State Laws on Intercountry Adoption

The term "intercountry adoption" is used when the adopting family and the birth family live in different countries. These adoptions involve State laws, Federal immigration law, and the laws and adoption policies of the other country.

Adoption Process
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Provides an overview of the intercountry adoption process, including a review of what to do before you adopt, understanding the Hague Convention, how to adopt, the immigrant visa process, and more.

Completing Intercountry Adoptions Not Finalized Abroad

Series Title	State Statutes
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 1,187KB)
Year Published	2019

Provides an overview of Federal requirements that apply to adoptions of children born outside the United States by U.S. citizens that are finalized after the children have been admitted to the United States. It discusses requirements for completing the adoption in the parents' State of residence, receiving a new State-issued birth certificate for the child, and gaining recognition of U.S. citizenship for the child. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.

For Adoption Professionals
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Offers a list of relevant laws governing intercountry adoption.

State Recognition of Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad

Series Title	State Statutes
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 591KB)
Year Published	2018

Provides an overview of Federal requirements that apply to adoptions finalized in another country by U.S. citizens. It also discusses requirements that adoptive parents must meet in their State of residence in order to gain State recognition of the adoption and to receive a new State-issued birth certificate for their adopted child. The topics addressed include recognition of foreign adoption decrees, when readoption is required by the State of residence, and applying for a State birth certificate.

What to Expect After Adoption
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Highlights the purpose and importance of requirements for supporting and preserving permanency.

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