The time element involved in adopting a child for the International Adoption process depends on several factors. This may take quite some time depending on the load of cases the USCIS have as of the moment. Child referral periods vary depending on which country you plan to adopt. In some cases, the age of the child is also considered. Most adoptions take place within six months to one year upon application.

As soon as your dossier is approved and you receive the child referral together with the invitation to visit, you are ready to adopt a child and travel to the country of your child's origin. Again, the number and style of visit depends on the foreign country. Some require two visits, while some demand you meet the child even before the adoption process. There are governments that require both parents to visit, while only one visiting parent is sufficient for others. Once you arrive, you will meet with adoption officials and sign some documents. However, the adoption will not be finalized and considered legal by the USCIS without both parents visiting the child. If this cannot be met, the child's re-adoption to your state of residence will be necessary.