The prospective adoptive family has 45 days to accept or refuse the adoption referral. If the adoptive family is considering refusing a referral, it is a good idea to discuss with the the adoption agency if a second referral is possible. If the CCAA considers the refusal justifiable, a second referral will be made within a month. If the refusal is considered not to be justifiable, the CCAA may suggest that the family withdraw their adoption application.
After the acceptance of a referral, there is, of course, more adoption paperwork. Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, will be filed to determine if the child is eligible for adoption under U.S. law.
After the acceptance of the referral, an adoption date is set and your adoption agency will submit a visa application at the United State's Embassy. This is approximately another 1 to 2 month wait. Once in China, the prospective adoptive parents must not proceed with the adoption or obtain custody until the Consular Officer of the U.S. Embassy notifies the CCAA that the child is eligible to immigrate to the United States.
While you wait for your referral you can also start preparing to parent your internationally adopted child
