Do we have to do a state readoption?
This is required if you brought the child into the US on an IR-4 visa. The IR-4 is issued when only one of two parents travels. If both parents or the only parent travel, the child is brought in on an IR-3 visa and the INS does not require readoption. However, in some states, readoption is the only way to get the state to issue a birth record. It is much much easier to be able to call up your state capitol when you need a birth certificate for soccer league then to call China. Also, very few soccer coaches are able to read enough Mandarin to translate a birthdate. A second benefit is that readoption also includes a legal name change at no extra cost. In some states, if the child came in on an IR-3 visa, the adoption is considered final and readoption is not possible. In these cases, you may be able to get a state birth record entered directly. You should be aware that the rules vary widely among the states and in some states, rules vary from one county or city to the next. Check with y
