorney can submit their dossier to the Guatemalan authorities. After obtaining clearance from a social worker under the supervision …read more

Guatadopt has reminded me that for ALL international adoptions the US Embassy requires a current I171H and fingerprints.
I171H expires after 18 months and fingerprints expire after 15 months. Agencies do not always remind you that your paperwork has expired so make sure to check your own.

Number of Adoptions in 2006: 4093
US State Department
GUATEMALAN ADOPTION AUTHORITY: The Social Services Agency Bienestar Social has been named Hague Convention Central Authority for Guatemala.  The Guatemalan Solicitor General’s Office (Procuradoría General de la Nación, PGN) is also an adoption authority in Guatemala.  Adoptions must be finalized through the PGN.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS:   Under Guatemalan law, prospective adoptive parents may be married or single and must be at least 18 years old.  There are no requirements for an age-difference between the prospective adoptive parent and the child.  There are also no disqualifying medical ineligibilities.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:  The Government of Guatemala …read more