The process of adopting a child from another country is complicated, as it is subject to federal laws, the laws of the child's birth country and the laws of your home state. The U.S. Department of State indicates that international or intercountry adoption on average takes one to four years, but may take longer. Knowing what is required of you as a prospective parent can make the adoption process less stressful.
Home Study
A home study will be conducted by a preparer who is authorized to perform a home study for your state. If the child's home country is a member of the Hague Convention, the preparer must also be authorized to perform home studies for Hague adoptions.
During the home study, the preparer will visit your home, conducting interviews and evaluating the prospective parents and all adult household members to determine if the home is a suitable place for an adopted child. The evaluation includes an assessment of the adults' physical and mental health and the criminal history of any household members. The preparer will also assess the living conditions and the financial status of the prospective parents.
The home study evaluation must be submitted to the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) within six months of its completion. Any significant changes in the household after the home study is filed, such as the addition of family members, changes in marital status or moving to a new home, must be reported as an amendment to the home study.
Background Checks
The home study preparer will check child-abuse registries for all adult household members for every state and country in which they've lived since turning 18 years old. The USCIS also requires fingerprinting of all household members 18 and older for an FBI background check. This criminal background check is valid for 15 months; if it expires before the adoption is complete, your fingerprints must be taken again.
Visas
Before traveling to the United States, the child must obtain an immigrant visa, which is issued by the U.S. Department of State at an embassy in the child's home country.
If the adoption process has been completed before the child arrives in the U.S., she will automatically become a citizen if she is under 18 years old. Otherwise, the child is a permanent resident until the adoption is complete.
