China Adoption Process

• An Adoption Home Study must be completed by a licensed agency in your area of residence.
• China Application and Registration fee are submitted to Adopt International.
• I-800A application, supporting documents, and adoption home study are submitted to the USCIS office in Chicago, IL.
• Parent/s complete documents required for China (including notarization).
• Document Certification, Translation, and Authentication will be completed. USCIS' I-800A approval must be received by Adopt International to complete the China dossier.
• Dossier and application is forwarded to China for approval. Upon approval, dossier is then forwarded to the orphanage.
• Child assignment is forwarded to Adopt International upon receipt, the parent/s will be contacted.
• Parent/s accept assigned child and a confirmation is given to China.
• China and travel information package is provided to clients. A preparation session is held prior to departure.
• Date for travel are confirmed. Travel arrangements are made by parent/s.
• Parent/s arrive at the airport in China and are escorted to the hotel or university housing.
• Parent's are taken to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register. (Orphanage staff and interpreter accompany parent/s.) Civil Affairs issues a "Certificate" to establish a relationship.
• Parent/s and orphanage staff take the Certificate to the Notary Office for processing.
• Parent/s are taken to meet the child by the orphanage staff. Child may be place with parent/s.
• When approvals are obtained by Civil Affairs and the Notarial Office, an Adoption Decree, Birth Certificate, and Passport will be issued.
• Your documents must be translated into English for the American Consulate.
• It is best to make an appointment with the American Consulate in Guangzhou prior to your arrival there, for filing your I-800 and supporting documents.
• NOTE: USCIS requires that the child have a medical examination and receive a Medical Certificate. A medical form and list of doctors will be provided by the American Consulate.
• After being issued a visa (1-3 days), the parent/s and child may leave the country.