International Adoption: A Complete Guide

International adoption was once one of the most popular paths to parenthood in the United States. In 2004, American families adopted more than 22,000 children from abroad. By the early 2020s, that number had fallen below 2,000 per year — a decline of roughly 90%.

Despite the decline, international adoption remains a meaningful option for many families. Some are drawn to a particular country or culture. Others find that age, marital status, or other factors make it a better fit than domestic alternatives. But the process is more complex than domestic adoption — you must satisfy both U.S. and foreign government requirements, navigate federal immigration law, and work with accredited agencies and foreign courts.

This guide covers how international adoption works, the step-by-step process, costs, timelines, country requirements, and the challenges you should understand before you begin.

How International Adoption Works

International adoption is a dual-process. You must complete requirements on both the U.S. side and the foreign country’s side before a child can be legally adopted and brought home.

The U.S. side. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must approve you as an adoptive parent. This involves filing an immigration petition, FBI background checks, a home study, and demonstrating financial ability to support a child.

The foreign country’s side. The child’s country has its own adoption laws and eligibility criteria. Most countries require a detailed dossier — a package of personal, financial, medical, and legal documents — submitted to the country’s adoption authority. The foreign government matches you with a child, and the adoption is completed through that country’s court system.

The Hague Convention. The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (1993) is an international treaty establishing safeguards for children, birth parents, and adoptive families. The U.S. ratified it in 2007. Over 100 countries participate. It requires that intercountry adoption occur only when a child cannot be placed domestically and that all parties give informed consent. Each country designates a Central Authority to oversee the process.

Convention vs. non-Convention. Adopting from a Convention country (Colombia, India, Bulgaria, South Korea) means following the Hague process with stricter agency accreditation standards. Adopting from a non-Convention country (Ukraine) follows non-Hague rules with different USCIS forms. Note that China closed its international adoption program in 2024 (except for adoptions by blood relatives). The core steps — home study, dossier, referral, travel, visa — apply to both.

Accredited adoption service providers. Under the Hague framework, you must work with an accredited U.S. adoption service provider. These agencies handle case management, coordinate with the foreign Central Authority, and ensure compliance with both countries’ laws.

The International Adoption Process Step by Step

1. Choose a country and accredited agency. Research active programs that fit your eligibility. Interview multiple agencies about experience, wait times, and fees.

2. Complete a home study and file with USCIS. For Hague adoptions, file Form I-800A. For non-Hague adoptions, file Form I-600A.

3. Receive USCIS approval. USCIS issues an I-800A approval notice (Hague) or I-171H notice (non-Hague), confirming your eligibility to adopt internationally.

4. Prepare your dossier. Gather birth and marriage certificates, financial statements, medical reports, employment verification, reference letters, photos, and your home study. Every document must be notarized, apostilled, and translated.

5. Submit the dossier to the foreign Central Authority. The foreign authority reviews your file and places you on a waiting list.

6. Receive a referral. You receive the child’s photograph, medical history, developmental assessment, and background information.

7. Accept the referral. Many families have records reviewed by an international adoption medicine specialist before accepting.

8. Travel to the child’s country. Most countries require 1-2 trips, ranging from a few days to several weeks.

9. Complete in-country legal proceedings. Attend court hearings and sign legal documents. Some countries finalize the adoption abroad; others grant custody for U.S. finalization.

10. Obtain an immigrant visa. Apply at the U.S. Embassy in the child’s country after foreign legal proceedings are complete.

11. Return home and finalize. If not finalized abroad, complete re-adoption in your state court. Complete post-placement reports as required.

Costs

International adoption typically costs $25,000 to $60,000+ total. Here is a general breakdown:

• Agency fees: $15,000-$30,000 — case management, foreign coordination, referral services
• Home study: $1,000-$3,000 — see our home study guide
• USCIS filing fees: ~$800 — I-800A or I-600A application and biometrics
• Dossier preparation: $2,000-$5,000 — document collection, notarization, apostille
• Foreign government/orphanage fees: $5,000-$15,000 — processing, court costs, child care contributions
• Translation and authentication: $1,000-$3,000
• Travel: $3,000-$10,000 — flights, lodging, transportation, interpreter fees
• Post-placement reports: $500-$2,000 — periodic reports required for 1-5 years

The federal adoption tax credit — up to $17,280 per child in 2025, adjusted annually — can offset a significant portion of expenses. Many employers also offer adoption assistance benefits including reimbursement for agency fees, travel, and legal costs. For a full breakdown, see our adoption costs guide.

