Adoption Fees
Holt is a Christian, private, nonprofit, licensed and accredited child welfare and family service organization. Our adoption work is entirely financed through adoption fees and donations. It is not government subsidized. We believe that children are the highest priority, and we want as many children as possible to have families. To that end, we strive to keep our fees within a reasonable range.
Intended to cover the cost of all adoption services, Holt fees may in some cases also cover special services such as those provided post adoption. Under most circumstances, you will not be required to pay additional service fees in your child’s country of origin. All fees are subject to change, and are charged at the rate that is current at time of billing. Holt may increase fees if Holt’s direct costs for providing a service increase substantially after time of application. Families will be notified in writing of any fee increase.
Holt's application fee, U.S Processing fee #1, and IAAME fee may be paid by credit card. All other fees billed by Holt may be paid by personal check, cashier's check or money order.
China
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $1,785 - $5,045
Travel costs: $8,000 - $10,000
Estimated total: $31,085 - $38,395
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The non-refundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the China program. This fee also covers all China program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and China. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all China program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in a state where Holt has a branch office, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. Once most of your documentation has been submitted, Holt will invoice you for the full homestudy amount, which is due prior to meeting with a social worker for interviews. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report including all required information regarding your family to meet state, U.S. and China requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the China program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Prior to home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the China program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
Document Processing Service — China (recommended) — $750
Due: After application to Holt
This is an optional service available to families adopting from China and strongly recommended for those pre-matched. A China dossier specialist will be assigned to your case to help you keep track of each document's shelf-life and ensure you meet submission deadlines. They assist in obtaining records needed for your dossier and get the documents certified as required by county, state, federal and foreign governments. They coordinate couriers and expedited processing (when needed) as well as shipping. They also make necessary photocopies and mount photographs required for your dossier. Families are responsible for the fees charged by government offices to certify the documents. The service offers a significant time savings for families and in some cases can actually reduce document processing costs. For families who are reusing their dossier from a previous adoption, a fee of $50 per document to be certified and authenticated will be charged.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable processing fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and China. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your homestudy.
*The U.S Processing Fee #2 may be delayed until dossier submission.
- $75 | Child material translation paid to Bridge of Love Adoption Services (BLAS)
- $1,100 | Dossier log in fee paid to CCCWA
- $260 | Translation fee for matched families paid to BLAS
- $350 | Translation fee for unmatched families paid to BLAS
Adoption Program Fee - $11,000
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins.
The adoption program fee helps cover the cost to facilitate the adoption in China. This fee includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education — both in the U.S. and China
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities, central authority fees (including fees related to these services)
- Child welfare projects in China
The adoption program fee will be due when you accept the assignment of a child. Families may be considered for Special Needs Adoption Fund grants if financially eligible.
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees:
- $38 | Fee paid to local, contracted doctor to translate child medical material
- $12 | Fee for any additional reports/materials that need to be translated paid to local contracted doctor
- $45-$270 | Adoption registration fee paid to CCCWA
- $375-$600 | Notary for adoption registration paid to provincial civil affairs
- $105-$225 | U.S. Visa medical exam paid to authorized visa medical clinic
- $11 | Visa photo fee paid to photographer
- $325 | Visa application fee for child paid to US Embassy
- $30-$120 | Child’s Passport fee paid to issuing government authority
Siblings: If you accept the referral of siblings, you will be charged an adoption program fee for each child (up to two).
Post-Placement Reports — $1,600 - $2,000 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and China requirements. Families in Holt branch states are charged $400 per report, and four reports are completed in the first two years after placement. Families in Iowa and Nebraska complete five reports in the first two years in order to meet state requirements. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. The final three reports required by China are self-reports completed by each family and submitted to Holt’s headquarters in Oregon for processing. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $1200-$2500 for post placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
Post-Placement Processing Fee — $900
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins
This fee covers the $150/report translation and submission fee paid to CCCWA for each of the six post placement reports required by China.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $775 application fee, plus $85 fingerprinting fee per adult in household
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families to pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$500 (if required)
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
China or your homestudy preparer may require a psychological evaluation or an additional third-party assessment regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Dossier Preparation — $500-$800 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official documents to verify income, financial status, employment, health, marriage, etc. These documents require notarization, certification and authentication before being submitted to China. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on your individual situation, where you live and where your documents originate.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$800 (costs can vary by reviewer and may exceed estimate)
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25 - $1,500 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt strongly recommends that families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
Orphanage Donation (Voluntary)
Due: After returning home from China if you have pledged a donation amount to your child's orphanage and wish for Holt to wire the funds
Families meet with orphanage officials after finalizing the adoption in China to sign an agreement stating the amount (if any) they wish to donate to the orphanage. Families can send the funds to Holt via check or credit card within two weeks of arriving home. Holt will forward the funds to the orphanage and provide the family with a statement for tax purposes. Orphanages generally use donations to provide important services for children, such as:
- Give lifesaving surgeries, vaccines and therapy to babies and kids who are sick or who were born with special needs.
