How to Adopt a Child Overseas

The adoption of a child from another country by a U.S. citizen involves the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the U.S. State Department, the foreign country where the child resides and any additional requirements of the state the child will live in.

Things You'll Need

  • Adoption Announcements
  • Adoption Forms
  • Attorney

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a country you'd like to adopt a child from. Generally, countries with a stable government have the best provisions for successful adoptions.

    • 2

      Choose an agency with experience in intercountry adoption, especially in the country you hope to adopt from. Ask for references. Verify that the agency is licensed by calling the licensing specialist in your state.

    • 3

      Check with the state's office of the attorney general to see if any complaints have been filed against the agency.

    • 4

      Find out the agency's minimum requirements for adoptive parents and ask about the adoptive country's requirements, if any. Also ask about costs, including travel expenses, legal costs, medical expenses and agency fees.

    • 5

      Expect the agency to assign a social worker to you. He or she will conduct interviews, set up a home study and - if you are approved - help with required paperwork.

    • 6

      Arrange for a physical exam as soon as your child has arrived. Apply for U.S. citizenship for the child.

    • 7

      Understand that the average cost for intercountry adoption is between $15,000 and $20,000 - but it can go higher, depending on the child's country of origin.

    • 8

      Be prepared to wait for as long as three years.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Write an Adoption Referral Letter
      When a couple chooses to adopt a child, they must go through a process of many steps before they are allowed to bring a child into their home. One of these steps is to submit letters of recommendation from family and friends. These letters give the a
    • How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Parent
      Adoption agencies look for references and letters of recommendations from those close to prospective parents before placing a child in their care. A good letter of recommendation should sell the agency on the prospective parents positive traits and c
    • How to Adopt a Child in Indiana
      At its very core, adoption is about not only giving a child a home, but giving him a permanent family, one he can feel he is genuinely a part of, something all children deserve. In Indiana, there is a statewide effort, known as Indianas Adoption Init