Nepal

Nepal Adoption

AAI is currently not accepting applications for the Nepal Adoption program.

The Nepal government-mandated quota for adoptive family files from AAI has been filled at this time. If you are interested in the adoption of a child over the age of seven or a child with special needs, please call for more information.

Bordered to the north by China and to the south by India, Nepal is the home of Mt. Everest, the highest point of the Himalayas. Nepal has a lengthy history of attracting adventurous travelers wanting to climb Mt. Everest, trek through the wilderness, and raft some of the world’s greatest rivers.

The people of Nepal maintain rich and varied cultural, musical, and religious traditions. Despite being among the poorest nations on earth, the people are known for being hospitable and kind. Nepal is home to many unique ethnic groups, including people of Asian and Indian heritage. In all aspects, Nepal is richly varied and will surely captivate its guests.

Why Choose Nepal?

• AAI is fully accredited by the Nepalese Government!
• Male and female children are available
• Preschool-aged children are most readily available
• Children are considered healthy
• Children with special needs are also available
• Children are Asian or Indian in appearance

Location

International adoptions are processed in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The U.S. Embassy is also located in Kathmandu.

Reason for Availability

• Children are abandoned due to their parents’ inability to care for them, generally as a result of poverty.
• The children’s parents are deceased.

Children's Situation

Children live in small orphanages, which have been approved for international adoption by the Nepalese government.

Eligibility for Families*

• Only heterosexual applicants are eligible.
• Married couples or single female applicants are accepted.
• Parents must be at least thirty years older than the child, and will be accepted up to age fifty.
• Couples must be married for at least four years. No more than two previous divorces are accepted.
• The adopted child must be the youngest in the home and of the opposite gender of any child(ren) already in the home.
• Families should have no more than two children already in the home.
• Household income should be no lower than $40,000. (Home ownership is preferred.)

*Eligibility guidelines are subject to change without notice.

Procedure

You will first submit a preliminary application to AAI and then complete your formal application. You will complete your home study and your USCIS paperwork. Next you will prepare a dossier, which will be submitted to Nepal. Some time thereafter, you will receive a referral. Your adoption file along with the child’s file will be processed by the Nepalese government, after which you will be invited to travel. The adoption will be finalized in Nepal, and you will bring your child home.

Travel

Adoptive families will make one trip lasting approximately two to three weeks. While in Nepal, families will stay in the capital city of Kathmandu, where they will also have the opportunity to do some sightseeing and shopping.

Due to the nature of international adoption, the information on this page is subject to change without notice.