Requirements/Process

Every country sets its own eligibility rules; however, the following requirements apply to all programs:

One parent must be a US citizen
Bethany does not allow the adoption of two unrelated children at the same time

Steps in the International Adoption Process

1.	Attend Bethany Christian Services’ international adoption information meeting, and/or complete the pre-application which is available at www.bethany.org/prelim.*
2.	Receive notification of approval of the pre-application.
3.	Complete Bethany’s formal application and return it to Bethany with a $550 non-refundable fee.
4.	Receive Bethany’s approval of your formal application and are assigned a social worker.
5.	Apply for your passport(s).**
6.	Obtain the I-600A Orphan Packet from USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Service). (Complete steps found in your information meeting packet).**
7.	Begin the Immigration Pre-filing Process by completing the I-600A form. You will be assigned a finger printing appointment by USCIS.**
8.	If you live in a state where Bethany has an office, a Bethany social worker begins the family assessment. Families living in states not served by a Bethany office must contact a Bethany-approved, licensed adoption agency to complete the family assessment.
9.	Complete the family assessment and pay the balance of the Bethany fee.
10.	Complete the dossier.**
11.	Bethany sends your family assessment and/or dossier to the country you have chosen.
12.	Wait for your referral from the country you have chosen.
13.	The country identifies a child for you and you receive a referral.
14.	Accept the referral and complete the acceptance documents.
15.	Begin the court process (in your local county or the birthcountry of your child).**
16.	The birthcountry completes the necessary legal procedures before the child may travel (This period of time varies by country).
17.	Receive visa approval through the USCIS.
18.	Travel to the country if desired or required.**
19.	Complete the court and immigration process.
20.	Your social worker begins the required post-placement reports.
21.	Apply for a birth certificate after receiving your Final Order of Adoption.

*You can fill out a preliminary application on-line at www.bethany.org/prelim or you can request a hard copy application from your local branch office. Bethany Christian Services may be able to provide home study and post adoption services for various country adoption programs offered through other adoption agencies. When filling out the on line preliminary application, indicate "other" in the country section and list your country preference and the placement agency you have selected or those you are considering in the comment section.

**Process varies from state to state; your social worker will explain the specific requirements for the country you select.