Can You Adopt in the US While Living in Another Country?

For US citizens hoping to adopt but living abroad, the good news is that you can proceed with your adoption plans even while living in another country! 

Some organizations specialize in “ex-pat adoptions.” Whether adopting a child from the United States or any other country, the process is similar to adopting while living in the United States. General requirements must still be met, including a home study.

Additionally, some countries require you to follow their adoption guidelines, even if you’re adopting from the United States. Central Authorities from the country you live in (the receiving country) will make the country’s guidelines accessible to you. For contact information for the Central Authorities in the country you’re currently residing in, go to travel.state.gov. 

Also, be aware that you must be adopting from a Hague Convention country for your adoption to be facilitated while abroad. Interestingly, some countries require that even when the adoptive parents and the adoptee are U.S. citizens, the adoption to be processed as a Hague Convention intercountry adoption. 

It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the U.S. guidelines on adoption and immigration before you even begin the process, whether you live in the United States and are adopting internationally, or whether you are a U.S. citizen and living abroad while adopting. Visit the government’s site here for information.

You may find valuable information by contacting other agencies and social workers who are focused on helping military families, diplomats, missionaries, and international school teachers adopt while living outside of the United States.

So journey on in your adoption quest! Enjoy your time abroad and continue to plan to grow your family through adoption!