Once adoption is complete, the natural (biological) parent no longer has the status of parent of the adopted child. Thus, as a general rule, the adopted child may not confer immigration benefits on his natural parent even if the adoptive relationship has been terminated. Similarly, the natural sibling of the adopted child may not enjoy immigration benefits from the child. 

However, the natural parent-child relationship may again be recognized for immigration purposes after the termination of an adoption if the following criteria are met:

1. No immigration benefits were obtained or conferred through the adoptive relationship to the adopted child;

2. A parent-child relationship once existed between the natural parent and child;

3. The adoption has been lawfully terminated under applicable law; and

4. The natural relationship has been re-established by law.

For other information about Adoption and Immigration, please click on one of the following topics below:

• General Information
• The qualified child
• The Immigration Procedure for an Adopted Child
• Citizenship for adopted children
• Immigration Privileges for the Biological Parents of Adopted Children