The Long Process

International Adoption is a very long process which I will attempt to lay out the process as I understand. The time frames listed are average wait times! Yes the steps are the actual order!

Once you make a decision to adopt you need to pick agency. We have selected Bay Area Adoption Services (BAAS). Our agency has truly been wonderful! Our agency required that we complete a 8 hour class prior to beginning our home study.

Step 1 - Attend Adoption Class (1 day)
The class is 1 Saturday & is only offered once a month

Step 2 - Turn in paperwork & pay fees to begin home study (depends on you)
Once class is completed you can begin the home study process (there is tons of paperwork to compile & fill out!)

Step 3 - Home study (6 weeks - 3months - again depends on you)
The home study process entails 4 visits with a social worker. These visits may happen quickly or not so quickly, depending on how quickly you turn in all your required paperwork.

Step 4 - Submit 1-800A (approval in about 30 days)
Once your home study is completed you will submit a 1-800A to the USCIS. Per their website this form is: For adjudicating the eligibility and suitability of the applicant(s) to adopt a child who habitually resides in a Hague Adoption Convention country.

Step 5 - Submit Dossier to China (approval 2-6 months)
Once you receive 1-800A approval, you submit your dossier to china for approval. Once approved they will issue you a LOA (letter of approval) which you must sign & send back to them.

Step 6 - Submit 1-800 (approval in about 15-30 days)
Once you receive your LOA you will not submit your 1-800 to the USCIS. Per their website this form is: To determine the child's eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The petition is filed by the U.S. Citizen prospective adoptive parent to finalize the immigration process of a child who habitually resides in a Convention country.

Step 7 - Receive Travel Approval (TA) (about 30-60 days)
Once your 1-800 is approved it will be sent to China for them to approve your travel to adopt your new child. Once TA is received you should travel in 4-6 weeks of receiving it.

Whew!! Yes it is a lot of steps!! Mind you these are the "official" steps, somewhere between completing your home study and your Dossier being logged in to China, you will receive a child's referral for review. If you decide to proceed with that child you will also submit a LOI to China. This process is very trying on the patience but all worth it in the end.