Custody or Adoption?

Hello! I am new to this forum... I am trying to look up for some any other options and alternatives. My cousin had a son and he just turned one year last september 30. My sister in law was the one looking after him since he is just 28 days old because me and my wife is currently here in australia and we are saving up for the adoption fees later on but we really wanted him to be with us. we dont have our own children coz of my wife's health reason that's why I decided to adopt a baby. I already consulted a lawyer here and he told me adoption is so very difficult because we're not citizen here yet and we are just a temporary permit employee perhaps we could try legal guardianship would stand a chance getting him up here temporarily. So I would like to ask any other options and alternatives or at least insights about legal guardianship's process,requirements and lastly the fee's needed. We can't afford to go back in philippines right now since we aren't ready financially yet. To be specific we are located at Norfolk Island, its under australia but it has its own government and laws, hopefully soon to be completely under australian laws government and laws. Please help me regarding my problems. Thank you very much!

you can adopt the child through the inter country adoption board of the philippines.