Adoption process

Information about the key steps to apply for intercountry adoption.

Steps for intercountry adoption

Adopting a child from overseas can take a long time. It may involve health checks, police checks, referee reports and interviews with an adoption assessor.

Your state or territory central authority (STCA) is your main contact. They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts.

They manage your application and work with your chosen partner country. Processing times may differ depending on where you live. 

This step-by-step guide explains the process if you are thinking about adopting a child from overseas.

  1. Make an enquiry

    If you are considering applying for intercountry adoption, contact your STCA.

  2. Attend an education session

    Before you apply, you must attend an education session with your STCA. This gives you information and practical advice for the application process and after adoption.

    Topics include:

    • legal requirements for intercountry adoption
    • what to expect, including waiting times and costs
    • adopting a child with additional needs
    • child development and attachment
    • the needs of adopted children
    • adjusting to family life in Australia
    • helping your child stay connected to their culture
    • identity and cultural background
    • name changes in Australia
    • managing unexpected situations and knowing when to get help

    After the session, decide if intercountry adoption is right for your family. Some STCAs set time limits to apply.

  3. Apply

    You must apply through your STCA. They may ask you to complete an expression of interest or questionnaire before you apply.

  4. Assessment and decision

    Await the adoption assessment and decision by your STCA. 

    You must complete forms and may need to provide:

    • health checks
    • police checks
    • referee reports
    • interviews with an adoption assessor (social worker or psychologist).

  5. Application sent overseas

    If approved, your STCA sends your application to your chosen country. This stage can take the longest. You may need to wait several years. 

    Even if approved, the overseas country does not have to place a child with your family. Some countries limit the number of applications they accept. Your application may be delayed until more places are available. 

    Your STCA may reassess your situation if your circumstances change or if you have been waiting a long time.

    Once sent, your application joins the country’s waiting list until a match is made.

    We work with partner countries to support intercountry adoption. You can view each country’s page for waiting times.

    Several factors affect waiting times, including:

    • the number and needs of children who require adoption
    • the number of applications already received
    • the age and needs of the child you are approved to adopt
    • how long the country takes to process applications.

  6. Placement proposal

    If a country matches you with a child, your STCA will send you a placement proposal. This includes available information about the child’s background and health. The level of detail varies. 

    Review the information carefully. Not every proposal will be suitable. 

    If you decline a proposal it may take time for another match to be made. 

    If you accept, you may need to provide more documents and pay extra fees.

    Sometimes, a country may ask the STCA to help match children with approved families. In particular, this may occur for children with extra needs.

  7. Immigration and citizenship

    Begin the immigration and citizenship application process in Australia.

    You must arrange immigration, citizenship, and a passport for your child.

    You usually need to begin the immigration application process before you bring your child home.

    The process depends on the type of adoption and the country involved.

    The Australian Department of Home Affairs(Opens in a new tab/window) manages visas and citizenship.

    If your child does not become a citizen before travel, they will usually enter Australia on an Adoption visa (subclass 102).(Opens in a new tab/window)

    Your child may enter under guardianship arrangements if the adoption is not yet finalised or recognised by an Australian court.

  8. Travel to meet your child

    After accepting a placement and arranging visas, you will travel to your child’s country.

    Travel dates and length of stay depend on the country. This stage may take several months.

    Check Smartraveller(Opens in a new tab/window) for important travel information.

  9. Bring your child to Australia

    Your STCA may visit to check progress and provide reports.

    Your child should have a health check soon after arrival.

    Support services are available to help your family after adoption.

  10. Finalise the adoption

    When the legal process is complete, you become your child’s legal parent.

    Some adoptions are finalised overseas and recognised in Australia. Others must be finalised in an Australian court.

  11. After adoption

    You must also complete any required post-adoption reports. 

    Learn about what you need to do after your intercountry adoption.

More information

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