Many agencies do not require proof of infertility. Requirements about infertility status in adoptive parents vary greatly among countries for international adoption. If parents find an acceptable birthmother first, then the agency facilitates the balance of the adoption. There are many more people wishing to adopt healthy Caucasian infants born in the U.S. than there are such babies available. Therefore, whether you adopt independently or through an agency, your wait for such a baby will most likely be longer.
State laws vary significantly for independent adoptions.
In some states, independent adoptions are not legal at all. Be sure you are informed. International adoptions are designed to offer a controlled, structured process, but prospective adoptive parents should always be prepared for the unexpected. You are most likely to find a child when your criteria and time frames are reasonable. On average, completion of international adoptions takes about a year, from the time you fill out your application until the time you bring your child home.