I've talked with many prospective adoptive parents who are completely mystified by the intercountry adoption process. This is certainly understandable given that intercountry adoption, by definition, involves the laws, regulations, and procedures followed in two different countries. I thought it might be helpful to lay out a barebones list of the procedural steps virtually every family will follow as they make their way through an intercountry adoption. Hopefully, this list will calm some nerves and encourage more families to embark upon an interocuntry adoption! Please note, however, that this list directly pertains to intercountry adoptions pursued by those in the US. If you live outside the US you will likely have similar set of steps to take.
· First, you will have several important decisions to make – which adoption agency to use and which intercountry adoption program to pursue
· Next, you will need to obtain official approval to adopt from both the US and the country from which you intend to adopt
· Once you are approved to adopt, you can be matched with a child
· Then, you adopt the child – usually this involves at least one trip to your child’s country
· While in your child’s country, you will apply for and obtain a visa so that your new child can legally enter the US
· After you have your child’s visa you can return home with your new child
· Once home, it is advisable to readopt your child in your home state
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