From the Consulate in Moscow:
Dear representatives of adoption agencies:
Please be advised that the US Embassy Moscow does not require a power of attorney notarized by a U.S. notary for IR-3 cases. However, if only one parent is present at the visa interview, proof that both parents have met the child (a photograph of the absent parent with the child) is required.
A power of attorney is required for IR-4 cases if the petitioner is not present at the interview.
Sincerely,
Immigrant Visa Unit
US Embassy Moscow, Russia
http://www.russian.moscow.usembassy.gov/
For Non-Hague adoptions, as in Russia, an IR-3 immigrant visa is issued if both parents visited the child prior to the adoption finalization (court date in Russia). An IR-4 immigrant visa is issued if only one parent of a married couple visited the child prior to adoption finalization.
For IR-3 Appointments: Iif one parent goes home prior to the visa appointment, a Power of Attorney is not needed from the absent parent. A photo of the absent parent with the child is required.
For IR-4 Appointments: If one parent goes home prior to the visa appointment for an IR-4 visa, a Power of Attorney for the absent parent is be required.
Ethics, Transparency, Support
~ What All Adoptions Deserve.
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