Our Russian Adoption

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The Process

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An Overview of the International Adoption Process

1.  Select an agency* and a country from which to adopt. (see PROFILES OF COUNTRIES below for sample requirements)

2.  Complete the agency application.

3. File I-600 A from INS. (The Immigration and Naturalization Service is a branch of the U.S. government that is involved in any adoption that brings a foreign-born child into the U.S.)

4.  Begin collecting supporting documents for Home Study.  (see TYPICAL DOCUMENT LIST below)

5.  Obtain application approval and begin Home Study.

6.  Obtain Home Study approval and request INS approval.

7.  Continue collecting official documents for the international legal process.

8.  Your agency will work with overseas contacts and seek to match a child (or children) to your requests.

9.  You will receive a referral from the agency, which may or may not include a photo and/or video of the child.

10.  Upon acceptance of the referral you will work with the agency to complete paperwork and make travel your arrangements.

11.  You will then travel to your child's country of origin to meet your child!

12.  You may be able to complete in-country requirements and bring your child home at that time ... or you may need to make a second trip 2 months later to complete the process and bring your child home.
            PROFILES OF COUNTRIES
  Ages of children Parent age to adopt infant Approximate time in country
Russia 10 months-
12 years		 one parent under 50 & single women Trip 1 - 1 week
Trip 2 - 10-21 days
Ukraine 16 months-
12 years		 one parent under 52 & single women 2 - 4 weeks, (possibly 2 trips)
China 7 months-
12 years		 30-45 years and single women 1 - 2 weeks
India 3 months-
12 years		 childless, under 32 years, married 3 years 10 - 15 days
Vietnam 3-12 months one parent must be 47 or under Trip 1 - 3 days
Trip 2 - 2-3 weeks

            TYPICAL DOCUMENT LIST

Different agencies and countries have different requirements - this is just a sample of some things you might need:

  • certified birth certificates for both parents
  • notarized copies of employment confirmation, salary verification, and  bank statements
  • copies of tax forms (1040 & W-2's)
  • letter from your physician stating you are in good health and/or explanation of any medical conditions
  • CPS and Police clearance forms
  • letters of recommendation from family and friends
  • marriage certificate and final divorce certificates if applicable
  • completed fingerprint cards
  • passports
  • proof of home ownership
  • photos of your home and neighborhood
  • questionnaire regarding ages and characteristics of the children you hope to adopt
*we used Commonwealth Adoptions International and were very happy with them!