- Give children food, clothing, medical care, educational scholarships and more while they are in care.
- Prepare children's files for adoption, including taking children for necessary medical exams and traveling to the province capital during the adoption process.
- Provide daily care to children awaiting adoption and children who will remain in orphanage care.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $8,000–$10,000
Due: Most will be paid just prior to traveling. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the number of people in your travel party, where you go in China and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include international and domestic airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation, as well as the cost of obtaining visas to travel to China. This estimate is for two adults and one adopted child.
Hong Kong
We are open and transparent about our fees and try to overestimate every potential cost, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $2,345-$5,020
Estimated total: $23,595- $30,570
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Hong Kong program. This fee covers all Hong Kong program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Hong Kong. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Hong Kong program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAMME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAMME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Hong Kong requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Hong Kong program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Hong Kong program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
This nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Hong Kong. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
The US Processing Fee also includes the following pass-through fee:
- $200 | Dossier log in fee paid to ISS-HK
Adoption Program Fee — $8,000
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee covers all costs related to a child’s adoption process in Hong Kong. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Hong Kong
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities (including fees related to these services)
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass-through fee:
- $850-$1,000 Adoption processing fee paid to Mother's Choice
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $1,200-$1,600 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and international requirements. Hong Kong requires quarterly post-placement visits following the placement of a child. There is an additional fee of $100 per post-placement report for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $900-$1875 for post-placement services. Additional post-placement reporting may be required until your child’s adoption is finalized, depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
Court Report Fee — $250 (if Holt provides)
Due: Prior to report being issued
Depending on the requirements of the court in your state of residence, a court report may be required to finalize your adoption. If your adoption finalization requires Holt to generate a court report, a court report fee will be invoiced to your family prior to the report being issued. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $100-$500 for a court report.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $775 application fee, plus $85 fingerprinting fee per adult in household
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay $775 application fee, $85 fingerprinting fee per adult household member and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee. Cost estimation based on two-adult household.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$500 (if required)
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Hong Kong or your homestudy preparer may require a psychological evaluation or an additional third-party assessment regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Dossier Preparation — $100-$200 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Prior to dossier submission
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Some of these and other documents are required to go through notarization before being submitted. The cost of collecting and notarizing these documents will vary depending on the state from which the document originates.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$500 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Child’s U.S. Visa Fee — $325
Due: At time of travel
Families pay the U.S. visa fee for their child directly to the U.S. Embassy in Hong Kong.
Adoption Finalization — $25-$1,500 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt requires families to finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
Certificate of Citizenship — $1,170
Due: After adoption finalization in the U.S.
Because adoptions from Hong Kong are un-finalized, you will need to apply for a certificate of citizenship once the adoption has been finalized in U.S. court. USCIS requires families pay an application fee in order to issue a certificate of citizenship showing proof of U.S. citizenship.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $4,000-$7000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the length of your stay in Hong Kong, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include international and domestic airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation, other than traveling to official adoption appointments.
Taiwan
We are open and transparent about our fees and try to overestimate every potential cost, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $3,415-$6,440
Estimated total: $29,415-$47,440
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Taiwan program. This fee covers all Taiwan program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Taiwan. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Taiwan program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAMME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAMME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt's branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Taiwan requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Taiwan program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Taiwan program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt's supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
This nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Taiwan. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee — $13,000-$23,000
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee covers all costs related to a child's adoption process in Taiwan. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Taiwan
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities (including fees related to these services)
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass-through fee:
- • $4,000-$14,000 In-country processing charges, varies based on Taiwan agency
- • $0-$1,000 Required donation, varies based on Taiwan agency
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $1,200-$2,000 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child's growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and international requirements. Taiwan requirements vary based on the agency, but typically they require 3-4 social worker visits. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $900-$1875 for post-placement services. Additional post-placement reporting may be required until your child's adoption is finalized, depending on your state's adoption requirements.
