Intake for new applicants for the Korean Program is currently on pause.
We are not accepting new applications for the Korean program due to changes in Korea’s adoption process in July 2025. Check back in a few months for updates as Korea completes their transition to becoming a Hague-Convention country. We invite you to consider our Thailand Program as an option.
Eligibility Requirements for Adopting from Korea
To adopt from Korea, prospective adoptive parents must meet the following requirements:
Marital & Family Status
- Marital Status: Couples must be married for at least three years.
- Family Size: Families may have no more than four children in the home at the time of placement.
- Gender Preference: Not permitted; more boys than girls are placed annually.
Age Requirements
- General Requirement: Both spouses must be under 45 years old at placement; under 42 is recommended when starting the process.
- Age Waiver (up to 49 at placement) may be granted if:
- One parent is of Korean heritage
- One parent is a Korean adoptee
- The family has previously adopted from Korea
Health & Background
- Health: Both spouses must be in excellent physical and mental health.
- Weight: Both spouses must have a BMI under 30%.
- Arrest History: Minor arrests may be reviewed case-by-case. Please submit a pre-application to assess eligibility.
Residency & Services
- New Beginnings provides adoption services in all U.S. states.
- For families in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, New Beginnings offers home study and placement services.
- In other states, we will help coordinate with a licensed local agency or recommend another ESWS partner agency when applicable.
Financial Requirements
- Families must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to care for a child without public assistance.
FAQs
What Information Will I Receive About the Child?
At referral, you will receive a thorough medical report on the child and a social history of the birth parents.
How Long is the Adoption Process?
The timing for each case depends on many factors. However, we estimate the entire process can range from 18 months to 3 years. Here’s a general outline of the timeline:
Application and Home Study: The home study process typically takes around 4 to 6 months to complete. Families can shorten this step by being prompt with document preparation.
From the Home Study approval, I-600A Approval take s 3-5 months. During this time, working with New Beginnings, you will compile the application/dossier to submit to Korea.
Referral and Travel: it will take CPFSA an average of 3-6 months to review the application and 6-12 months to obtain the license/order.
How Long is the Stay in Korea?
The adoptive family must take at least two trips to Korea. On the first trip, they meet with CPFSA and appear in the local court. The length of time for staying depends on the conditions of the adoption and whether the family will be required to stay in Korea for a bonding period.