Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative

Instructions for Petition to Classify Orphan
as an Immediate Relative
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-600

OMB No. 1615-0028
Expires 02/28/2017

What Is the Purpose of This Form?
Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, enables U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) to determine whether a foreign-born child (or orphan) from a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention on
Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Hague
Convention) is eligible to be classified as your (and your spouse's, if married) immediate relative. You may use Form I-600
if you are a U.S. citizen who has or will adopt an orphan who is not habitually resident in a Hague Convention country.
On April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States. Therefore, it is important to
note that you cannot file Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, and/or Form I-600 for
the adoption of a child habitually residing in a Hague Adoption Convention country unless the adoption occurred before
April 1, 2008, or meets the requirements for a grandfathered transition case (example: Form I-600A or Form I-600 was
filed prior to April 1, 2008). For a list of Hague Adoption Convention countries and for additional information regarding
grandfathered transition cases, see the Department of State's website at www.adoption.state.gov and the adoption-related
pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption.

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General Requirements

Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA)

Effective July 14, 2014, any agency or person providing adoption services, including home study preparation, in
intercountry adoption cases involving Form I-600A or Form I-600 must be accredited or approved, or be a supervised or
exempted provider in compliance with the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 and accreditation regulations at Title 22
Part 96 of the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 96). This accreditation or approval requirement now applies to both
non-Hague Convention and Hague Convention adoptions.

Fee Rule

The UAA does not apply to cases that meet certain criteria. For more information about the UAA, see the adoptionrelated pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
Role of Service Provider under the UAA
1. Adoption Service Provider

If the UAA applies to your non-Hague Convention case, an individual or entity must be authorized under 22 CFR 96
to provide adoption services following the same accreditation or approval process required in Hague Convention
adoption cases. You should ask any adoption service provider whether they are authorized under 22 CFR 96 to
provide adoption services before working with that provider. A list of individuals and entities authorized under 22
CFR 96 is available at the Department of State's adoption website at www.adoption.state.gov.
2. Legal Services Provider
Only an individual who is licensed in the United States as an attorney, or who is otherwise permitted under 8 CFR 1.2,
292.1, and 292.2 to practice before USCIS, may give you legal advice concerning your petition, or provide any other
legal services concerning your petition. You should ask anyone providing you with legal advice if he or she is
licensed to practice law or are otherwise permitted by U.S. Federal regulation to provide you with legal advice
pertaining to immigration processes.

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What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
1. Child
Under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an orphan is a child who has no parents
because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from both parents.
Under INA 101(b)(1)(F), an orphan is also a child who has a sole or surviving parent, who is incapable of providing
the child with proper care, and has irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption in writing.
Specific age requirements apply and some children may not be eligible to be a beneficiary of a Form I-600. For
example, you may not file Form I-600 on behalf of a child who is already in the United States, unless that child is in
parole status and has not been adopted in the United States. You must also file Form I-600 before the child reaches
16 years of age, unless one of the following exceptions applies:
A. Sibling Exception: You may file Form I-600 after the child's 16th birthday, but before the child's 18th birthday
only if the orphan is the birth sibling of another foreign national child who has immigrated (or will immigrate)
based on adoption by the same adoptive parent or parents; OR

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B. Form I-600A Filed When a Child is 15 Years of Age: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations at
8 CFR 204.3 do not directly address the relationship between the separate filing of Form I-600A and the statutory
requirement to file Form I-600 while the child is under 16 years of age (or under 18 years of age as permitted
under INA 101(b)(1)(F)(ii)). Consistent with the regulations governing Hague Convention adoption cases,
USCIS will deem the Form I-600A filing date to be the Form I-600 filing date provided both of these
requirements are met:
(1) Form I-600A was filed after the child's 15th birthday, but before the child's 16th birthday (or, if applicable,
after the child's 17th birthday, but before the child's 18th birthday); AND
(2) Form I-600 is filed not more than 180 days after initial approval of Form I-600A.

Fee Rule

NOTE: Even if you have not yet completed the adoption or obtained all of the required supporting documentation,
you MUST file Form I-600 before the child turns 16 (or 18 if exception A. applies) or, if exception B. applies, no
more than 180 days after the initial approval of your Form I-600A so that the child does not age out.
2. Parents

You must be a U.S. citizen to file Form I-600.