Court Report Fee — $250 (if Holt provides)
Due: Prior to report being issued
Depending on the requirements of the court in your state of residence, a court report may be required to finalize your adoption. If your adoption finalization requires Holt to generate a court report, a Court Report Fee will be invoiced to your family prior to the report being issued. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $100-$500 for a court report.
Post-Placement Processing Fee — $1275
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
This fee is to cover the cost of translating and submitting the post placement reports submitted to the Taiwan agencies from when your child comes home until the age of 18.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $775 application fee, plus $85 fingerprinting fee per adult in household
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families to pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$500 (if required)
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Taiwan or your homestudy preparer may require a psychological evaluation or an additional third-party assessment regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Dossier Preparation — $300-$1,000 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Prior to dossier submission
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Some of these and other documents are required to go through notarization before being submitted. The cost of collecting and notarizing these documents will vary depending on the state from which the document originates.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$500 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Child’s U.S. Visa Fee — $325
Due: At time of travel
Families pay the U.S. visa fee for their child directly to the US AIT office in Taiwan.
Adoption Finalization — $25-$1,500 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt requires families to finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
Certificate of Citizenship — $1,170
Due: After adoption finalization in the U.S.
Because adoptions from Taiwan are un-finalized, you will need to apply for a certificate of citizenship once the adoption has been finalized in U.S. court. USCIS requires families pay an application fee in order to issue a certificate of citizenship showing proof of U.S. citizenship.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $4,000-$7000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the length of your stay in Taiwan, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include international and domestic airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation, other than traveling to official adoption appointments.
Korea
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $1,635 - $7,830
Travel costs: $4,900 - $13,000 (estimate for two trips)
Estimated total: $39,235 - $54,430
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The non-refundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Korea program. This fee also covers all Korea program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Korea. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Korea program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee— $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a home study assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Korea requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Korea program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Home Study Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual home study updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a home study update be completed. Home study updates are reviewed and approved by the Korea program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the home study update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The non-refundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Korea. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee — $22,500
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee helps cover the cost to facilitate the adoption in Korea. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The care of your child prior to adoption, including — but not limited to — costs for food, clothing, medical care, foster care and any other services provided directly to your child
- Child's Korean passport and U.S. visa fees
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Korea
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities (including fees related to these services)
- Child welfare projects in Korea
The Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees:
- $11,600 | Foster care expenses for the child paid to Holt-Korea
- $725 | Child medical expenses paid to Holt-Korea
- $2,175 | Administration and adoption processing expenses paid to Holt-Korea
- $640 | Document Translation Fee: Holt-Korea has contracts with six translators and translation fees are passed through by Holt-Korea to the translators.
- $20 | Photo Fee: This fee paid to Holt-Korea is to offset the cost of required photographs printed for the Korean court and embassy.
- $200| U.S. Visa medical exam paid to authorized visa medical clinic
- $325 | Visa application fee for child paid to US Embassy
- $140 | Vaccinations for child paid to Holt-Korea
- Family Court Fees -
- $5 | Application Registration Fee paid to Holt-Korea and passed through to the court.
- $45 | Postal Services Fee paid to Holt-Korea and passed through to the court.
Siblings: Occasionally, twins will become available for adoption from Korea. If you accept a referral of twins, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children. Non-twin sibling groups are not available for adoption from Korea.
Korea Travel Fee — $800
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
Paid to Holt Korea to cover the following expenses:
- $200 | Service Fee: Transportation (Court hearing/Visa interview), Meeting translation services (Court hearing meeting/Court hearing/Foster family meetings), Family support services
- $400 | Airport transfer service
- $200 | City tour fee (Includes ground transportation)
Post-Placement Reports — $1,600 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and Korea requirements. Korea requires four post-placement visits in the twelve months following the placement of a child. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $1200-$2500 for post-placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$2,500
Due: During homestudy process
Korea requires that a psychological evaluation report be conducted for each adoptive parent. Your homestudy preparer may also require additional third-party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Dossier Preparation — $100-$1000
Due: After you accept the assignment of a child
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Some of these and other documents are required to go through a process of notarization and/or certification before being submitted. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state from which the document originates.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25-$1,500
Due: Post Adoption; Varies
Holt strongly recommends that families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $4,900 - $13,000 (estimated for two adults for two trips)
Due: Travel is required for two trips to Korea. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the number of people in your travel party and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation, as well as the cost of the child’s plane ticket when you travel to bring him or her home.
