International adoption, also called intercountry adoption, is a complex process that brings children and families together across borders. Whether you're adopting from a Hague Convention country or a non-Hague country, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of the international adoption journey. From country selection through travel, placement, and finalization, this guide ensures you're prepared for each step of adopting a child from another country.
This detailed checklist walks you through initial research and country selection, agency selection, home study completion, USCIS requirements, dossier preparation, waiting periods, referral acceptance, travel preparation, in-country processes, and post-placement requirements. Each phase requires careful attention to detail, as international adoption involves multiple governments, extensive documentation, and significant travel. Follow this systematic approach to navigate the complexities of international adoption successfully.
International adoption begins with thorough research and careful country selection. Research different countries that allow international adoption, understanding that available countries change over time due to policy shifts, political situations, and program closures. Each country has unique requirements, processes, costs, and timelines. Understand the distinction between Hague Convention countries, which follow standardized international procedures, and non-Hague Convention countries, which have their own processes.
Research country-specific adoption requirements and restrictions, including age limits for adoptive parents, marital status requirements, income thresholds, health requirements, and restrictions on single parents or LGBTQ+ parents. Review typical wait times for each country, as these vary significantly and can change. Understand country policies on age, gender, and special needs preferences, as some countries have more flexibility than others.
Research travel requirements and typical trip duration, as some countries require one short trip while others require multiple trips or extended stays of several weeks. Review country costs and fee structures, understanding that expenses vary widely. Attend international adoption information sessions to learn about the process. Join international adoption support groups to connect with families who have adopted internationally. Read books about international adoption to understand the unique aspects of this path. Based on your research, select your target country or countries, keeping in mind that flexibility may improve your options.
International adoption requires working with a licensed adoption agency, and for Hague countries, the agency must be Hague-accredited. Research Hague-accredited adoption agencies, verifying accreditation status with the U.S. Department of State. Check which countries each agency works with, as not all agencies have programs in all countries. Review agency success rates and wait times for your country of interest.
Interview multiple agencies, asking detailed questions about their processes, fees, support services, and track records. Ask about agency fees and payment schedules, understanding what's included and what's additional. Request references from families who adopted from your country, as country-specific experiences vary. Review agency support services including pre-travel preparation, in-country support, and post-placement assistance.
Understand agency policies on country changes or program closures, as these situations can arise. Choose an agency with experience in your chosen country, good communication, comprehensive support, and a track record of successful placements. Once selected, carefully review and sign contracts, ensuring you understand all terms, fees, and obligations. Your agency is your primary guide through this complex process, so choose carefully.
The home study is required for all international adoptions and must meet both U.S. and potentially country-specific requirements. Complete your home study application and gather all required personal documents. Complete comprehensive background checks including criminal checks, child abuse registry checks, and FBI fingerprint clearance. These checks ensure child safety and are mandatory.
Complete medical exams and obtain health certificates demonstrating physical and mental health readiness. Gather financial documentation including tax returns, bank statements, and employment verification. Write detailed autobiographical statements. Obtain reference letters from friends, family, and employers. Complete home study interviews and home visit with your social worker. The home study must be updated if it expires during your wait, and it's submitted to both USCIS and potentially your child's country.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must approve you to adopt internationally. Determine the appropriate form: I-800A for Hague Convention countries or I-600A for non-Hague countries. Complete the adoption petition form, gathering all required supporting documents. Submit your home study to USCIS along with your petition and fees.
Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting. Respond promptly to any USCIS requests for evidence. Once approved, you'll receive either I-800A approval (Hague) or I-600A approval (non-Hague), which is valid for a specific period, typically 15 months. If your approval expires during your wait, you must renew it. This approval is required before you can proceed with dossier submission and is included in your dossier.
Your dossier is a collection of authenticated documents required by your child's country. Obtain country-specific dossier requirements from your agency, as each country has different requirements. Gather all required documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical clearances, financial statements, employment letters, police clearances, home study, USCIS approval, photos, and adoption motivation letters.
Have all documents notarized first. Then have them authenticated by your Secretary of State, followed by the U.S. Department of State, and finally by your child's country's embassy or consulate. This authentication chain proves document validity. If documents must be in another language, have them translated by a certified translator. Some countries require translations to be done in specific ways.
