{"id":2951,"date":"2026-08-31T13:32:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:32:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T13:32:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:32:15","slug":"adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Adopting a Child Abroad and Bringing Them to the US: Immigration Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Examinar contenido<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Alternar tabla de contenidos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Principales conclusiones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#What_This_Guide_Covers\" >Contenido de esta gu\u00eda<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Is_the_Country_a_Hague_Convention_Country\" >Is the Country a Hague Convention Country?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#The_Non-Hague_Process_I-600A_and_I-600\" >The Non-Hague Process: I-600A and I-600<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#The_Hague_Process_I-800A_and_I-800\" >The Hague Process: I-800A and I-800<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#IR-3_vs_IR-4_and_IH-3_vs_IH-4\" >IR-3 vs. IR-4 and IH-3 vs. IH-4<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Realistic_Timeline\" >Realistic Timeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Citizenship_After_Arrival\" >Citizenship After Arrival<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Preguntas frecuentes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Do_I_need_a_lawyer_to_adopt_a_child_from_another_country\" >Do I need a lawyer to adopt a child from another country?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#What_is_the_difference_between_IR-3_and_IR-4_visas\" >What is the difference between IR-3 and IR-4 visas?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#How_long_does_the_home_study_take\" >How long does the home study take?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Does_my_adopted_child_automatically_become_a_US_citizen\" >Does my adopted child automatically become a U.S. citizen?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Bottom_Line\" >En resumen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Sources\" >Fuentes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/adopting-child-abroad-bringing-to-us-immigration-steps\/#Related_Articles\" >Art\u00edculos relacionados<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>Which immigration process applies to your adopted child depends on one key fact: whether the child&#8217;s country of origin participates in the Hague Adoption Convention.<\/strong> Hague countries use Form I-800A\/I-800 and issue an IH-3 or IH-4 visa; non-Hague countries use Form I-600A\/I-600 and issue an IR-3 or IR-4 visa. Either way, the process typically takes 12 to 36 months depending on the country and case complexity, starting with a home study long before you are matched with a child.<\/p>\n<p>This guide walks through both pathways step by step. Once your child has citizenship documentation questions, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/n-600k-child-citizenship-abroad\/\">U.S. citizenship for a child living abroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Starting or navigating an intercountry adoption? Atlas Legal can help you choose the right pathway and manage the visa process. <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/contact\/\">Concierta una cita<\/a> with our team.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"takeaways\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Principales conclusiones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether the child&#8217;s country is a Hague Adoption Convention country determines which forms and visa category apply.<\/li>\n<li>Hague countries: Form I-800A (home study approval), then I-800 (petition), leading to an IH-3 or IH-4 visa.<\/li>\n<li>Non-Hague countries: Form I-600A (advance processing), then I-600 (petition), leading to an IR-3 or IR-4 visa.<\/li>\n<li>IR-3\/IH-3 applies when the adoption is fully finalized abroad; IR-4\/IH-4 applies when finalization happens after the child arrives in the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>The full process typically takes 12 to 36 months, and the home study must be completed before you are matched with a specific child.<\/li>\n<li>A child who enters as IR-3 or IH-3 generally acquires U.S. citizenship automatically upon entry; IR-4 and IH-4 children need to complete adoption finalization in the U.S. first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"toc\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_This_Guide_Covers\"><\/span>Contenido de esta gu\u00eda<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#hague\">Is the country a Hague Convention country?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#nonhague\">The non-Hague process: I-600A and I-600<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#haguepath\">The Hague process: I-800A and I-800<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#visa\">IR-3 vs. IR-4 and IH-3 vs. IH-4<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#timeline\">Realistic timeline<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#citizenship\">Citizenship after arrival<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Preguntas frecuentes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atlas-a22-adoption-map.jpg\" alt=\"World map representing Hague and non-Hague countries for intercountry adoption\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"hague\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_Country_a_Hague_Convention_Country\"><\/span>Is the Country a Hague Convention Country?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first step is confirming whether the child&#8217;s country of origin participates in the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. This single fact determines your entire process, forms, and visa category, so confirm it early through the State Department&#8217;s adoption resources before beginning any other step.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nonhague\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Non-Hague_Process_I-600A_and_I-600\"><\/span>The Non-Hague Process: I-600A and I-600<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Step<\/th>\n<th>What Happens<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1. Home study<\/td>\n<td>Approved home study evaluating your suitability as adoptive parents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2. File Form I-600A<\/td>\n<td>Advance processing application, filed before you are matched with a child<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3. Match with a child<\/td>\n<td>Identify and begin the adoption process for a specific child<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4. File Form I-600<\/td>\n<td>Petition to classify the child as an orphan and immediate relative<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5. Visa issuance<\/td>\n<td>IR-3 (adoption finalized abroad) or IR-4 (finalization pending) visa issued<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"haguepath\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Hague_Process_I-800A_and_I-800\"><\/span>The Hague Process: I-800A and I-800<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For Hague Convention countries, the process follows a similar structure but uses different forms. Prospective parents file Form I-800A focusing on their suitability and eligibility to adopt from a Hague country, and once matched with a specific child, file Form I-800, the Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative. This pathway includes additional Hague-specific safeguards designed to protect the child, birth parents, and adoptive parents throughout the process.