Thinking about adopting from another country? Start here.
International adoption comes with new vocabulary, a second country’s rules, and steps that are easy to get out of order. This free guide gives you the big picture so you can take your first steps with confidence.
What’s inside (7 pages):
- The roadmap: seven stages, from your first questions to bringing your child home
- Key terms: plain-English definitions of words you’ll hear again and again, like dossier, apostille, and referral
- Our Journey at a Glance: a one-page snapshot of your family’s plan
- Questions to Ask Providers: a checklist for your first consultations
Written for U.S. families, it explains how Hague Convention and non-Convention adoptions differ and which USCIS forms go with each.
How it works:
- Instant PDF download, US Letter size
- Print as many copies as you like, then write in it by hand
Good to know: Free for personal use. Please don’t share or resell. This guide is an organizational tool, not legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules and forms vary by country and change over time, so confirm details with your adoption provider, USCIS, and travel.state.gov.
Ready for more? The full International Adoption Journey Planner adds a USCIS & visa tracker, dossier checklist, referral review, travel planner, and budget.
Grab the full Intentional Guide here
Grab the general adoption guide here