Review your complete dossier with your agency for accuracy and completeness before submission. Submit your dossier to your agency, which will forward it to the country's adoption authority. Receive confirmation of dossier submission. Dossier preparation typically takes 3 to 6 months and requires meticulous attention to detail, as errors can cause delays or rejections.
After dossier submission, you wait for a referral from your child's country. Wait times vary significantly and can change. During this period, maintain your home study if it expires, as it must remain current. Renew your USCIS approval if it expires, as this is also required to be current.
Use the waiting period productively. Complete required adoption education courses. Research your child's country culture, traditions, and history to prepare for maintaining cultural connections. Learn basic phrases in your child's language if applicable. Read books about parenting adopted children, especially those covering attachment, trauma, and identity issues common in international adoption.
Prepare your child's room and gather essentials. Research pediatricians experienced with international adoption and children who have lived in institutions. Plan for time off work for travel and the adjustment period after bringing your child home. The waiting period can be emotionally challenging, so maintain your support systems and stay engaged in preparation activities.
When you receive a referral, you'll receive information about a specific child including photos, medical records, and social history. Review all information carefully. Consult with an international adoption medical specialist to understand any medical conditions, developmental concerns, or needs. Review the child's social history and background to understand their story.
Ask your agency any questions you have about the child. Make an informed decision about accepting the referral based on your family's capacity and the child's needs. If you accept, submit acceptance paperwork to your agency and country. Once accepted, you'll wait for travel approval from the country, which allows you to travel to complete the adoption.
International adoption requires significant travel preparation. Apply for travel visas if required by your destination country. Book international flights, keeping in mind that dates may be somewhat flexible depending on country processes. Book accommodations in country, understanding that stays may be extended if processes take longer than expected.
Research country-specific travel requirements including entry requirements, health recommendations, and local customs. Get required vaccinations and health preparations recommended for travel to that region. Obtain travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip interruptions. Prepare all travel documents including passports, visas, and adoption approvals.
Pack essentials for your child including age-appropriate clothes, formula or food, diapers, medications, and comfort items. Pack items for yourself for an extended stay. Arrange care for pets and home while traveling. Notify work and arrange adequate time off. Set up international phone plans or communication methods. Research currency exchange and banking options in country. Learn about local customs and etiquette to be respectful visitors.
Your in-country experience varies by country but typically includes meeting your child, completing legal processes, and obtaining necessary documents. Travel to the country and meet your child for the first time, which is an emotional and significant moment. Complete any required bonding period if the country requires time together before finalization.
Attend court hearing or adoption ceremony in country, where the adoption is finalized according to that country's laws. Obtain the adoption decree from the country, which is the legal document establishing the adoption. Obtain your child's birth certificate and passport from the country, which are needed for travel and U.S. immigration.
Complete medical exam for your child in country if required for visa purposes. Apply for your child's U.S. visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate, which is required for entry to the United States. Attend the visa interview, where consular officers review your case. Receive your child's U.S. visa. Complete I-800 or I-600 petition if not done previously. Once you have the visa, you can travel home with your child.
After arriving home, you'll have ongoing requirements. Schedule your child's first pediatrician appointment soon after arrival for comprehensive medical evaluation, as internationally adopted children often need thorough health assessments. Complete required post-placement visits with your social worker and supervision period, typically 3 to 6 months.
Submit post-placement reports to your child's country if required, as many countries require updates on how children are adjusting. Add your child to health insurance immediately. Apply for your child's Social Security number. Obtain U.S. documentation including Certificate of Citizenship or amended birth certificate. Apply for U.S. passport if needed.
Complete state finalization if required by your state, which may involve a court hearing. Attend finalization and obtain the final adoption decree. Update estate planning documents. Join post-adoption support groups to connect with other international adoptive families. Most importantly, maintain connection to your child's birth culture through food, traditions, language, and community connections, which is essential for healthy identity development.
Throughout the international adoption process, keep these essential practices in mind:
International adoption is a complex but rewarding journey that creates families across borders. By following this comprehensive checklist, conducting thorough research, choosing countries and agencies carefully, preparing documentation meticulously, planning for travel, and maintaining cultural connections, you'll navigate the process successfully. Remember that international adoption is a lifelong journey of helping your child understand their story, maintain connections to their birth culture, and develop a healthy identity that honors both their birth and adoptive heritages.
For more adoption resources, explore our domestic infant adoption checklist, our foster care adoption guide, our stepparent adoption checklist, and our home study preparation guide.