If you are an OCI cardholder living in the United States, you may wonder, “Can I adopt a child from India?”
The answer is yes. OCI families can participate in India’s intercountry adoption process. Families seeking adoption in India are required to meet specific criteria.
Children’s House International (CHI) has worked in India since 1975. India was our first adoption program. CHI helps families understand the steps, prepare their papers, and work through the adoption process.
Who Is an OCI Adoptive Parent?
OCI means Overseas Citizen of India. For CHI’s India program, an OCI family is made up of U.S. citizens where one or both parents have OCI status. NRI and OCI families are treated on par with families living in India.
Other eligibility requirements may include:
- Couples must be married for at least two years.
- Single women can adopt a child of either gender.
- Single men cannot adopt a girl.
- Prospective parents must meet the age rules for the child they hope to adopt.
- Parents must be financially able to care for a child.
- At least one spouse must be a U.S. citizen for an international adoption through CHI.
What Does the Adoption Process for OCI Holders Look Like?
The adoption process involves several steps. These include:
Apply for CHI’s India Adoption Program
The first step is to apply to CHI’s India adoption program. Our team can walk you through the adoption process and answer all your questions.
Complete a home study
A social worker will visit your home to learn about your family, home, health, finances, and plans for the child. You also prepare the papers needed for your adoption dossier.
Apply for U.S. approval
Our team will help families apply for USCIS I-800A approval. Your approved home study and other papers are then sent to CARA.
Wait for a Child Referral
After CARA approval, you may receive a referral from CARA or through the CARINGS system. You can review the child’s information and ask questions before moving forward.
Complete the Final Steps
Your case will proceed through the required Indian adoption and U.S. immigration procedures. After the required steps are complete, you can travel to bring your child home.
How Long Can It Take?
The waiting time can differ. NRI and OCI families may have to wait 48 months or more to adopt a healthy young child. CHI currently estimates a wait of 48 months or more for NRI and OCI families seeking a referral for a healthy young child. Waiting times can change, and the time between accepting a referral and traveling home is estimated at another 6–10 months, depending on the Magistrate. Timelines may also differ for older children or children with special needs.
Ready to Learn More?
If you want to adopt a child from India, start by learning your options. Children’s House International can help you understand the rules, prepare your home study and documents, and take each step one at a time. Contact us today!
Call us at 360-383-0623.