United States immigration laws require prospective parents to undergo a "home study" before they can adopt a child from a foreign country. A home study is an investigation into the prospective parents' fitness to raise an adopted child. A home study is conducted by an individual or agency that is licensed by the prospective parents' home state. The prospective parents must submit a favorable home study, finding that they are fit to raise an adopted child, when they file an application for Advance Processing or an Orphan Petition. The United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not approve an international adoption in the absence of a favorable home study.

What are the Requirements For a Home Study?

A home study must include:

• An in-person interview with the prospective parents and all adult members of their household and a visit to the prospective parents' home;
  
• An evaluation of the physical, mental, and emotional capabilities of the prospective parents and all adult members of their household;
  
• A detailed description of the finances of the prospective parents;
  
• A detailed description of the living conditions of the prospective parents;
  
• A description of any counseling provided to the prospective parents or plans for post-adoption counseling;
• An assessment of the ability of the prospective parents to care for an adopted child;
  
• An investigation into any past child abuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence by the prospective parents;
  
• An investigation into the prospective parents' criminal histories, including arrests and convictions;
  
• An investigation into the criminal records of all adult members of the prospective parents' household; and
  
• A description of any previous unfavorable home studies of the prospective parents or the adult members of their household.

Are There Time Limits for a Home Study?

Yes. The USCIS will not accept a home study that is more than six months old unless it is accompanied by an update that is less than six months old. Prospective parents are required to update home studies when significant events occur.

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