The International Adoption Process

The process for an international adoption involves several steps. Though not comprehensive, here are the general steps common to most international adoptions.

1. Prayerfully choose your adoption agency. Research all the fees that will be involved.
2. Prayerfully research and choose the country your child will come from.
3. Apply at the chosen agency.
4. Apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration service (I-600 A and supporting documents).
5. Prepare dossier that will be sent to the country or placing agency. The dossier is a packet of forms required by the country of adoption.
6. Wait for information on a specific child (the referral) to arrive.
7. Accept referral and if necessary, fill out any forms you must send and/or take to the country of adoption.
8. Travel, if necessary, to complete the adoption.
9. Receive post-placement services and re-adopt your child in your state of residence.

The specific steps you will need to take vary by state, country, adoption agency, and if your child is considered a special needs child.

If adopting outside of the United States, please check out the State Department's information on adoption. There, you can find current adoption news, detailed information on the countries you may choose to adopt from, statistics on orphans from various countries, and information about international rules and regulations as defined by the Hague Adoption Convention.

While all the red tape required when adopting an orphan from a foreign country might seem cumbersome, the regulations set in place are to not only protect you, but also protect children from exploitation through illegal adoption operations that, sadly, still exist throughout the world.

Read about international adoption and get country-by-country overviews and requirements at the Adoptive Families site.