Timeline

International adoption typically takes 1 to 4 years. Major variables include:

• Country processing times — some countries issue referrals in months; others take 2+ years
• USCIS processing — I-800A or I-600A approval takes 2-6 months
• Court scheduling abroad — hearings may be delayed weeks or months; some countries have court recess periods
• Multiple trips — some countries require two trips with a waiting period between them
• External factors — political instability, law changes, and the lasting effects of COVID-19 on government processing have caused significant delays

Plan for the process to take longer than expected.

Country-Specific Requirements

Requirements change frequently. Always verify with a Hague-accredited agency before proceeding. Below is a summary as of early 2026.

China. China closed its international adoption program in August 2024, except for adoptions by blood relatives. Families with pending cases before the closure may still be able to complete their adoptions, but no new applications are being accepted.

Colombia. Singles and couples, age 25+. Requires 4-6 weeks in-country. Well-established program with relatively predictable timelines.

India. Married couples (2+ years) and single women. Age restrictions vary by child’s age. Operates through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act applies to Hindu families. Processing times have lengthened as India prioritizes domestic placements.

South Korea. Married couples only with age and income requirements. Wait times often 3+ years as the country prioritizes domestic adoption. International placements have declined significantly.

Ukraine. Married couples and singles age 21+. Requires in-person registration and extended in-country stay. Primarily older children available. Political conditions have affected program accessibility.

Bulgaria. Singles and couples. Hague Convention country. Shorter wait times for children with special needs. Relatively stable program.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Parents

USCIS requires:

• At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen
• FBI fingerprint and background checks for all household members 18+
• Financial ability to support a child
• Approved home study from a licensed agency
• Approved USCIS petition (I-800A or I-600A)

Beyond U.S. requirements, you must meet the sending country’s criteria — which can be surprisingly specific. Countries may restrict adoption based on age, marital status, length of marriage, divorce history, BMI, number of existing children, mental health history, and chronic health conditions. A family eligible under U.S. law may not qualify under a particular country’s rules.

Challenges and Considerations

Declining availability. Many countries have invested in domestic child welfare systems, reducing international referrals. Some programs have closed entirely.

Ethical concerns. International adoption has a history of child trafficking, birth parent coercion, document fraud, and corruption. The Hague Convention addresses these issues, but concerns persist — particularly in non-Convention countries.

Limited information. Medical records and family background may be incomplete or unavailable. Children may have undiagnosed conditions not apparent from referral documents.

Attachment and bonding. Children from institutional care may face attachment challenges. The transition to a new family, language, and culture is significant. Specialized therapists can help.

Cultural identity. Transracial and transcultural adoption raises questions about maintaining connection to birth culture, language, and heritage — a lifelong consideration.

Post-adoption adjustment. Language barriers, grief, and behavioral challenges are common during the transition. Prepare for an adjustment period of months or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does international adoption take?

1 to 4 years from start to finish. The timeline depends on the country, USCIS processing, court scheduling abroad, and trip requirements. Some countries have wait lists extending to 3+ years.

Can single people adopt internationally?

Yes, but options are more limited. Colombia, India (single women only), Ukraine, and Bulgaria accept single applicants. Other countries require married couples. Single applicants may face longer wait times or additional requirements.

Why has international adoption declined?

Many countries have developed stronger domestic child welfare systems and now prioritize in-country placements. The Hague Convention raised procedural standards. Some nations have closed programs due to corruption scandals or policy shifts. Stricter U.S. immigration requirements have also contributed.

Do I need to travel to the child’s country?

Almost always, yes. Most countries require 1-2 trips. Lengths vary from a few days to 4-6 weeks in Colombia. You will typically attend court hearings, meet the child, and complete legal proceedings in person.

Will my internationally adopted child automatically be a U.S. citizen?

Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, a child adopted by a U.S. citizen automatically becomes a citizen upon entering the U.S. with an IR-3 or IH-3 visa (adoption finalized abroad). Children entering on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa receive citizenship once the adoption is finalized in U.S. state court. Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship and U.S. passport promptly after arrival.

What to Do Next

1. Research countries and programs. Review our guides on types of adoption and the adoption process for broader context.
2. Contact Hague-accredited agencies. Interview 2-3 agencies working with your target country.
3. Begin your home study. Starting early saves months. See our home study guide.
4. Understand the full costs. Review our adoption costs guide and explore the federal adoption tax credit and employer benefits.
5. Consult a family law attorney. An attorney experienced in international adoption can navigate USCIS requirements, review agency contracts, and ensure compliance. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.