If you are planning to adopt internationally you will need to complete additional steps. You will have to obtain permission to adopt a child from a foreign country from U.S. Citizenship and Immigraton Services (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). For each country you will have to prepare a dossier of documents (of course this is different for each country). And for some countries you will also have to prepare a package for the Intent to Adopt.

While you are working on your Homestudy you should submit the I600A and supporting documents to Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This is your application to adopt an orphan or abandoned child in another country. This process requires that INS fingerprint you and that you submit a completed favorable homestudy. The process takes about 3-5 months from start to finish when you will receive your I171H.

If you have ever been arested for any reason INS will require that you obtain certified records of the arrest. These must include the date of the arest, the court disposition, and proof of completing any court requirements. These need to accompany the homestudy and the addendum. If this material is not present with the homestudy your I 171 will be delayed.

At the same time you are working to complete the INS requirements and Homestudy you should be gathering documents for your dossier. The required documents vary according to the country where you are adopting. Your agency will give you a complete list of the documents required for the dossier.

When you get your I171H you are free to adopt a foreign child. INS will also send your file to the appropriate consular office in the country where you are adopting. You will receive paperwork that needs to be completed before you travel and will need to be supported by copies of your last three years tax returns and all supporting schedules and documents. Your agency should also help with these documents.