Vietnam
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $1,635 - $7,830
Travel costs: $5,000 - $10,000
Estimated total: $28,995 - $41,090
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Vietnam program. This fee covers all Vietnam program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Vietnam. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Vietnam program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Home Study Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Vietnamese requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Vietnam program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Vietnam program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Vietnam. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee — $13,360
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee covers all costs related to a child’s adoption process in Vietnam. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The care of your child prior to adoption, including — but not limited to — costs for food, clothing, medical care, foster care and any other services provided directly to your child
- Child's Vietnamese passport and U.S. visa fees
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Vietnam
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities, central authority fees (including fees related to these services)
- Child welfare projects in Vietnam
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees:
- $450 | Application submission fee paid to Department of Adoption (DOA)
- $2,500 | Adoption fee paid to DOA
- $10 | Passport fee paid to Immigration Department
- $325 | Visa application fee for child paid to US Embassy
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $1,200 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and international requirements. Vietnam requires three post-placement visits in the first six months following the placement of a child. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $900-$1875 for post-placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS Application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families to pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations $250-$2,500
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Vietnam or your homestudy preparer may require a psychological evaluation or additional third-party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Dossier Preparation — $100-$1000
Due: After you accept the assignment of a child
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Some of these and other documents are required to go through a process of notarization and/or certification before being submitted. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state from which the document originates.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25-$1,500
Due: Post-Adoption; Varies
Holt requires families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $5,000 - $10,000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the length of your stay in Vietnam, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include international and domestic airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation as needed.
Thailand
We are open and transparent about our fees and try to overestimate every potential cost, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $2,510 - $8,705
Travel costs: $5,000 - $10,000
Estimated total: $29,870-$42,215
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Thailand program. This fee covers all Thailand program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Thailand. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Thailand program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Thailand requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Thailand program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Thailand program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Thailand. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee — $13,360
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee covers all costs related to a child’s adoption process in Thailand. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The care of your child prior to adoption, including — but not limited to — costs for food, clothing, medical care, foster care and any other services provided directly to your child
- Child's Thai passport, visa medical exam
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Thailand
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities (including fees related to these services)
- Child welfare projects in Thailand
Holt provides ongoing monthly support to our partner agency in Thailand, Holt Sahathai Foundation, which carries out all adoption related activities in Thailand on behalf of Holt.
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $1,200 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and international requirements. Thailand requires three post-placement visits in the first six months following the placement of a child. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $900-$1875 for post-placement services. Additional post-placement reporting may be required until your child’s adoption is finalized, depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
Court Report Fee — $250 (if Holt provides)
Due: Prior to report being issued
Depending on the requirements of the court in your state of residence, a court report may be required to finalize your adoption. If your adoption finalization requires Holt to generate a court report, a Court Report Fee will be invoiced to your family prior to the report being issued. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $100-$500 for a court report.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$2,500
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Thailand requires that a psychological evaluation report be conducted for each adoptive parent. Countries or homestudy preparers may also require additional third-party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation.
Dossier Preparation — $100-$1000
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Some of these and other documents are required to go through a process of notarization and/or certification before being submitted. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state from which the document originates.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Child’s U.S. Visa Fee — $325
Due: At time of travel
Families pay the U.S. visa fee for their child directly to the U.S. embassy in Thailand.
Adoption Finalization — $25-$1,500
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt requires families to finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
Certificate of Citizenship — $1,170
Due: After adoption finalization in the U.S.
Because adoptions from Thailand are un-finalized, you will need to apply for a certificate of citizenship once the adoption has been finalized in U.S. court. USCIS requires families pay an application fee in order to issue a certificate of citizenship showing proof of U.S. citizenship.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $5,000-$10,000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the length of your stay in Thailand, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include international and domestic airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation, other than traveling to official adoption appointments.
