Holt International-The leader in International Adoption

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Complete the application form and return it to Holt.
Fill out and submit either online or mail-in form with your application fee.

Adoption Process Referral
You will receive a copy of this referral and a guidebook specific to the country you have selected.

Homestudy
After approval of your application, we will refer you to a social worker to start your homestudy.

Child Referral
The waiting time to learn of your proposed child varies by country.

Travel to Country
Holt will assist you with the arrangements to meet your child.

Arrival
After your child has arrived home, your social worker will visit your family to assist with any adjustment concerns.

Finalization
You then proceed with the necessary steps required in your state to complete the legal adoption.

The Adoption Process

The cost for your adoption and the length of time before your child is home will vary depending on which country you choose. The Eligibility Guidelines and Adoption Fees includes current information on fees and timelines. Following is our typical process for international adoption:

1. Complete the application form and return it to Holt. We will contact you about the next steps.

2. After approval of your application, we will refer you to a social worker to start your homestudy. You will receive a copy of this referral and a guidebook specific to the country you have selected. At this point you will begin working on your dossier (a collection of legal documents), if required by the country you intend to adopt from.

3. The homestudy is a process that provides you with the opportunity to learn more about adoption and examine issues related to being an adoptive family. It also allows your social worker to learn more about you and draft an evaluation of your ability to parent an adopted child. This document is also called an adoption study. We send a copy of your approved homestudy to the country you have selected.

4. The waiting time to learn of your proposed child varies by country.

5. When legal steps are completed, Holt will assist you with the arrangements to meet your child. Nearly all countries require parents to travel to receive their child.

6. After your child has arrived home, your social worker will visit your family to assist with any adjustment concerns. Your social worker will also gather information for reports required by your child’s country of origin and the state where you reside. About six months after your child is home, Holt will issue a consent or agreement for you to finalize your child’s adoption in the United States.

7. You then proceed with the necessary steps required in your state to complete the legal adoption.

Holt International-International Adoptions


	Holt's Basic Requirements
	Typical International Adoption Process
	"Getting Started" Checklist
	Fill out an application online
	Adoption Eligibility Guidelines for international adoption
	Holt Adoption FAQ’s
	International Adoption Webinars
	Adoption Information Meetings
	Adoption Fees
	Financial Assistance
	Locating a Holt Office & Cooperating Agency
	Online International Adoption application packet main page

	Bridge of Promise Hear from Holt International families and how international adoption has blessed their lives. Click here to see the video.

	Message of Hope A presentation that speaks about Holt International's history and services. Click here to see the video.

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