International Adoption: Process, Eligibility, Costs, and Current Considerations

International, or intercountry, adoption is the permanent legal adoption of a child from another country followed by immigration to the United States. The process must comply with U.S. federal law, the prospective parents’ state law, and the law of the child’s country.

Country programs and eligibility rules can change quickly.

Current-status notice: Check the U.S. Department of State country page before selecting a provider or paying fees.

Hague and non-Hague cases

Hague Convention process

Convention cases generally require:

1. Accredited or approved primary provider
2. USCIS suitability approval
3. Match by the foreign authority
4. USCIS provisional child-eligibility review
5. Article 5/17 process
6. Adoption or custody abroad
7. Immigrant visa
8. Post-adoption requirements

Non-Hague process

Non-Convention cases generally use the orphan process and Forms I-600A and I-600, subject to current law and provider requirements.

Three sets of law

Families must satisfy:

• U.S. federal immigration law
• Law of the child’s country
• Law of the family’s state

A foreign adoption decree does not automatically guarantee U.S. immigration eligibility.

Choosing a provider

Verify:

• Federal accreditation or approval
• Country authorization
• Primary-provider status
• Supervised providers
• Fees
• Complaints
• Program status
• Refunds if the program closes

Home study and USCIS

A compliant home study is required for USCIS suitability determinations. Applicants must disclose household, health, financial, criminal, and child-welfare information.

Referral and child eligibility

Families should review available medical and social information, but they must not bypass official referral or immigration steps.

The child must qualify under the applicable U.S. immigration category.

Travel and adoption abroad

Requirements may include multiple trips, court hearings, bonding periods, embassy appointments, and exit documents.

Citizenship

Some children automatically acquire citizenship when statutory conditions are met; others require additional action. Families should obtain proof such as a Certificate of Citizenship or passport as appropriate.

Post-adoption responsibilities

Requirements can include:

• Reports
• Agency visits
• Recognition or readoption
• Birth certificate
• Citizenship documents
• Cultural and language support
• Medical evaluation
• Records preservation

Costs and risk

Expenses may include provider fees, USCIS, dossier, authentication, translation, foreign fees, travel, medical review, visas, and reports.

Risks include delays, policy changes, country closure, incomplete records, and immigration ineligibility.

Sources

1. Intercountry Adoption — U.S. Department of State
2. Adoption Process — U.S. Department of State
3. Convention Adoption Process
4. Non-Convention Adoption Process
5. Adoptees and Citizenship

Editorial note

This article is general education, not immigration or legal advice. Verify current country and USCIS requirements.