Philippines
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third party costs: $2,185 - $8,380
Travel costs: $5,000 - $10,000
Estimated total: $28,345 - $41,090
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Philippines program. This fee covers all Philippines program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Philippines. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Philippines program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Philippines requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Philippines program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Philippines program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and the Philippines. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
The U.S. Processing Fee also include the following pass through fees:
- $200 Application processing fee to review family's dossier paid to Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB)
Adoption Program Fee — $13,360
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee covers all costs related to a child’s adoption process in the Philippines. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The care of your child prior to adoption, including — but not limited to — costs for food, clothing, medical care, foster care and any other services provided directly to your child
- Child's Filipino passport and U.S. visa fees
- Costs associated with obtaining child updates
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and the Philippines
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities, central authority fees (including fees related to these services)
- Child welfare projects in the Philippines
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees:
- $2,000 | Processing fee ($3000 for siblings) paid to ICAB
- $1,000 | Child Care Support Fund paid to ICAB
- $500 -$1500| Pre-travel fees: child's Filipino passport and U.S. visa fees paid to issuing authority
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $1,200-$1,600 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and international requirements. The Philippines requires three post-placement visits in the first six months following the placement of a child. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $900-$1875 for post-placement services. Additional post-placement reporting may be required until your child’s adoption is finalized, depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
Court Report Fee — $250 (if provided by Holt)
Due: Prior to report being issued
Depending on the requirements of the court in your state of residence, a court report may be required to finalize your adoption. If your adoption finalization requires Holt to generate a court report, a Court Report Fee will be invoiced to your family prior to the report being issued. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $100-$500 for a court report.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations $250-$2,500
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
The Philippines requires that a psychological evaluation report be conducted for each adoptive parent. Countries or homestudy preparers may also require additional third-party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation.
Dossier Preparation — $100-$1000
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Some of these and other documents are required to go through a process of notarization and/or certification before being submitted. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state from which the document originates.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Adoption Finalization — $25-$1,500
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt requires families to finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
Certificate of Citizenship — $1,170
Due: After adoption finalization in the U.S.
Because adoptions from the Philippines are un-finalized, you will need to apply for a certificate of citizenship once the adoption has been finalized in U.S. court. USCIS requires families to pay an application fee in order to issue a certificate of citizenship showing proof of U.S. citizenship.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $5,000 - $10,000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the length of your stay in the Philippines, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. These expenses include international and domestic airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation other than traveling to official adoption appointments.
Bulgaria
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $2,370 - $7,000
Travel costs: $6,000 - $15,000
Estimated total: $34,170- $55,200
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Bulgaria program. This fee also covers all Bulgaria program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Bugaria. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Bulgaria program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in a state where Holt has a branch office, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. Once most of your documentation has been submitted, Holt will invoice you for the full homestudy amount, which is due prior to meeting with a social worker for interviews. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report including all required information regarding your family to meet state, U.S. and Bulgaria requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Bulgaria program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Bulgaria program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt's supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Bulgaria. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee – $16,000 - $23,000
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins
This program fee helps cover the costs related to a child's adoption process from Bulgaria. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Bulgaria
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees. Most of these fees are set in Euros (€) according to the Foreign Agency and Central Authority's Fee Schedules. There may be other smaller fees that are not included in this list:
- €9,500 | Foreign Agency Charge
- €4,250 | Foreign Agency Sibling Charge (per sibling group, when applicable)
- $325.00 | Visa application fee for child paid by in-country staff to US Embassy
Siblings: : If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group. An additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee will be assessed at this time for each additional sibling and paid to the accrediting entity.
Post-Placement Reports — $2,000 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child's growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and Bulgarian requirements. Families in Holt branch states are charged $400 per report, and five reports are completed in the first two years after placement. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $1200-$2500 for post placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state's adoption requirements.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
Prepare to pay some additional expenses to various third-party service providers when completing your adoption. These include but are not limited to:
USCIS application — $945-$1,500
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Dossier Preparation — $1,000 - $2,500
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Bulgaria requires homestudy and dossier documents to go through a process of notarization, certification, authentication and translation into French before being submitted to Holt for further processing. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state you reside in.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25-$1,500 (costs can vary by state and may exceed estimate)
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt strongly recommends that families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Travel and In Country Expenses: Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation - $6,000- $15,000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Two trips are required when adopting from Bulgaria. The above stated cost is a range approximation is for the total of two trips. Travel expenses will vary greatly depending on what state you live in, how many days you stay during each trip, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. The location of your child's orphanage will have an impact on the costs of transportation and lodging while in country. Families should plan to cover all travel expenses, include airfare, lodging, meals, ground transportation while in country, translation, child medical exam, and passports.