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"visa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IR-3_vs_IR-4_and_IH-3_vs_IH-4\"><\/span>IR-3 vs. IR-4 and IH-3 vs. IH-4<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The distinction between these visa subcategories comes down to where the adoption was legally finalized. IR-3 (non-Hague) and IH-3 (Hague) apply when the adoption was fully and finally completed in the child&#8217;s country of origin before the child travels to the U.S. IR-4 (non-Hague) and IH-4 (Hague) apply when the foreign adoption is not yet final, or finalization will happen after the child arrives in the United States, requiring a U.S. court to complete the adoption.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"timeline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Realistic_Timeline\"><\/span>Realistic Timeline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The total process typically takes 12 to 36 months, depending heavily on the specific country&#8217;s requirements, court schedules, and case complexity. The home study and advance processing approval, I-600A or I-800A, generally must be completed and approved before you are matched with a specific child, so starting these steps early prevents delays once a match is identified.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"citizenship\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Citizenship_After_Arrival\"><\/span>Citizenship After Arrival<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A child who enters the United States on an IR-3 or IH-3 visa, meaning the adoption was already finalized abroad, generally acquires U.S. citizenship automatically upon lawful admission under the Child Citizenship Act, provided all other statutory requirements are met. A child entering on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa needs the adoption finalized in a U.S. court, or in some cases full re-adoption, before automatic citizenship applies, so these families should plan for that additional court step after arrival.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Preguntas frecuentes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_lawyer_to_adopt_a_child_from_another_country\"><\/span>Do I need a lawyer to adopt a child from another country?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While not always legally required, intercountry adoption involves both immigration law and, often, foreign and U.S. state adoption law, so many families work with an immigration attorney alongside an adoption agency to navigate both tracks correctly.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_IR-3_and_IR-4_visas\"><\/span>What is the difference between IR-3 and IR-4 visas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>IR-3 applies when the adoption is fully finalized in the child&#8217;s home country before travel to the U.S. IR-4 applies when finalization is not yet complete and will happen after the child arrives, typically through a U.S. court adoption or re-adoption.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_the_home_study_take\"><\/span>How long does the home study take?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Home study timelines vary by agency and state, but most families should expect it to take a few months, and it must be completed and approved before you can be matched with a specific child under either the Hague or non-Hague process.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_my_adopted_child_automatically_become_a_US_citizen\"><\/span>Does my adopted child automatically become a U.S. citizen?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the child enters on an IR-3 or IH-3 visa with the adoption already finalized abroad, citizenship generally attaches automatically upon admission under the Child Citizenship Act, provided all requirements are met. IR-4 and IH-4 children typically need U.S. adoption finalization first.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_Line\"><\/span>En resumen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Confirm early whether your child&#8217;s country of origin is a Hague Convention country, since that single fact determines your forms, process, and visa category. Start the home study and advance processing application before you are matched with a child to avoid unnecessary delays.<\/p>\n<p>Atlas Legal Immigration Law can help you navigate the Hague or non-Hague adoption pathway. Reach our team at <strong>1750 E Golf Rd Ste 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173<\/strong>, by phone at <strong>(+1) 872 382 2762<\/strong>, or by email at <strong>info@theatlaslegal.com<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/inmigracion-familiar\/\">Explore family-based immigration services<\/a> o <a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/contact\/\">schedule a consultation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><em>Reviewed by the Atlas Legal Immigration Law editorial team. Last reviewed on August 31, 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sources\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Fuentes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Servicios de Ciudadan\u00eda e Inmigraci\u00f3n de los Estados Unidos, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/adoption\/bringing-your-internationally-adopted-child-to-the-united-states\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bringing Your Internationally Adopted Child to the United States<\/a><\/li>\n<li>U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/Intercountry-Adoption.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intercountry Adoption<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Este art\u00edculo se proporciona \u00fanicamente con fines informativos generales y no constituye asesoramiento legal. Las leyes de inmigraci\u00f3n, las tarifas gubernamentales, las pol\u00edticas y los tiempos de procesamiento pueden cambiar. La lectura de este art\u00edculo o el contacto con Atlas Legal no crean autom\u00e1ticamente una relaci\u00f3n abogado-cliente. El resultado de cualquier asunto de inmigraci\u00f3n depende de sus hechos y circunstancias particulares.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"related\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles\"><\/span>Art\u00edculos relacionados<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/n-600k-child-citizenship-abroad\/\">Formulario N-600K: Ciudadan\u00eda estadounidense para un menor que vive en el extranjero.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/crba-us-citizenship-child-born-abroad\/\">CRBA: Documenting U.S. Citizenship for a Child Born Abroad<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/inmigracion-familiar\/\">Inmigraci\u00f3n familiar<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether your child&#8217;s country is a Hague Convention country determines your forms and visa category. A step-by-step guide to IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, and IH-4.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[126,160],"tags":[1609,1613,1614,1615,1610,1611,1612],"class_list":["post-2951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-immigration","category-green-card","tag-family-immigration-lawyer","tag-hague-adoption-convention","tag-i-600a","tag-i-800a","tag-intercountry-adoption-immigration","tag-ir-3-visa","tag-ir-4-visa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2951"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2951\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theatlaslegal.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}