All adoption paths

International Adoption

Adopting a child from another country

$30,000 – $60,0002–5 years

Overview

International adoption involves adopting a child from another country and bringing them to the US to live permanently. The process is governed by the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (for member countries) or the orphan process (for non-Hague countries). International adoption has declined significantly since its peak in 2004 due to tighter regulations, but remains a viable path for families open to adopting older children or children with special needs.

Cost breakdown

Total estimated cost: $30,000 – $60,000

Home study$1,500 – $3,500

Must meet both US and sending country requirements

Agency fees$10,000 – $25,000

US placing agency and in-country facilitation

Dossier preparation$1,000 – $3,000

Document collection, authentication, and translation

Foreign government fees$3,000 – $10,000

Varies significantly by country

Immigration/visa fees$1,000 – $2,500

USCIS filing (I-800A or I-600A), visa processing

Travel expenses$5,000 – $15,000

One or two trips required (flights, lodging, in-country costs)

Legal & court fees$2,000 – $5,000

In-country court proceedings and US re-adoption if needed

Medical exams$500 – $2,000

Pre-adoption medical evaluation of the child

Remember: The federal adoption tax credit (up to $16,810 per child in 2025) can offset a significant portion of these costs. Many employers also offer adoption benefits.

Key facts

  • US families completed about 2,600 international adoptions in 2023 (down from 23,000 in 2004)
  • The Hague Convention governs adoptions from 100+ member countries
  • Most active sending countries include Colombia, India, South Korea, Ukraine, and Bulgaria
  • China — historically the largest source — suspended its program in 2024
  • Children must receive a US immigrant visa before entering the country
  • The child automatically becomes a US citizen upon entry under the Child Citizenship Act

Advantages & considerations

Advantages

  • Provides a home for a child without one in their country of origin
  • Timeline may be more predictable than domestic infant adoption for some countries
  • Less risk of birth parent disruption after referral
  • Children from some programs may be younger (1–3 years old)
  • The federal adoption tax credit applies

Considerations

  • Among the most expensive adoption paths ($30k–$60k+)
  • Extensive international travel required (often two trips)
  • Longer and less predictable timelines due to foreign government processes
  • Many countries have closed or restricted their programs in recent years
  • Cultural and language adjustment for the child
  • Less medical history available for the child in many cases
  • Complex immigration paperwork (USCIS, Hague compliance)

Trusted resources

US State Department — Intercountry AdoptionHague Conference on Private International LawJoint Council on International Children's ServicesUSCIS — Adoption Information

Explore other adoption paths

Domestic

$25,000 – $60,000

1–5 years (average 2–3 years)

Adopting a newborn within the United States

Foster Care

Up to $3,000

6 months – 2 years

Adopting a child from the public child welfare system

Considering IVF as well?

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