Adoption and Immigration: Bringing an Adopted Child to the United States

Immigration » Immigration resources » Adoption

Adoption creates a family bond that can lead to a green card and citizenship for the child. The path depends on the child’s country, the child’s age and whether the adoption is completed abroad or in the United States.

Common paths

• Hague Convention adoptions: for children from countries that participate in the Hague Adoption Convention, with a specific process that begins before the adoption.
• Orphan (non-Hague) process: for children from other countries who qualify as orphans under the law, usually because parents have died, disappeared or cannot care for the child.
• Adoption of a child already in the United States: an adopted child can be petitioned as a child if the adoption was completed before age 16 and the child has lived with the adoptive parents for the required time.

Core requirements

• The adoptive parents are U.S. citizens, or in some categories permanent residents.
• A home study by an approved provider.
• A legal adoption or legal custody for adoption abroad.
• Age rules: generally under 16 at adoption, with an extended age for siblings.
• Admissibility of the child, including medical checks.

Citizenship for adopted children

Many children adopted by U.S. citizen parents can become citizens automatically on admission as permanent residents if they meet the age and custody rules. A certificate of citizenship can then be obtained for proof.

Common problems

• Adoptions that do not meet legal requirements in the child’s country.
• Missing the age deadline.
• Inadequate documents of the child’s status as an orphan.

Adoption cases involve family law and immigration law. We coordinate with your adoption provider and, in Texas, with your family law case where relevant.

Related guides

• Definition of a child
• Citizenship
• Family-based green cards
• Texas family law

How our firm helps with your immigration matter

• We review your full immigration history so you know your options before you file.
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• We communicate clearly and keep you informed through the client portal.
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Situations we handle

• First-time applicants
• Cases with prior filings or denials
• Families with mixed status
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Get help with adoption and immigration

Every case has its own facts. Request a consultation and we will review your situation, options and timeline.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, policies and fees change often. Last updated: November 2026.