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.
Before You Start
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Describes the three different sets of laws governing intercountry adoption and links to relevant USCIS web pages focusing on home studies, processing times, and issues after the adoption.
Laws
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Offers a list of relevant laws governing intercountry adoption.
Post Adoption
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Highlights the purpose and importance of postadoption requirements.
State Statutes Series
| Series Title | State Statutes |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 591KB) |
| Year Published | 2018 |
Related Resources
Intercountry Adoption
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Presents an index of resources describing the requirements and types of assistance available to persons interested in intercountry adoption.
Joint Council on International Children's Services
Provides information about the Joint Council, which works to improve the lives of orphans internationally and provides relevant news and information by country
National Council for Adoption (NCFA)
Provides information about NCFA, an organization that seeks to meet the diverse needs of all those touched by adoption, and about relevant legislation and research.