South Korea
1. PRELIMINARY/FORMAL APPLICATION
Both applications must be completed before you can formally begin your South Korea adoption. The
preliminary application is available on Bethany’s website, and the formal application is sent to you by your local Bethany branch once the preliminary application has been approved. The South Korea team must approve both applications.
2. ADOPTIVE HOME STUDY
The Home Study is completed by a social worker from your local Bethany branch. Four documented meetings are required for approval of a Home Study to be submitted to Holt Children's Services.
3. HOME STUDY REVIEW
Once your Home Study is completed and approved, it will be sent to South Korea, and your wait for referral will begin.
4. REFERRAL/TRAVEL
Referral and travel times are subject to change during your South Korea adoption. The current time frame is 12 to 16 months for a referral after your Home Study approval date. Escort of your child or travel typically occurs 3 to 6 months after you receive a referral. Processing in the South Korean government and with USCIS takes place during these months before travel.
5. POST-PLACEMENT REPORTS
Once your child is placed in your home, your social worker will contact you about setting up a post-placement meeting. Three post placement visits and reports are required. Reports are due at the following times: arrival, 3 months, and the final report is due at 6 months.
6. FINALIZATION/CITIZENSHIP
For South Korea, the adoptions are finalized in your local county court approximately six months after placement and when the post-placement requirements have been met. After your child's adoption is finalized, your child will automatically become a U.S. citizen. At that time, it is highly encouraged, although not mandatory, that you apply for proof of your child's citizenship by using the N600 form available from USCIS.
For more information about Bethany's South Korea program, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at
bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our
contact form.