For exact travel requirements for a specific program, please contact us . Age restrictions and marital status are very flexible with international adoption. You do not have to be married to adopt. AMI accepts applications from married couples and singles between the ages of 25 and 60, childless or with children, and without regard to race or religious affiliation. Children usually start speaking new words immediately, sentences within a few months, and are often fluent English speakers in less than one year.
Children are like sponges and adjust to changing cultures very quickly.
Most adoptive parents choose to learn as much as they can about the country and culture they are adopting their child from, and bring back souvenirs and momentos of their child's adoption to make the transition even easier. If your child's adoption was finalized abroad, then he or she automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon entering the U.S. You can request a confirmation of citizenship certificate from the INS, or simply apply for a U.S. passport for your child. If you are completely unfamiliar with the international adoption process, we suggest that you begin by attending one of our informational seminars , which will provide you with information about the process and answer many of your questions. If you decide to proceed, the process begins with your completed application form. The second step is a home study, conducted by a certified social worker, to assess your ability to parent a child.