# Travel >> Destinations >> Asia

China Adoption Requirements: Complete Guide for Prospective Parents

Adopting from China (via the CCCWA — China Centre for Children's Welfare and Adoption) is a structured, lengthy process (currently 3–5+ years for non-special needs). Requirements are strict and periodically updated.

Eligibility Criteria (CCCWA 2024 Standards)

Category	Requirement
Age	30–49 years at dossier login. (Up to 55 for Waiting Child / Special Needs if one parent ≤49). Age difference ≤50 years with child.
Marital Status	Heterosexual married couples ≥2 years. No single parents (since 2021). No same-sex couples. ≤2 divorces per spouse.
Health	Physically/mentally fit. BMI ≤40. No major organ transplant, active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes/mental illness, infectious diseases (HIV, TB).
Income & Net Worth	Income ≥$10k/person in household (incl. child). Net worth ≥$80k (≥$100k for single? N/A). Proof: tax returns, employment letters, bank statements.
Home	Safe, stable, ≥2 bedrooms. Own or rent. Home study approval.
Education	High school diploma or equivalent (both).
Criminal History	No felony convictions. No drug/alcohol abuse (5 yrs). No domestic violence/child abuse. Minor traffic OK.
Children in Home	≤5 children (incl. adopted). Youngest ≥3 years old (waiver possible for Waiting Child).
Language	No formal requirement, but Mandarin/Cantonese helpful. Interpreter provided in China.

Process Overview

Choose Hague-Accredited Agency (US: ~15 agencies).
Home Study (3–6 months): Social worker visits, interviews, docs, training (10+ hrs).
Dossier (3–6 months): Notarized, authenticated (Apostille/Chinese Consulate), translated.
CCCWA Registration → Wait for Referral (healthy infant: 3–5+ yrs; Waiting Child/Special Needs: 6–18 mos).
Accept Referral → Travel to China (10–14 days): Nanning/Guangzhou → adoption finalization → visa (I-800) → US entry.
Post-Placement Reports: 1, 6, 12, 24 months (agency social worker).