Getting Started On your Adoption Process

The task for completing your dossier for your international adoption, can be overwhelming at best. Don't let this discourage you, we will be there to help you each step of the way! This process normally takes 3-4 for months to complete, and then you will be ready to travel and become parents!!

Contact our office.
You can obtain an information packet by filling out our online request form , calling us toll free at 800-350-7338, or email us at wpadopt@aol.com We will be happy to answer all of your questions about our adoption programs.

Send in your WPAdopt application
to our office so we can begin to process your application.
All of the information in your application is confidential.

Obtain your INS forms
by calling toll free 800-870-3676 for the forms or download the forms from the Internet. You will need to order the International Adoption Packet, it will include the forms I-600-A, I-864, and I-600.

Immediately file the I-600-A form
titled, "Application for Advanced Processing of an Orphan Petition". This application is what gives you INS clearance (visa approval), and you cannot bring a child back into the United States without a visa. We will assist you with filing this paperwork and provide you with all the instructions you will need. You will need your birth certificates (proof of citizenship), marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and the homestudy to turn in with your I-600-A. We strongly suggest you submit your I-600-A without your homestudy so they can begin to process your application (this speeds your process up considerably). INS will also require you to have FBI fingerprint clearance, they will send you the fingerprint cards and appointment information. INS will require anyone living in your house over the age of 18 to be fingerprinted. Once your homestudy is finished, send it to your INS office to complete your application requirements. This way your INS application and homestudy are working simultaneously. The normal processing time for INS clearance is 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on your state office.

Schedule a homestudy with a local homestudy agency.
It must be a licensed social worker or agency eligible to do international homestudies.
We can help you by referring you to one of our network agencies in your area. The normal processing time for a homestudy is 30-45 days.

Start collecting the necessary documents
for your dossier and adoption. The documents for your dossier vary by the program you choose. We will help you in obtaining all the necessary documents and assist you with the authentication process.

Obtain a passport.
Instructions can be found at any US Post Office. Passports generally take 6-8 weeks to complete.

Start reading materials about adoption,
your child's culture, travel, and other relevant information to help prepare yourself for your new arrival. Check out our online bookstore for some suggestions.

Work closely with your WPAdopt Adoption Coordinator
about your trip and referral. We will provide you with information tailored to our adoption programs to help keep you organized and on track.

Wait...
This is the hardest part, waiting for your referral, travel dates and paperwork finalization. All of this is out of your control, so this is the must frustrating part.

Receive referral!
This is the most exciting aspect!

Obtain your travel visa.
Some countries require you to have a letter of invitation from the inviting country.
This will be provided closer to when you travel.

Prepare to travel!
You are on your way to being a forever family!

Make sure to read about the homestudy process!