Haiti
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $4,535 - $9,830
Travel costs: $5,500 - $13,000
Estimated total: $44,835 - $58,530
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Haiti program. This fee covers all Haiti program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Haiti. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Haiti program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Haitian requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Haiti program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Before the home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Haiti program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Haiti. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee — $25,000
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee helps cover the costs related to a child’s adoption process from Haiti. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Haiti
- Child welfare projects in Haiti
The Adoption Processing Fee also includes the following pass-through fees. Most of these fees are set in Haitian Gourdes according to the fee schedule created by IBESR (Haitian Central Authority). There may be other smaller fees that are not included in this list:
- 468,000 Gourdes (About $7,200 USD depending on exchange rate) | Costs related to the care of your child paid to your child’s crèche
- 9,000 Gourdes (About $140 USD depending on exchange rate) | Costs for administration and processing of child dossier by crèche paid to IBESR
- 143,000 Gourdes (About $2,200 USD depending on exchange rate) | Legal fees paid to local lawyer
- 50,000 Gourdes (About $770 USD depending on exchange rate) | IBESR psychological and social evaluation of child by local psychologist and social worker paid to your child’s crèche
- 4,000 Gourdes (About $60 USD depending on exchange rate) | Children’s Court
- 22,250 Gourdes (About $340 USD depending on exchange rate) | Miscellaneous documents, legalizations, taxes, notarizations required for legal processing and passport processing
- 1,250 Gourdes (About $20 USD depending on exchange rate) | Child’s travel permit paid to IBESR
- $325 USD | Visa application fee for child paid by in-country staff to US Embassy
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $2,000 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child's growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and Haitian requirements. Families in Holt branch states are charged $400 per report, and five reports are completed in the first two years after placement. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. The final three reports required by Haiti are self-reports completed by each family and submitted to Holt's headquarters in Oregon for processing. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $1200-$2500 for post placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state's adoption requirements.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$2,500
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Haiti requires that a psychological evaluation report be conducted for each adoptive parent. Haiti or your homestudy preparer may also require additional third- party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Dossier Preparation — $1,000 - $2,500
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Haiti requires homestudy and dossier documents to go through a process of notarization, certification, authentication and translation into French before being submitted to Holt for further processing. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state you reside in.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25-$1,500
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt requires that families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $5,500-$13,000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Due to the proximity of Haiti to the U.S., travel expenses will vary greatly depending on what state you live in, how many days you stay during each trip, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. The location of your child’s orphanage will have an impact on the costs of transportation and lodging while in country. Families should plan to cover all travel expenses, include airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation while in country.
Ethiopia
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $2,035 - $8,030
Travel costs: $8,000 - $10,000
Estimated total: $37,485 - $46,380
HOLT FEES
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Ethiopia program. This fee covers all Ethiopia program support services as you complete your homestudy.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Ethiopia. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Ethiopia program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment. Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Ethiopia requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Ethiopia program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: prior to home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Ethiopia program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Ethiopia. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration and translation costs related to submitting your dossier and must be paid in full before we can process your dossier.
Adoption Program Fee — $18,900
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins
The adoption program fee covers all costs relating to a child's adoption process in Ethiopia. This fee includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs related to the care of your child prior to adoption, including — but not limited to — food, clothing, shelter, medical care, foster care, orphanage care and any other services provided directly to your child
- Child’s Ethiopian passport and U.S. visa fees
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training, education both in the U.S. and Ethiopia
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities (including fees related to these services)
- Child welfare projects in Ethiopia
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees:
- $230 | Child’s Ethiopian passport paid to MOWCA to forward to Office of Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs
- $14 | Child birth certificate paid to the Office of Vital Status Registration
- $14 | Parent Death certificate (if applicable) paid to the Office of Vital Status Registration
- $25 - $46 | Medical certificate paid to the Office of Vital Status Registration
- $1 | Open file in court/court fee paid to Ethiopian Court
- $1 | Stamp duty fee (or .05 cents per page) paid to the Inland Revenue Administration
- $325 | Visa application fee for child paid to US Embassy
- $28 | Child’s Ethiopian passport paid to MOWCA to forward to Office of Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs
- $280 | Child’s visa medical paid to medical clinic
- $1200 | Child’s story video production paid to Eminence videographers
- $2/page | Document translations paid to translators
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group.
