How to adopt a child from overseas

November is National Adoption Awareness Month!

Throughout the month, join us as we explore the reasons why the children who need families through international adoption have changed — and why, in many ways, this is a sign of great progress! We’ll also share how and why the international adoption process has changed, why Holt is committed to providing lifelong post-adoption services and share encouraging stories from families who have welcomed a child into their lives and homes. Follow us on social media and the Holt Stories blog to learn all about the changes in international adoption, children who are waiting for families, and how you can help protect adoption as a path to a permanent, loving family this National Adoption Month!

Why choose Holt for your adoption?

We pioneered international adoption 65 years ago and we remain the leaders today, upholding the highest ethical standards as we unite loving, permanent families with children who truly need them. We work with families of all backgrounds, including families of diverse religions, ages and marital status. Before pursuing adoption, we always explore the possibility of helping a child remain or reunite with their birth family. We also stand by adoptees and their families for their entire lives — providing quality care to children waiting to join families, as well as post-adoption resources, education and support to families and adult adoptees. You can rest assured that we are doing adoption the right way.

“We found the Holt staff to be transparent, trustworthy, knowledgeable, kind, encouraging and professional. We are so thankful that our adoption experience was a positive one and our lives have forever been changed for the better with the addition of our son. We can’t say enough good things about working with Holt!”

Jade & David Sekula | Adopted Micah from China in 2018

How to adopt a child from overseas

How to adopt a child from overseas

Need help funding your adoption?

Families adopting through Holt receive free, professional guidance and support from a one-on-one finance coach throughout their adoption process. Even if you’re just considering adoption, email us to set up your first consultation today!

Get to Know the Children Who Need Families

Through the years, the children who need families through international adoption have changed. Children may be older in age, part of a sibling group and/or have special medical, physical, developmental or emotional needs. The typical profile of child also varies by country. Here is a quick location-based overview of the children who need families. Visit each location page or contact us at [email protected] for more information!

How to adopt a child from overseas

Holt Has International Adoption Programs in 11 Locations

We work with families in all 50 states to find loving homes for children from 11 locations around the world! Explore our international adoption programs below or email us at [email protected] to discuss which program is the right fit for your family. Every child and family is different and we strive to unite each child with the family best equipped to meet their unique needs.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Help Protect International Adoption for Children

Your gift today will help a child be adopted, care for them while they wait, and even ensure that they receive critical post-adoption help for life!

Steps to Adopt

At every step along your adoption journey, we’ll provide guidance and support and help prepare you for what to expect.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Choose a placing agency. Not all agencies are equal and not all approaches are the same. Attend informational meetings, ask questions and speak to social workers. Network with adoptive families for diverse insight into the adoption process — as experienced by people who adopted through Holt and other agencies.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Talk to your agency about which adoption program may be best for your family. Each location sets its own eligibility guidelines, referral processes and legal requirements, affecting not just the time, travel and cost of adoption, but also who can adopt. The age, gender and needs of a child waiting for a family may be different from country to country.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Apply online! This is the first step to begin your formal adoption journey. Once your application has been received, we will give you access to our online parent handbook, which provides links to download relevant documents and paperwork, guides you through the process and provides ample information about your specific adoption program.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Bring on the paperwork! Complete your homestudy and begin your parent education courses. Prepare your dossier and send it overseas for approval. Begin the immigration process, including the steps for visa approval. 

How to adopt a child from overseas

Receive “the call” from Holt, letting you know that you’ve been matched with a child. Get to know him or her through photos, medical updates and more.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Meet your child! Once all the legal steps and immigration processes are complete, you will travel to finalize the adoption process and meet your child. Travel home to bond together as a family.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Your social worker will visit your home to complete your post-placement adoption requirements.

How to adopt a child from overseas

Stay involved with Holt. Adoption is a lifelong journey. Holt’s post adoption services are available to your family and your child throughout your lives, even after your child becomes an adult.

Start Your Journey in Adoption

Whether you are considering adoption or are ready to apply to adopt, we have many free ways for you to explore our programs or get started.

Learn About Adoption Grants

There are many resources available to help you finance your adoption.

Adoption Info Meetings

Check out our free adoption information meetings through our branch offices.

Apply Online

If you’re ready to start your adoption process, applying online is secure and easy.

Request Free Adoption Information

We work with families in all 50 states. If you’re considering international adoption, we’re excited to get to know you!

Thank you for requesting information on Holt's international adoption programs!

We'll be sending information to your email with more information about adoption. Around the world, so many children are growing up without families to love them and nurture their growth. And so many families are waiting with love to give. It is our mission to bring you together as you consider growing your family and providing a loving home to a child in need. We look forward to assisting you in your adoption journey.

Holt International has adoption programs in these locations:

How much does it cost to adopt one child from a foreign country?

International Adoption Costs. The average cost range for international adoptions is $20,000-$40,000 and is a collection of the different expenses that come up over the course of the adoption, including documentation, travel fees, program fees, and more.

What countries is it easiest to adopt from?

China — Described as one of the world's most stable and efficient adoption programs. Often requires visits, but worth it—especially if you'd like a girl or special needs child. Places children from 5 months to 7 years old (even older for special needs children).

What country is the quickest to adopt from?

According to the list, China is the number one easiest country to adopt from. This is due to their stable and predictable program.

How do I adopt a baby from abroad?

The CA International Adoption Process.
Step 1: Choose a country to adopt from. ... .
Step 2: Choose a California international adoption agency. ... .
Step 3: Apply to be eligible to adopt. ... .
Step 4: Wait for an adoption opportunity. ... .
Step 5: Apply for the child's adoption eligibility. ... .
Step 6: Receive your child's immigrant visa..