Before You Adopt

Intercountry adoption is one of the Department of State’s highest priorities. We believe it should be an option for children in need of permanent homes when it is in the best interest of the child and domestic solutions have been given due consideration.  Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from abroad, and families habitually resident in other countries also adopt children from the United States. 

Intercountry adoption is the process by which you adopt a child from a country other than your own through permanent legal means and then bring that child to your country of residence to live with you permanently.

Start here to learn about the process.