Post-Placement Reports — $1,200 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and international requirements. Ethiopia requires three post-placement visits in the first six months following the placement of a child. As required by Ethiopia, the final yearly reports until the child is 18 years of age are self-reports completed by each family and submitted to Holt’s headquarters in Oregon for processing. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $900-$1875 for post-placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS
USCIS application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$2,500
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Ethiopia or your homestudy preparer may require a psychological evaluation or additional third-party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Dossier Preparation $500-$1200
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official documents to verify income, financial status, employment, health, marriage, etc. These documents require notarization, state certification, and authentication by the Department of State and Ethiopian Embassy before being submitted to Ethiopia. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on your individual situation, where you live and where your documents originate.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child's needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25-$1,500
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt strongly recommends that families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
TRAVEL COSTS
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation — $8,000–$10,000
Due: At travel approval. Expenses are payable directly to the service provider.
Travel expenses vary greatly depending on the number of people in your travel party, where you go in Ethiopia and the time of year that you travel. Families may take two trips, or one trip lasting several weeks. These expenses include international airfare, lodging, meals and ground transportation, as well as the cost of obtaining visas to travel to Ethiopia.
Colombia
We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.
Third-party costs: $2,235 - $8,030
Travel costs: $5,000 - $10,000
Estimated total: $29,235 – $48,730
HOLT FEES:
Application Fee — $350
Due: At time of applying to Holt
The nonrefundable application fee is due with your Holt application form. This fee covers the cost of a thorough review of your application to confirm your eligibility for the Colombia program.
U.S. Processing Fee #1 - $1,450
Due: After Holt approves your application
The nonrefundable processing fees covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Colombia. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all Colombia program support services as you complete your homestudy. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application.
IAAME Fee - $500
Due: After Holt approves your application
The IAAME Fee is a mandatory and non-refundable $500 fee to the Department of State's accrediting entity, which is responsible for monitoring and overseeing all U.S International adoption activity. You will be billed when Holt receives and approves your application. There is an additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee for each additional sibling. This will be billed with the Adoption Program Fee.
Adoption Homestudy Fee — $2,500-$2,900 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: Before the first home visit
If you live in one of Holt’s branch states, Holt will help conduct required background checks on all household members, obtain references from the individuals you list on your application, and guide you through the process of collecting all necessary supporting documentation to complete a homestudy assessment for your family, including verification of parent training. A social worker will conduct a home visit and interview all household members to gather information for the assessment.
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the social worker will write an extensive report about your family to meet state, U.S. and Colombian requirements. This report will be reviewed and approved by the Colombia program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of a homestudy through one of Holt's supervised providers will likely range from $1,500-$4,500.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
Adoption Homestudy Update Fee — $500 plus mileage* (if required and Holt provides)
Due: Prior to home visit
In many states, annual homestudy updates are required. In addition, if you have a significant change in your family, including a move, a job change, a change in household members, etc., adoption authorities require a homestudy update be completed. Homestudy updates are reviewed and approved by the Colombia program and you will receive several original, notarized copies of the homestudy update for use in completing your adoption process. If you do not live in a Holt branch state, the cost of an update through one of Holt’s supervised providers can range from $250-$1,000.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
U.S. Processing Fee #2 — $3,000
Due: After Holt approves your homestudy
The nonrefundable fee covers Holt's cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and Colombia. Processing expenses for Holt include — but are not limited to — personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, communications and publications costs. This fee also covers all registration costs related to submitting your dossier once you are matched with a child.
Adoption Program Fee - $13,000 - $20,000
Due: When you accept the assignment of a child
The adoption program fee helps cover the costs related to a child’s adoption process from Colombia as well as activities to assist vulnerable children in that country. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Costs for personnel, administrative overhead, training and education both in the U.S. and Colombia
- Legal adoption services and communications, working with government and agency authorities (including fees related to these services)
- Assistance with agency’s representative and foreign service providers; document processing; interpreter and translator to meetings in-country with transportation included
- Child Welfare Projects (NOT involving adoption) in Colombia
The Adoption Program Fee also includes the following pass through fees and IAPA fees:
$5,477 | Foreign Service Fees, includes:- $110 | US embassy doctor
- $180 | Vaccination, if required
- $160 | TB test
- $20 | Lice treatment
- $40 | Copy of medical file for adoptive parents (Spanish)
- $100 | Certified copy of adoption decree
- $7 | Photocopies of the adoption decree
- $75 | Birth certificate + Colombian ID card
- $25 | Photos for your child's Colombian, US visas
- $70 | Colombian passport
- $325 | US visa
- $600 | Colombian visa (2)
- $700 | Daily transportation
- $600 | Adoption family assistance
- $500 | Paralegal service
- $1,700 | Translation service
- $100 | Bank fees
- $150 | miscellaneous/case coordination costs
- $5 | Permission for child to travel to the US with one parent, if required
Pass through IAPA fee depends on the group home you adopt from:
- $0 | ICBF - Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar
- $3,050 | FANA
- $7,040 | CRAN
- $7,000 | La Casa de la Madre y el niño
*Prices can fluctuate 2-3% depending on inflation. If you have additional transportation costs/translation costs while in country, you will pay directly to the provider.
