Have you already made a room ready, picked out baby names, or made plans for your first family trip. But one question may still be on your mind: “How long does it take to adopt a child from India?”
The timeline depends on your family, the child you hope to adopt, and the approvals needed at each step.
At Children’s House International (CHI), we understand that waiting can be hard. We have helped families adopt children from India since 1975. Let’s look at each step and what you can expect:
Step 1: Apply and Prepare Your Documents
First, you need to learn about India’s adoption rules and check whether your family meets the requirements.
You will need to share details about your family, home, health, and plans for raising a child. Our team at CHI can guide you through the rules and help you prepare the needed papers.
Step 2: Complete Your Home Study
A home study helps show that your home is safe and that you are ready to care for a child.
A social worker will visit your home and talk with you about your family, health, daily life, and parenting plans. You may also need to complete background checks.
This step may take a few months, depending on how quickly you finish the paperwork and checks. CHI can guide you through this process.
Step 3: Get Approval and Join the Waiting List
Next, you must prepare your adoption documents, also called a dossier. This is a group of papers about your family and your readiness to adopt.
You will need approval from USCIS in the United States. Your documents will then go to CARA, the Indian government body that manages adoptions. Once your case is approved, you can join the waiting list for a child referral.
Step 4: Wait for a Child Referral
A referral means you receive information about a child who may be a match for your family. You can review the child’s age, health, and needs before deciding. The waiting time depends on the child you hope to adopt.
NRI and OCI families hoping to adopt a young child with no known health problems may wait 48 months or more for a referral. Foreign families may need to consider older children or children with special needs. Families open to different age groups and needs may have different waiting times.
Step 5: Complete the Legal Steps
Once you accept a referral, more approvals are needed. These may include the following:
- USCIS approval
- No Objection Certificate from CARA
- A final adoption order from a Magistrate in India
In addition to the above, your child’s birth certificate, passport, and visa must also be prepared. This stage of the process may take time, depending on the approvals needed.
Step 6: Travel to Bring Your Child Home
After accepting a referral, the remaining steps may take around 6–10 months before you can travel.
You will travel to India to meet your child and complete the required appointments. Once the visa and exit permit are ready, you can bring your child home.
What Can You Do While Waiting?
You cannot control every part of the adoption timeline, but you can prepare:
- Keep your documents complete and ready.
- Reply quickly to requests from your agency.
- Learn about adoption and parenting.
- Prepare a safe and welcoming home.
- Stay in touch with your agency and ask questions.
We Are Here to Help
Adopting a child from India can take time, but you do not have to face the process alone. At Children’s House International, we have guided families through India adoptions since 1975.
Our team of adoption professionals can help you understand the requirements, inform yo about the required documents, and guide you through each step. Reach out to us to begin your adoption process.
Call: 360-383-0623.