Contents
What Is International Adoption?
Where to Begin the International Adoption Process
Traits that Agencies and Countries Look for in Adoptive Parents
International Adoption Costs
Types of Children Available to Adopt Internationally
Other Issues in International Adoption
Starting the Adoption Process
The Adoption Wait
The Adoption Referral
How to Prepare to Travel to Your Child’s Country
In-Country Adoption
Your Adopted Child’s Homecoming
Common Issues with Children Adopted Internationally
Attachment Challenges in
Adopted Children
How to Create a Lifebook
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Previous: Traits that Agencies and Countries Look for in Adoptive Parents |
Next: Types of Children Available to Adopt Internationally |
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International Adoption Costs
The high cost of international adoption can be daunting for many families, but there are ways to make the process more affordable. First, it helps to understand the kinds of fees you can expect to pay.
Distribution of Adoption Fees
Not all the fees involved in an international adoption are due at the same time, so careful budgeting can go a long way toward making the cost of adoption more manageable. Agencies have varying payment plans, and they include different services in their agency fees. When interviewing agencies, be sure to ask about their payment schedules and what their services cover specifically. (For example, some countries ask for a donation to the orphanage where your child stayed. Does your agency pay that? Or will you need to bring money for the orphanage director?)
Fees |
What They Cover |
Cost Range |
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Application fee |
Administrative costs of processing applications |
$100–200 |
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Homestudy |
Administrative costs of preparing the homestudy |
$1,000–3,000 |
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Program fee
(This may or may not include a medical report for your child, dossier processing in country, and DNA testing. Guatemala requires DNA testing of the child before the child is available to adopt.)
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Administrative costs incurred during the course of the adoption |
$5,000–13,000 (varies widely by agency, country, and program) |
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Travel |
Airplane tickets, food, lodging, and so on |
Varies widely |
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Court costs and legal fees |
Court costs and legal fees both in country and (if you need to readopt your child in the states) at home |
$800 or more |
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Interpreter and/or guide |
Support during your visit |
Varies widely |
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Post-placement visits |
Some countries require continued supervision by your agency for some months or years after the child is placed with you |
$500–1,500 |
How to Finance an International Adoption
Though adoption costs can be steep, consider the following financing options.
Grants and Subsidies
Depending on the program you’re using, your agency may offer grants and subsidies to help you offset adoption costs. Usually these funds are made available for the adoption of specific children. Visit grants.adoption.com or inquire with your adoption agency to find out the types of grants available, how to apply, and whether you might qualify.
Federal Tax Credit
The U.S. government offers a federal tax credit to help low- and middle-income families pay for adoptions (some states also offer tax credits). The federal tax credit:
- Is applied to your tax bill. If you owe $4,000 on your annual tax returns and you spent $4,000 on adoption-related services, you’d apply that $4,000 credit to your tax bill and owe nothing in taxes that year.
- Covers costs up to $11,390. But if you’ve adopted a child who was recognized by the state as having special needs, you can apply the full amount, even if you don’t spend that much.
- Can be taken across several years. If you paid $4,000 for your adoption and owe only $1,200 in taxes this year, you can apply the rest of the credit to subsequent years’ tax bills.
Your state may also offer a tax credit. The social worker overseeing your homestudy may be able to give you more information about this.
Employee Adoption Benefits
Many companies are starting to offer grants to employees who adopt. Some allow you to borrow a certain percentage from your 401(k) to finance adoption. Speak to your human resources director to find out whether your employer offers assistance.
Adoption-Related Travel Expenses
If you plan to go pick up your child in country, include travel costs in your budget. (If your child is being escorted to the United States, the agency will likely charge you a flat fee.) Travel fees do not cover any administrative fees associated with traveling, such as orphanage donations and court costs. They do cover:
- Passport, visa, and round-trip airfare for you and anyone traveling with you
- One-way airfare and a passport for your child
- Diapers, formula, medicine, toys, and clothes for your child
- Transportation costs in country (these can include rental cars, taxis, trains, buses, and additional flights)
- Hotel and food expenses
- Sightseeing and souvenirs
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
