Adoption Documents Needed For An Intercountry Adoption

When a couple or individual adopts a child from a foreign country, the process is known as an intercountry adoption. In the US there are a number of documents that are required in order to complete the adoption.  The compilation of all of these documents is referred to as the adoption dossier. Although there may be some variation of documents required the process is essentially the same and these documents are normally required to complete the intercounty (international) adoption:

First, a Home Study will be done by a qualified social worker. The social worker will interview the person or persons who are adopting the child to be sure they are qualified to be responsible parents. The document will include information about you, your background, employment and home environment. It must be notarized but the social worker will usually make sure this is done.  It is recommended that you get three notarized copies for yourself to be used in the adoption process.

A Birth Certificate for each spouse must be certified by the state capital of the state in which you were born. You should request three copies and these will already be certified and considered notarized so you will not have to do this after the fact.

If the adopting parties are married then three copies of your marriage certificate will be needed. They can be obtained from the Office of Vital Records in the state in which you were married. These will be certified and considered notarized.

You will be required to present a copy of your personal financial statement including all of your assets and liabilities.  Three copies of the financial statement should be signed in the presence of a notary who will authenticate your signature on the documents.

If you are currently employed you will need a letter from your employer on their company letterhead confirming your position with the company, the length of time of your employment and your current salary. In the event that you are self-employed you will need your accountant to issue a letter stating your income and length of time in business and the nature of your business.

As part of the home study the social worker will require a letter from your physician stating that you are in good health. This letter will need to be notarized and again you should do this in triplicate.

You will also need a letter or document from your local police stating that you are not a criminal.  A criminal background check is usually done to verify your status and in some states fingerprinting is required. Again you should have three notarized copies of this.

If you are legally divorced you will need three copies of the divorce decree from your states Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Finally you will be required to apply to bring the child into the US by requesting an Approval Notice (form I 600-A) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).