China provides one of the most consistent, reliable, and inexpensive international adoption programs available. The children are most frequently healthy, bright, beautiful infant girls.  However, it is possible to adopt boys, older children, and children with special needs.  IFS is officially licensed and approved as an agency by the Chinese government.  We have been working with the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) to complete Chinese adoptions since 1995. 

Requirements for Adopting Parent(s):

• Both parents must be at least 30 years of age, and not older than 50.   
• The couple must be married for at least two years.  If previously divorced, the couple must be married for at least five years.  No more than two previous divorces per couple will be allowed
• Household income must be at least $20,000/yr, plus $10,000/yr. for each child in the home, including the one to be adopted.  The family must have a net worth of $80,000.
• Families cannot have more than four children living in the home.  The youngest child must be at least one year old.
• Both parents must be physically healthy and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 40. 
• Both parents must be off medication for depression, anxiety, etc., for at least two years.   
• Both parents must have at least a high school education or equivalent certification. 
• Parents with a criminal history will be accepted on a case by case basis.  Any criminal incident must have taken place over ten years ago. 
• Families are only allowed to adopt one child at a time, unless twins or siblings are available (very rare).
• A Family may apply to adopt a second child no sooner than one year after the completion of the first adoption. 

Dossier Preparation:

• IFS offers personalized dossier preparation assistance.
• IFS relieves you of the frustration of having to certify and authenticate your own dossier.  We do all the work to obtain the necessary state and consulate certifications.  

Timeline:

• It is currently taking 24 months to receive a referral from China.  (Always subject to change)
• Travel to China occurs within 6 to 8 weeks of accepting a referral.

Travel:

• One Trip: Approximately 12 to 14 days
• Travel to China is required by at least one parent.
• IFS allows other family members, friends, and even children to travel with the adoptive parent(s).

IFS Offers:

• Small travel groups
• Flexible in-country itinerary
• Bilingual, knowledgeable staff
• Escorted sightseeing tours (by request)
• All in-country hotel and flight reservations 

Fees

Application and Processing Fee: IFS has made this program more affordable by splitting the program fee into two installments.

• 1^st installment = $2000 (due with application)
• 2^nd installment = $2250 (due with completed dossier)

Official Foreign Fees: approx. $4250

• Provincial orphanage donation
• Provincial Civil Affairs, notary and legal fees
• U.S. Visa for child
• Child's photos and passport
• Child's physical exam

Service and Support Fees: Contact us for current information.

• Certifications and Authentications (vary by state)
• Shipment, translation, and registration of documents
• Escort/Translator fee (varies based on group size and region)

Additional Expenses:

• Home Study
  • Families living in TX, AZ, AL, OR, PA, or KS must have their home study completed by IFS.
  • Families in all other states can work with any licensed, nonprofit home study agency.   
• USCIS Fees
• Travel Visas
• All travel-related expenses for you and your child, including international airfare, in-country airfare, hotels, food, ground transportation, etc.