Timeline Clarification

I don't think I can clarify the timeline we're on often enough (for myself, let alone our many supportive family members and friends).

From what I can gather from the various parents I interact with on my Yahoo groups, this is a rough estimate of the various steps we have left:

We're expecting final Home Study approval from DCFS in mid-July.

After that, we will apply to USCIS for approval to adopt an international child. This will take 1 to 2 months.

Then, we will send in our dossier to China and wait for an LID (Log In Date -- notification they've received it). This takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Next, we will await a Letter of Approval from China. This takes 7 to 10 weeks.

Next, we apply to USCIS for approval to classify Shaling as an immediate family member. This takes 2 to 4 weeks.

We also apply for Shaling to get a visa. The U.S. consulate in Guanghzhou will issue something called an Article 5, which states she is eligible to receive a visa. This takes 2 to 4 weeks.

We will need Travel Approval from China. This takes 2 to 4 weeks.

We will then travel 2 to 4 weeks after receiving the travel approval.

As you can see, we still have a LOT of hoops to get through, but most of them are on timelines out of our control. That is perhaps the most difficult part of the entire process. I am now set on thinking that we will be traveling to get Shaling over the holidays (either Thanksgiving or Christmas).