The waiting time for a referral varies, although it is usually shorter for parents who will adopt boys or who are open to children with known medical or developmental needs.

At referral time, the adoptive family signs acceptance documents which are then processed through the Korean and United States governments. Parents do not prepare a separate dossier for Korean adoptions.

When passport, visa, and flight arrangements have been completed, the child is ready to travel. The Korean agency and CHSFS hold legal guardianship of the child until the adoption is finalized in the United States. Finalization is completed after the child's arrival to the United States.

Upon your return to the United States, there are also Post Placement Requirements that need to be completed by both the adoptive family and the social worker.