Adoption

Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from overseas. This is known as an intercountry adoption.

Adopting a child from another country is often a complicated journey, and the information on this site is designed to help you as you move forward.

USCIS is Responsible For:

• Determining the eligibility and suitability of the Prospective Adoptive Parents (individuals) looking to adopt.
• Determining the eligibility of the child to immigrate to the United States.

Which Process is For You?

There are three processes for adopting a child internationally.

Two separate processes apply only to children adopted by U.S. citizens. Depending on what country you choose to adopt from will determine which process you will adopt by.

• Hague
• Orphan (Non-Hague)

Another process applies to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who may petition for his/her adoptive child through an Immediate Relative Petition.

​​Source: ​United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)