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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Bhutan Intercountry Adoption Information

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Bhutan Intercountry Adoption Information

Bhutan

Bhutan
Kingdom of Bhutan
Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bhutan.

If you decide to travel to Bhutan:

... [READ MORE]

National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas

Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of 75 countries.  President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans.  The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge. 

As noted in our Adoption Notice on National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas, in countries where the issuance of immigrant visas is currently limited, children being adopted by Americans can qualify for an exception under the National Interest Exception. 

These American families should continue the normal adoption process. They should submit visa applications and attend consular interviews. They do not need to take other additional steps to be considered for a case-by-case exception under the National Interest Exception.

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Bhutan, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Last Updated: June 28, 2023

Effective January 1, 2012, the Government of Bhutan suspended all intercountry adoptions pending approval of a new adoption law by the King. The adoption bill was drafted to clarify Bhutan’s adoption procedures. The National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), the Bhutanese government agency responsible for overseeing intercountry adoptions, is unable to estimate how long it will take for the adoption bill to be approved, but indicated it is not aware of any pending cases involving the adoption of a Bhutanese child by U.S. citizens. Prospective adoptive parents who believe the suspension affects their adoption of a child from Bhutan may contact the NCWC by email at admin@ncwc.org.btto inquire about the status of their case. The NCWC indicated it will review each case on an individual basis.

Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
India
Telephone
+(91) (11) 2419-8000
Emergency
+(91) (11) 2419-8000
Fax
+(91) (11) 2419-8407
Email
ACSnd@state.gov
Website
https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/new-delhi/

Bhutan Map

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Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Bhutan to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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