Adoptions from the Republic of Korea after October 1, 2025

Adoptions from the Republic of Korea after October 1, 2025

On October 1, 2025, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) entered into force in the Republic of Korea. The United States has determined that it will be able to process intercountry adoptions consistent with the Convention, allowing consular officers to verify on a case-by-case basis that the intercountry adoption can proceed in accordance with U.S. laws and U.S. obligations under the Convention.

Please note that on and after October 1, 2025 all adoptions between the Republic of Korea and the United States, other than transition cases, must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. laws. Do not finalize an adoption or obtain legal custody of a child in the Republic of Korea in a case that is not a transition case, before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter.” See the “Hague Adoption Process ” section for more information.

The Department of State cautions U.S. prospective adoptive parents that there may be delays in the adoption process while the Republic of Korea works to implement its new adoption laws, regulations, and procedures. Prospective adoptive parents initiating an intercountry adoption on or after October 1, 2025 should work closely with their U.S. accredited adoption service provider to ensure they complete all necessary steps under the Republic of Korea’s intercountry adoption process in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Korea and U.S. laws.  

The Republic of Korea Central Authority has confirmed that it will continue to process certain adoption cases that were started prior to October 1, 2025 under the non-Convention process (or orphan process) as “transition cases.” These cases include those in which a U.S. citizen filed a Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, or a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, prior to October 1, 2025 or completed an adoption in the Republic of Korea prior to October 1, 2025. The United States will continue to coordinate with the Republic of Korea authorities on issues related to “transition cases.” 

We are in the process of updating our Country Information Sheet for the Republic of Korea. Please continue to monitor www.adoption.state.gov for updated information as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at adoption@state.gov.