International adoption, or inter-country adoption, is a type of adoption which an individual or couple becomes the legal and permanent parents of a child born in another country. In general, prospective adoptive parents must meet the legal adoption requirements of their country of residence and those of the country in which the child was born.

The laws of different countries vary in their willingness to allow international adoptions. Some countries, such as China and Korea, have relatively well-established rules and procedures for international adoptions, while other countries expressly forbid it. Some countries, notably many African nations, have extended residency requirements for adoptive parents that in effect rule out most international adoptions.

Adoption policies for each country vary widely. Items such as the age of the adoptive parents, financial status, marital status and history, number of dependent children in the house, sexual orientation, psychological health, and ancestry are used by different countries to determine what parents are eligible to adopt from that country.  Items such as the age of the child, fees and expenses, and the amount of travel time required in the child's birth country, can also vary widely from one country to another.

Whichever path you decide keep in mind that you will be walking along this path with these professionals for about two years.  All of these professionals can assist you on this journey, they each have a different road map for you to follow, and that will lead you to parenthood.  

Adoption Fundamentals:

• To adopt you will need to have a home study also known as a dossier completed by an adoption agency in addition to an I600A or I600 application. 
  
  
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  The USCIS requires that each family adopting internationally be approved prior to being able to bring their child(ren) into the United States.  Supporting documents must be provided, including fingerprint cards, financial support information, and an application fee.  

• The Home Study is an educational, nonjudgmental process, and covers the following areas:
  • Attitudes towards adoption, including transracial & transcultural issues
  • Educational and career history
  • Family background and current family support
  • Parenting and child raising beliefs
  • Financial information and stability
  • Medicals and references

Remember no two adoptions are alike and it is important to listen to the advice of the professionals you hire. Listen to your intuition and follow your heart.

Which path is the best one for you to take?

1. Domestic
2. Foster Adoption
3. International