Can I adopt my stepchild if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, in most cases. U.S. citizenship is generally NOT required for stepparent adoption. What matters is:

Requirements:

• Legal residency in the state where you're filing
• Meeting the state's residency period requirement (typically 6–12 months)
• Legal marriage to the child's biological parent
• Background check (must be eligible)
• All other standard adoption requirements

Immigration considerations:

• You should have legal immigration status (permanent resident, visa holder, etc.)
• The adoption may affect the child's immigration status if the child is not a U.S. citizen
• If both you and the child are non-citizens, consult an immigration attorney in addition to using our document service

For permanent residents (green card holders): The process is essentially the same as for citizens. You meet residency requirements by living in the state, and the adoption is filed in the same court.

Our service: Same $349. We prepare all documents for your specific state and county. If you have immigration-related questions, call us at (855) 924-0450 to discuss your situation.