Siblings: If you accept the referral of a sibling group of two or more children, you will be charged adoption program fees for two children – regardless of the total number of children in the sibling group. An additional $500 monitoring and oversight fee is included in this additional program fee for each additional sibling and paid to the accrediting entity.
Post-placement Fee - $1,200 - $2,000 plus mileage* (if Holt provides)
Due: For Holt branch families, when you accept the assignment of a child and before travel scheduling begins. For non-branch families, it varies by agency.
After a child is placed with your family, a social worker will meet with you and your child to discuss your adjustment as a family, provide support and identify potential supportive resources. The social worker will write a report documenting your child’s growth, development and adjustment. This report meets state, U.S. and Colombian requirements. Families in Holt branch states are charged $400 per report, and five reports are completed in the first two years after placement. There is an additional fee of $100 per report for post-placement reporting for families that adopt two or more children. For families living in a non-branch state, fees range from $1200-$2500 for post placement services. Your state may require additional post-placement reporting depending on your state’s adoption requirements.
*Mileage is charged for each home visit at a rate of $.50 per mile and payment will be due before we issue the report.
THIRD PARTY COSTS:
USCIS application — $860-$1,330
Due: After homestudy is approved
All U.S. families must receive approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before bringing a child to the U.S. for adoption. USCIS requires families pay an application fee, fingerprinting fee and, in some cases, a renewal or change fee.
Adoption Education Classes — $150-$500
Due: During homestudy process
You will be required to complete a number of general adoption trainings using approved online courses. The cost of these courses may vary, depending on your interest in taking additional courses beyond the required minimum.
Psychological Evaluation or Other Third-Party Evaluations — $250-$2,500
Due: At time evaluation is conducted
Colombia requires that a psychological evaluation report be conducted for each adoptive parent. Colombia or your homestudy preparer may also require additional third- party assessments regarding other areas they identify as needing further evaluation.
Dossier Service - $700-$1,200
Due: Prior to dossier submission (first 6 months of process)
The homestudy and dossier process requires families to obtain official copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees. Colombia requires homestudy and dossier documents to go through a process of notarization, certification and authentication before being submitted to Holt for further processing. The cost of collecting and certifying these documents will vary depending on the state you reside in.
Preadoption Medical Review of Child Referral Material - $250-$1,000
Due: Before you accept the assignment of a child.
You are required to review child material with a pediatrician experienced in international adoption to discuss potential diagnoses and outcomes as well as identify resources needed to meet the child’s needs. Costs vary by clinic.
Adoption Re-Finalization — $25 - $1,500
Due: Post adoption; Varies
Holt requires that families re-finalize their child's adoption in their state of residence. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain help from an attorney to complete the court finalization process.
TRAVEL COSTS:
Airfare, Lodging, Meals, Transportation - $5,000 - $10,000
Due: Prior to and during travel
Due to the proximity of Colombia to the U.S., travel expenses will vary greatly depending on what state you live in, how many days you stay during each trip, the number of people in your travel party, and the time of year that you travel. Families should plan to cover all travel expenses, include airfare, lodging, meals and additional ground transportation to the one provided, while in country.
Fee Refunds
If for some unforeseen reason you need to withdraw from the adoption process or your adoption process is terminated before your child arrives home, Holt will refund a percentage of your fees (within 60 days of the completion of services). The amount refunded depends on the following circumstances:
Family cancels/withdraws after accepting child assignment:
| Fee | % of Refund |
|---|---|
| Application | 0% |
| U.S. Processing #1 | 0% |
| U.S. Processing #2 | 0% |
| Document Processing | 0% |
| Adoption Program | 50% |
| Post-Placement Processing - China | 100% |
| Travel Fee - Korea | 100% |
| Post-Placement Fees | 100% |
Child assignment is withdrawn prior to placement:
Same as above, except Adoption Program Fee will be 100 % refunded
