Explained: Adoption procedure for NRIs, OCI cardholders, and foreign nationals
NRIs can adopt Indian children only after the children have been rejected for domestic adoption three times.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the adoption process for NRIs, OCI cardholders, and foreign prospective adoptive parents.
Eligibility and Initial Steps
First, ensure you meet the legal criteria for adoption. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) regulates all adoptions in India, including inter-country adoptions. Once you confirm your eligibility, contact the authorized foreign adoption agency in your country. Countries that have ratified the Hague Adoption Convention will coordinate through this agency. If your country lacks such an agency, contact the Indian diplomatic mission in your country.
Registration and Home Study Report
Register with CARA through the Designated Portal. Your home will undergo a suitability inspection, and a Home Study Report (HSR) will be prepared. If you meet the eligibility criteria, CARA will match you with a child in India. The eligibility and suitability of the prospective adoptive parents will be verified before completing the HSR and registering their application.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
The seniority of adoptive parents is determined from the date of their registration and submission of required documents. Two child profiles will be referred at a one-month interval, similar to the process for resident Indians. Adoptive parents must reserve the referred child within 96 hours; otherwise, the child's profile will be withdrawn.
Re
