What is a foreign adoption?

A foreign adoption is when individuals or families adopt a child who has not been born in the United States. In other words, they are adopting a child from another country. In Indiana, the process to adopt a child from abroad is a bit different than a domestic adoption. The first step is to find and research an adoption agency in the country of origin that is authorized to facilitate adoptions in both the United States and that country. Indiana requires prospective adoptive parents to find an accredited agency that is licensed by the state. After choosing an agency, the applicant will be required to submit an application and typically receive home study services from an Indiana-approved agency. Depending on the situation, an applicant may need to attend a few classes or seminars to learn more about the laws and process of international adoption. Once the home study is approved, the applicant can begin the process of adoption. The foreign adoption process includes filing the appropriate documents with the authorities in the foreign country and with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is important to make sure all documents meet the legal requirements for the foreign country as well as the United States. The application must be completed in the foreign language and translated into English. It is strongly recommended that a lawyer in the foreign country and in the United States be hired to assist in the process. Once the adoption is complete, the child must go through an immigration process in the United States to become a United States citizen. After the child becomes a U.S. citizen, the adoptive parents will receive a certificate of citizenship from USCIS.

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What is a foreign adoption?

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