NOTE: If you are married and your spouse lives in the United States, you must submit proof that your spouse is
living in the United States lawfully. Your spouse does not need to be a U.S. citizen. However, if residing in the
United States, your spouse must be a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. National, or a Lawful Permanent Resident, or have
another lawful immigration status.
If you are unmarried, you must be at least 25 years of age to file Form I-600.
3. Adoption abroad - child adopted by both parents, and seen in person by at least one adoptive parent
If the child was adopted abroad, you must establish that you or your spouse (if married) personally saw and observed
the child before or during the adoption proceedings in order for the adoption to be considered full and final. If you are
married, the adoption decree must also show that you and your spouse adopted the child jointly.
NOTE: U.S. Immigration law no longer requires that both spouses in a married couple personally see and observe
the child before or during the adoption proceedings in order for the adoption to be considered full and final. Now at
least one spouse in a married couple must see and observe the child before or during the adoption proceedings in
order for the adoption to be considered full and final.

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4. Adoption abroad - child not seen by at least one parent, or not adopted by both parents
If the child was adopted abroad, but you or your spouse (if married) did not personally see and observe the child
before or during the adoption proceedings, the child will be considered to be coming to the United States for adoption.
You will then need to either adopt the child anew in your state of residence or take whatever steps may be required by
your state of residence to recognize the foreign adoption.
Also, if you are married and you and your spouse did not jointly adopt the child abroad, the child will be considered to
be coming to the United States for adoption, and the spouse who did not adopt abroad will need to adopt the child in
the United States.
5. Pre-adoption requirements
If the orphan has not been adopted abroad, or if the child will be considered to be coming to the United States for
adoption, you and your spouse (if married) must establish that:
A. You and your spouse will adopt the child in the United States; and
B. Any pre-adoption requirements of the state of the orphan's proposed residence in the United States have been met.

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General Instructions

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should
use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader.
Signature. Each petition must be properly signed and filed. All signatures must be original. USCIS will not accept a
photocopy of a signed petition or a typewritten name in place of a signature. A power of attorney is also not sufficient for
USCIS purposes. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal guardian may sign the petition on your behalf. A
legal guardian also may sign for a mentally incompetent person.

Fee Rule

Filing Fee. Each petition must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable).
(See the What Is the Filing Fee? section of these instructions.)
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Initial Evidence
section of these instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background
and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
before making a decision on your petition. After USCIS receives your petition and ensures it is complete, we will inform
you in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will
provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of
your appointment. If you, your spouse (if married), or an adult member of your household fail to attend the biometric
services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition. For petitioners residing abroad, see the Note for Petitioners
Residing Abroad below.
As part of USCIS' biometric services requirements, the following persons must be fingerprinted for this petition:
1. You and your spouse (if married); and
2.

Each adult member of your household 18 years of age or older (Note: This may also include any person who has not
yet reached his or her 18th birthday, or who does not actually live at the same residence, but whose presence in your
residence is relevant to your and your spouse's suitability to adopt, as determined by USCIS).

If necessary, USCIS may also take a photograph and signature of those named above as part of the biometric services
requirement.
Note for Petitioners Residing in the United States: After you file your petition, USCIS will notify each person in
writing of the time and ASC location where he or she must go for biometric services.
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Note for Petitioners Residing Abroad: Each individual who requires biometric services must submit a completed Form
FD-258, Applicant Fingerprint Card, or appear for electronic biometrics where available. A USCIS international office,
U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or U.S. military installation abroad must prepare the fingerprint card or collect the
electronic biometrics. For additional information on obtaining biometric services when residing outside the United States,
consult the nearest USCIS international office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate.
Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center (if applicable). Review the ASC
Acknowledgement that appears in Parts 5. and 7. of the petition. The purpose of this acknowledgement is to confirm that
you and your spouse (if married) have completed your petition, reviewed your responses, and verified that the information
provided is complete, true, and correct. If you and/or your spouse used someone to prepare this petition, that person must
review the acknowledgement with you and/or your spouse to make sure you and/or your spouse understand it.
Copies. You may submit a legible photocopy of documents requested, unless the instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. USCIS may request the original document at any time if the original document should
become necessary. If you submit original documents when not required, the documents may remain a part of the record,
and USCIS will not automatically return them to you.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must certify that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is
competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

