4 Responses to “What is the procedure for adopting a child from China?”

1. angel_baby_awaits on August 30th, 2009 2:45 pm
   

   Adoption Feedback: well I’m in aussie.

   we were trying to adopt from china. the cost from overseas is actually up to $50,000 they said to expect to pay that much. we ended up falling pregnant and lost a baby boy then had a baby girl, so my plans for adoption are on hold but desperately wish to adopt.

   yes u have to qualify. its a long process and heartbreaking to. plus from these counties u do not know if ur going to get a healthy child.

   first contact international adoptions and they will send u a info package.

   so many criteria u have to pass.

   its not for the faint hearted trust me!!!
2. Liz on August 31st, 2009 10:51 pm
   

   Adoption Feedback: The best thing to do if you’re serious about adopting a child from China, or anywhere for that matter, is to do some research. Many Americans adopt children from China, so that may not be an issue, but it is very costly. According to adoptivefamilies.com, the average cost of adopting from China is $20,000-$25,000. You must be married for a minimum of 2 years.
   – Check out this website for more info.
3. BraxOwl on September 2nd, 2009 3:48 am
   

   Adoption Feedback: The current cost is around $25,000 and yes, it is a difficult process-right now the wait is about 2-3 years long.

   The first step is to find an agency that handles Chinese adoptions. You can visit and, whether you use that agency or not, they have some information about adopting from China available for you.

   You must be a married couple to adopt. They used to allow single women to adopt, but that is no longer the case. Gay couples can not adopt either. The marriage needs to be a certain length, depending on whether or not there are any divorced in the parties’ past.

   You must be atleast 30 but no older than 55, and in good health. China does not allow people with physical deformities to adopt, such as a large scar or something on the face, nor disabled people (in a wheel chair). They also do not want adoptive parents on drugs for depression, etc. And, there are requirements as to BMI.

   You must make atleast $10,000 a year per person in the family, including the child to be adopted. There are net worth requirements as well.

   You must have a criminal background check.

   You can read the other requirements and procedures at the site I gave you, or google “China adoption” and find other agencies and read their sites (which should have the same rules, as these are Chinese requirements, not agency requirements).

   The process is so long and difficult with international adoption because you have to meet the requirements of both the United States AND China, as well as immigration requirements to bring the child into the US.

   You will gather all of your information and send it in, and the agency will send it to China. You will then wait to be matched with a child, which is taking a LONG time right now. Once you are matched with a child, you travel 2-3 months later and spend two weeks in China to complete the process. Your child is a US citizen upon arrival in the states with you.

   I hope this helps, and wish you the best!
4. Roberta P on September 3rd, 2009 4:42 pm
   

   Adoption Feedback: Brax Owl is right on. I only want to add that if you are open to a special needs child the wait is about 5 months after your paperwork is submitted to China. Not the 3-5 years for a non special needs. The special needs can be quite minor to severe….scars, birthmarks, repaired heart, cleft lip, cleft palate, albinism, club foot, limb differential, hepatitis to name a few.

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