The Families and the Process
Bulgarian International Adoption

There are Bulgarian children who need Forever Families who are flexible, adventurous, and eager to expand.

Family Eligibility

• There must be at least 15 years age difference between the adoptive parents and the child being adopted.
• Preferably there should be no more than a 45 year age difference between the parents and the child desired (exceptions can be made for children with special needs)
• Married couples, single women, or single men are accepted.
• Applicants must clear criminal history and child abuse background checks.

The Adoption Process

• Complete application materials
• Participate in a home study (including the Hague mandated training which LSS provides) 
• Submit the I-800A form and a copy of the home study to the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) for approval
• Prepare a dossier (a collection of documents required in Bulgaria)
• Register on the Bulgarian adoptive family registry
• Receive a referral (agree to proceed or decline the referral)
• Travel to Bulgaria to meet the child (five days plus two days travel)
• Submit the I-800 form and the information on the child to USCIS for approval
• Wait for the adoption hearing to be completed and the child’s birth certificate and passport to be issued
• Travel to Bulgaria to complete the visa process (five working days plus two days travel)
• Return home with the child 
• Participate in post adoption support services 
• Finalize adoption in a U.S. court
  
  Home Study Process
  I-800 Process
  Post Adoption Services

Getting Started

Email us at internationaladoption@lsss.org or call our toll-free number (800) 396-4611 to discuss the program in more detail. 

Timeline to adopt a Bulgarian child

At the current time it is taking up to two years from the date you are registered in Bulgaria to adopt a child.  If you are adopting a child with special needs, it is up to one year from registration.  Should you elect to adopt a child who has been referred exclusively to LSS, the wait time may be less. 

The Cost

In addition, you will have governmental and miscellaneous fees of approximately $2000 and travel costs and in-country lodging and meals estimated at $7500 for two trips (1st trip – two adults; 2nd trip – two adults and a child).

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