International



Through its network of offices worldwide, Bethany regularly facilitates adoptions from countries in Asia (China, Philippines, and South Korea), Eastern Europe (Ukraine, and Lithuania), and Latin America (Colombia and Guatemala). The children available from these countries range from under 1 year of age to 15 years of age.

Starting the Process
(these steps will vary depending on the country/program you choose)

  • Contact Bethany with your questions and express your interest in adopting. A staff person will fill out an intake form to further determine your interest and eligibility.
  • Bethany International will send you a general information packet.
  • You will complete and return the pre-application. You may also fill out our pre-application at www.bethany.org/prelim.
  • You will receive notification of approval of the pre-application.
  • You will receive an invitation to attend an information meeting at the Bethany office in West Columbia. If you desire to proceed, you will receive an invitation to join Bethany’s family portal to complete a formal application and submit it online.
  • You will receive approval of your formal application and be assigned a social worker.
  • Your social worker will begin the home study.

Continuing the Process
  • You will obtain the I-600 Orphan Packet from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) when directed by your worker. Then you will obtain a passport.
  • You will begin the Immigration Pre-filing Process by completing the I600A form when directed by your worker. You will be assigned a fingerprinting appointment by USCIS.
  • You will complete the home study and training requirements, and pay the balance of the Bethany fee.
  • You will complete the dossier.
  • Bethany will send your home study and/or dossier to the country you have chosen.
  • You will await your referral from the country you have chosen.
  • The country will identify a child for you and you will receive a referral.
  • You will accept the referral and complete the acceptance documents.
  • You will begin the court process (in your local county or the birth country of your child).
  • The birth country will complete the necessary legal procedures before the child may travel. This period of time varies by country.
  • You will receive visa approval.
  • You will travel to the country if desired or required.
  • You will complete the court and immigration process.
  • Your social worker will begin the required post-placement reports.
  • You will apply for a birth certificate after receiving your final order of adoption.