• INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION
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• Country Information
• Bulgaria
• China
• Colombia
• Ethiopia
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Hong Kong
• Lithuania
• Philippines
• Russia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Ukraine

Requirements/Process

Every country sets its own eligibility rules; however, the following requirements apply to all programs:

• One parent must be a U.S. citizen
• Bethany does not allow the adoption of two unrelated children at the same time

Steps in the Intercountry Adoption Process

1.	Attend Bethany’s intercountry adoption information meeting, and/or complete the pre-application which is available at www.bethany.org/prelim.*
2.	Receive notification of approval of the pre-application.
3.	Apply for your passport(s).
4.	Complete Bethany’s formal application and return it to Bethany with a $550 non-refundable fee.
5.	Receive approval of your formal application and are assigned a social worker.
6.	Obtain the I600A or the I800A Orphan Packet from USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Service). (Complete steps found in your information meeting packet).**
7.	Begin the Immigration Pre-filing Process by completing the I600A or I800A form. You will be assigned a finger printing appointment by USCIS.**
8.	If you live in a state where Bethany has an office, a Bethany social worker begins the Home Study. Families living in states not served by a Bethany office must contact a Bethany-approved, licensed adoption agency to complete the Home Study.
9.	Complete the Home Study and training requirements, and pay the balance of the Bethany fee.
10.	Complete the dossier.**
11.	Bethany sends your Home Study and/or dossier to the country you have chosen.
12.	Await your referral from the country you have chosen.
13.	The country identifies a child for you and you receive a referral.
14.	Accept the referral and complete the acceptance documents.
15.	Begin the court process (in your local county or the birthcountry of your child).**
16.	The birthcountry completes the necessary legal procedures before the child may travel. This period of time varies by country.
17.	Receive visa approval through USCIS.
18.	Travel to the country.**
19.	Complete the court and immigration process.
20.	Your social worker begins the required post-adoption or post-placement reports.
21.	Apply for a birth certificate after receiving your final order of adoption.

*You can fill out a preliminary application on-line at www.bethany.org/prelim or you can request a hard copy application from your local branch office.

**Process varies from state to state; your social worker will explain the specific requirements for the country you select.