As of January 15, 2026, International Adoption Net has made the decision to close our Colombia adoption program. While the US Department of State briefly suspended and then reinstated immigrant visas for adopted children including in Colombia, our agency has decided to keep our Colombia program closed. Families interested in adopting can explore our active programs in India or Bulgaria or contact us for guidance on home studies and post-adoption support. We remain committed to helping you on your path to parenthood.
We provide the following general information on the Colombia adoption program for informational purposes only. The agency you choose will provide you with updated information.
Want to host before you adopt? Learn about the benefits of the Colombia host-to-adopt program!
There is no residency requirement to adopt in Colombia. However, prospective adoptive parents (PAP's) must be able to be in Colombia during the adoption process, which is a minimum of four to five weeks, sometimes longer. US citizens living outside the US (expats) are no longer able to adopt from Colombia, per ICBF's guidelines.
Citizenship
The U.S. Department of State requires Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) to be U.S. citizens in order to immigrate a chlid to the United States through the intercounty adoption process.
For married PAPs, only one parent must be a U.S. citizen.
Single adoptive parents must be U.S. citizens and at least 25 years old.
Age Requirements
PAPs must be between the age of 25-60 to adopt, but age of the child available is based in part on the age of the PAP.
The oldest parent cannot be more than 45 years older than the adopted child.
Marital Status
Married heterosexual and same-sex couples who are married, and have been together preferably for a minimum of 2 years.
Single women and single men can adopt.
Income
PAPs must demonstrate the means to provide for all the needs of the child which may include medical, developmental, or emotional support and services.
Health
PAPs with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are disqualified to adopt in Colombia.
Other: Heritage Program for Colombian Citizens
Colombian citizens living in the US may qualify for the Colombian Heritage Adoption Program, allowing them to adopt the youngest, healthiest children in need of families in Colombia. Your agency will help you determine if you meet criteria, and notify you where to get the paperwork needed to prove Colombian citizenship. If single, the Colombian citizen must also be a US citizen.
Children In Need
Many children in Colombia come into the care of ICBF, the national child welfare agency, when they do not have safe, stable families due to abandonment, neglect, abuse, or parental relinquishment. ICBF works to protect their rights and ensure they receive care, and when returning home isn’t possible, helps children find permanent families wanting to adopt non infants/older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs—so they can grow up in a safe, loving, and lasting home.
Age
Children in need of families range from 1-15 years old.
Gender
ICBF requests that parents be open to a child of either gender.
Health
Children available for adoption in Colombia will have minor/correctable or greater special needs, or may be healthy older children. It is important to note that if the child is older, the child may still have a history of trauma or behaviors due to their past and institutionalized living.
Adoption Process and Timeline
Timeframes will vary per adoption. In general it can take between 18-36 months from starting your adoption journey to when you complete your adoption. If the family has hosted the child(ren) they are adopting, the adoption process may be a bit shorter.
1
Choose an Adoption Agency
Choose an adoption agency which is Hague accredited in the US by CEAS, as well as licensed by ICBF in Colombia.
2
Apply to be found eligible to adopt
First complete a home study in your state of residence. If you reside in Colorado, IAN can be your home study agency and provide the home study, pre-adoption education, and post adoption services, and will work collaboratively with your Colombian adoption agency.
After home study approval, apply for U.S. Immigration approval in the form of the I800A. While waiting on USCIS approval, complete dossier for Colombia or whenever your agency prefers you to complete it.
Once U.S. Immigration approval is received, submit apostilled dossier documents to agency or Colombian translation. The attorney will then submit and register the dossier to ICBF. ICBF will determine suitability to adopt in Colombia. If approved, go on waiting list for referral, or choose a child from the Waiting Child list of older kids or kids with special needs.
3
Accept Child Referral
The wait to receive a child referral from the ICBF or private IAPA greatly varies depending on PAP's child preferences (the number of children you want to adopt, age, and type of special needs) and the needs of the child.
When you accept referral of the child proposed by ICBF, you will file the I800 to USCIS and then you are approximately 2.5-3 months away from traveling to adopt your child.
4
Obtain Necessary Approvals to Immigrate the Child into the U.S.
5
Travel to Colombia and bring the child home
6
Post Adoption Visits and Reports
There is a requirement from Colombia to submit Post Adoption reports at regular intervals based on the age of the child and whether or not you adopt a sibling group. Your agency will provide specific information.
Travel Requirements
Adoptive parents are expected to take 1 trip to Colombia that lasts around 4-6 weeks. Your trip could be longer due to a variety of reasons, but the majority of families will complete their adoption within that timeline.
During your time in Colombia, you will have a facilitator to help you through each adoption- and immigration- related process.
You will be required to spend 7-10 business days of bonding with your potential adoptive child in your child's region before going to court in La Mesa, and then to Bogota for the immigration procedures.
Cost Estimates
Costs for adopting in Colombia will vary based on the agency, adoptive family preferences, location and other factors. Estimated totals include fees paid to the adoption agency as well as others who provide a service such as the home study, education, immigration fees, dossier costs, travel costs for 4-6 weeks, attorney fees, post adoption services, and much more.
It is important to note that ICBF does not charge a fee for the administrative services they provide for the adoption.
Ready to start or have questions? Our coordinators are here to help!
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