America World Adoption: Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to America World’s Adoption FAQ page. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about international adoption, eligibility, home studies, program requirements, adoption timelines, and more.

If you don’t see your question answered here, we’re always happy to help. Contact our Intake Department by emailing info@awaa.org, calling 703-660-4621, or scheduling an online meeting.

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  • Families must meet the requirements of the child’s country of origin, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), state laws, and America World’s intake standards. Eligibility is reviewed on an individual basis to ensure the safety and well-being of each child and family.

  • Age requirements vary by country.

    Each country sets its own criteria, and applications cannot be accepted if a family does not meet them.

  • Yes. Families may not have more than two divorces. Families with two divorces will be reviewed individually.

    • Married couples must be married for at least two years before applying.

    • Single applicants who become engaged during the process must pause their adoption and reapply as a married couple after reaching their one-year wedding anniversary.

    • Some country programs may have additional marital requirements.

  • Yes. Families must be physically and emotionally able to care for a child.

    • Chronic illnesses and cancer history are reviewed case by case.

    • Mental health conditions, including depression or anxiety, are also reviewed individually.

    • Countries require medical and psychological evaluations as part of the process.

  • Generally, the age difference should be no more than 50 years between the older parent and the child. Some countries enforce stricter limits.

  • Generally, the age difference should be no more than 50 years between the older parent and the child. Some countries enforce stricter limits.description

  • These situations are reviewed individually. Approval depends on the country’s program, social worker recommendation, and agency approval.

  • Yes. At least one parent must agree to and sign America World’s Statement of Faith.

  • Absolutely. Families may adopt again after being home at least nine months. Approval depends on the post-adoption stage, timely report submission history, and social worker recommendation.

  • Criminal history is reviewed case by case.

    • Drug-related arrests must be at least 10 years old.

    • Other misdemeanors and police involvement are evaluated individually.

  • Yes. Families must disclose health issues, criminal background, financial challenges, disabilities, or past abuse. Nondisclosure can affect eligibility and services.

  • Yes. At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen.

  • Yes. America World serves families across the United States. Fees are identical for local and out-of-state families. Support is available by phone and email throughout the entire process.

    If America World is not licensed for home studies in your state, we’ll recommend trusted partner agencies.

    For more information, visit our Licensed States page.

  • At this time, America World does not offer programs that allow U.S. citizens living overseas to adopt through our agency.

  • America World is licensed to complete home studies in 17 states. In other states, we refer families to approved partner agencies. All home study providers must be pre-approved by our Intake Department.

    When using an outside provder, families should confirm that home study quotes include required post-placement reports.

  • Child age varies by each country’s program:

    • Bulgaria: ages 2-14

    • Colombia: infants-age 15

    • Ecuador: most children will be 4 years and up, and children younger than 4 will be a part of a sibling group or have more significant medical needs

    • India: 4 months-15 years old

  • Most of our programs include children with medical or special needs, older children, and sibling groups. Needs range from minor to more complex. Visit our Waiting Children page for examples.

  • Timeframes vary by country and program:

    The Waiting Child Program generally has the shortest timelines.

    1. Submit a free pre-application to find out which of our programs best fits your family.

    2. Based on what you learn, choose a country program.

    3. Review requirements, process, travel, and cost information on our website.

    4. Submit the America World Application.
      Our Intake Department responds within 2–3 business days. Once accepted, families receive a Family Coordinator who supports them through the entire process.

  • Most countries require 3–5 years of post-adoption reports. Families must participate in post-adoption visits and provide photos and updates that America World forwards to the child’s country.

  • International adoption involves multiple entities — foreign governments, USCIS, notaries, social workers, medical providers, and more. America World provides a clear breakdown of all fees and expected costs.

  • Yes. Available discounts include:

    • Pastor Discount

    • Military Discount

    • Second Adoption Discount

    Income limits apply, and discounts cannot be combined. See our Financing Adoption page for more information.


  • Many organizations provide grants and loans for adoption expenses. America World maintains a list on our Financing Adoption page.

  • The application fee is non-refundable. This covers eligibility determination by our Intake & Social Services teams. If an applicant is denied, America World helps explore alternative options. A free pre-application is available for families to quickly assess potential eligibility.

  • Yes. Families must complete adoption-related training and reading to prepare for parenting a child through international adoption.

Family that adopted from India with America World Adoption Agency