Michigan International Adoption: What Families Need to Know in 2025

International adoption from the United States — including from Michigan — is significantly more difficult than it was a decade ago. The total number of immigrant visas issued for internationally adopted children has dropped from over 22,000 per year in the early 2000s to fewer than 2,000 annually in recent years. Countries that were once major sources for intercountry adoption have closed or severely restricted their programs.

That context matters: families who enter the international adoption process with expectations from an earlier era will be surprised. But international adoption remains possible, and for some families — particularly those with ethnic, cultural, or language connections to specific countries — it is still the right path.

Current State of International Adoption

As of 2025, active intercountry adoption programs accessible to Michigan families exist in a limited number of countries. The landscape changes, and country programs open and close. The most reliable source for current program status is the U.S. Department of State's adoption website (travel.state.gov) and the adoption section of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) site.

Countries with historically active or recently reopened programs include Colombia, India, South Korea (limited), and several others. China's program, which was once the largest in the world, has been significantly restricted since 2019. Russia closed to U.S. adoptions in 2012. Guatemala and Ethiopia, which were major sources in the 2000s, are effectively closed. Ukraine's program is suspended due to the ongoing conflict.

Before investing significant time or money in international adoption, verify that your target country has an active program and that Michigan residents are eligible to apply.

How International Adoption Works for Michigan Families

International adoption involves two parallel legal processes: U.S. immigration law and the adoption law of the child's country of origin.

The U.S. process runs through USCIS (Form I-800A for Hague Convention countries, Form I-600A for non-Hague countries). Michigan families must have an approved home study from a licensed CPA or MDHHS before USCIS will approve the petition.

The country process involves working with an accredited adoption service provider (ASP) in Michigan — an organization licensed to facilitate intercountry adoption under the Hague Accreditation authority. Catholic Social Services in Michigan, Samaritas, and a small number of other agencies have historical intercountry adoption experience. Verify that any agency you consider is currently accredited by the Hague-designated accrediting entity.

The home study requirements for international adoption are substantially the same as for domestic adoption (background checks, medical clearances, financial verification, home inspection), with some additional elements required by the child's country of origin.

Cost Range

International adoption costs for Michigan families in 2025 run $25,000 to $55,000 or more, depending on the country. The cost categories include:

• Agency/ASP fees (U.S. and in-country)
• Home study fees
• USCIS filing fees (I-800A or I-600A)
• Document authentication and translation costs
• In-country travel — most programs require at least one trip, many require two
• Foreign attorney or facilitation fees
• Embassy fees for the immigrant visa
• Michigan Probate Court readoption fees (if pursued)
• Post-placement supervision fees

The federal adoption tax credit applies to international adoption expenses: up to $17,280 for 2025, claimed on IRS Form 8839 in the year the adoption is finalized (or the year the child becomes a U.S. citizen if the adoption was finalized abroad).

Michigan Readoption: The Probate Court Step

When a Michigan family has completed an international adoption abroad and returned home with their child, they may choose to pursue a Michigan Probate Court "readoption" — also called recognition of the foreign adoption order. This step is optional if the child became a U.S. citizen upon entry (which is the case for most Hague Convention adoptions), but it is strongly recommended because:

1. It produces a Michigan court order and a Michigan birth certificate for the child
2. It establishes the adoption under Michigan law, which simplifies future legal transactions (school enrollment, inheritance, Social Security)
3. It provides protection if the foreign adoption order is ever challenged

The readoption petition is filed in the Probate Court of the Michigan county where the family resides. Required documents include the foreign adoption decree (translated and authenticated), the child's original foreign birth certificate, and documentation of the child's U.S. immigrant status. The DCH 0854 Adoption Report is filed with the state registrar to establish a new Michigan birth certificate.

An adoption attorney familiar with international readoption in Michigan — Catholic Social Services and a few other agencies can provide referrals — can navigate this process efficiently.

ICWA Considerations for Children with Native American Heritage

If a child being adopted internationally has any Native American heritage connected to one of Michigan's 12 federally recognized tribes, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) may apply. This is an unusual scenario for intercountry adoption but not impossible for children coming from Canada or for adoptees who are later discovered to have tribal heritage. An adoption attorney should review the file if there is any question of tribal affiliation.

Is International Adoption Right for Your Family?

International adoption is slower, more expensive, and more legally complex than domestic adoption. It involves countries with sovereign legal systems, translation requirements, travel mandates, and program uncertainties that are outside any family's control. The families who succeed in international adoption are those who are genuinely prepared for the process to take two to four years and to cost significantly more than the initial estimate.

For families who feel a strong cultural or ethnic connection to a specific country, or who are committed to providing a home for a child from a particular region, international adoption can be deeply meaningful. For families who are primarily motivated by the desire to adopt a young child and believe international adoption will be faster than domestic, the current program landscape is likely to be a disappointing surprise.

The Michigan Adoption Process Guide covers how Michigan families navigate intercountry adoption requirements, the USCIS filing process, and the Michigan Probate Court readoption procedure.

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