India Adoption Program
Dillon International began placing children from India with U.S. families in 1986. Children become available for adoption in India primarily because of the extreme economic disadvantages of their birth families and the social stigma of single parenthood.
For Indian Heritage families: Families with Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status will have their adoption treated on-par with a domestic Indian adoption. NRI means one spouse needs to be a U.S. citizen and the other spouse needs to be an Indian citizen with a valid Indian passport
Country Comparison
LOOK AT ALL THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
We understand that trying to choose a program that best fits your family can be overwhelming. We have created a country comparison chart to help you see all the programs at one time. We also have the option to start the adoption program without selecting a country program.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the children available for adoption?
ā¢ Children younger than 3 years old typically have more serious medical and/or developmental needs.
Can I select my child's gender?
Yes! Families may select gender preference for their child. Due to most families prefering a girl, families open to a boy will usually be matched with a child faster.
Can single applicants adopt?
Yes! India allows for single heterosexual parents to adopt on a case by case basis.
What are the family requirements to adopt from India?
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25ā55 years of age for heterosexual married couples -
29.5-55 years of age for single heterosexual women and men (considered on a case-by-case basis) -
Single male applicants may only adopt a male child. -
No less than 25 years age difference between parents and child
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For a child up to age 4 years old, composite age of married couple must be 90 or less and maximum age of 45 for single -
For a child age 4 to 8 years old, composite age of married couple must be 100 or less and maximum age of 50 for single -
For a child age 8 to 15 years old, composite age of married couple must be 110 or less and maximum age of 55 for single
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At least 2 years for first marriage -
At least 2.5 years if second marriage for either spouse
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For NRI families, no more than 2 children -
If adopting a child with special needs, no more than 5 children. Larger families will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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All 50 states
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Required for each parent -
At discretion of CARA, may be required for other adult members of the household.
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Minimum annual income of $30,000
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Both parents must travel and make one trip of 10-14 days. -
A second trip may be necessary if required by the region.
What does a typical India program adoption timeline look like?
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Application: 2-3 months -
Home study: 2-3 months -
USCIS and dossier: 2-3 months -
Referral: 1-18+ -
Childās arrival: 9-18+ months -
Total timeframe: 16-45+ months