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Affidavits. If you cannot obtain a required document, you must submit an original written statement from the governmental
agency that should have the record verifying that the record does not exist or a citation to the U.S. Department of State
Foreign Affairs Manual indicating that the records are generally not available, or otherwise demonstrate the unavailability of
both the primary and secondary evidence. Only then may you submit two or more written affidavits sworn to or affirmed by
persons who are not parties to the petition who have direct personal knowledge of the event and circumstances. Affidavits
should contain the following information about each person making the affidavit: his or her full name, address, date and place
of birth, relationship to you, full information concerning the event, and complete details on how he or she acquired
knowledge of the event.
How to Fill Out Form I-600

Fee Rule

1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2.

If you need extra space to complete any item within this petition, attach a separate sheet of paper; type or print your
name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part
Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.

3.

Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (e.g., if you have never been married
and the question asks "Provide the name of your current spouse"), print "N/A" unless otherwise directed. If your
answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (e.g., "How many children do you have? or
"How many times have you departed the United States?), type or print "None" unless otherwise directed.

4. Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments. If you believe that you need USCIS to
accommodate your, your spouse's (if married), or other household member's disability and/or impairment, select the
"Yes" box and then select the appropriate boxes in Part 4. to indicate who has the disabilities and/or impairments and
describe the nature of the disabilities and/or impairments. Also, type or print the accommodation(s) you are requesting
in the space provided. If you are requesting a sign-language interpreter, you should indicate for which language.
5.

Petitioner's Statement, ASC Acknowledgement (if applicable), Certification, Signature, and Contact
Information. Select the box that indicates if you have read and understand this petition or if someone interpreted this
petition for you. If applicable, select the box to indicate if someone else prepared this petition for you. You also must
affirm that you have read and understand the Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support
Center (if applicable). Further, you must sign and date your petition and complete Item Numbers 4., 5., and 6.

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6.

Petitioner's Duty of Disclosure. Under 8 CFR 204.311(d), you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of
your household have a duty of candor in completing Form I-600A (if applicable), Form I-600, during the home study
process, and an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the adoption process. (See the Duty of Disclosure section
below for specific information.) Read the Duty of Disclosure statement, then sign and date this section of the petition.

7.

Spouse's Statement, ASC Acknowledgement (if applicable), Certification, Signature, and Contact Information.
Your spouse should select the box that indicates if he or she has read and understands this petition or if someone
interpreted this petition for him or her. If applicable, your spouse should select the box to indicate if someone else
prepared this petition for him or her. Your spouse must also affirm that he or she has read and understands the
Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center (if applicable). Further, your spouse
must sign and date the petition and complete Item Numbers 4., 5., and 6.

8. Spouse's Duty of Disclosure. Under 8 CFR 204.311(d), your spouse (if married) has a duty of candor in completing
Form I-600A (if applicable), Form I-600, during the home study process, and an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout
the adoption process. (See the Duty of Disclosure section below for specific information.) Your spouse must read the
Duty of Disclosure statement, then sign and date this section of the petition.
9.

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Interpreter's Name, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you and/or your spouse (if married)
used an interpreter to read the instructions and questions on this petition, the interpreter must complete Part 9., certify
that he or she has read and accurately translated to you and/or your spouse the Acknowledgement of Appointment
at USCIS Application Support Center (if applicable), sign and date the petition.

10. Name, Contact Information, Statement, Certification, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Petition, If
Other Than the Petitioner and/or Spouse. If you and/or your spouse (if married) used a preparer to complete this
petition, the preparer must complete Part 10., certify that he or she has read to you and/or your spouse the
Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center (if applicable), sign and date the
petition. If the person completing this petition is an attorney or accredited representative whose representation
extends beyond the preparation of this petition, he or she must submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, or Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in
Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States, along with your petition.

Fee Rule

NOTE: An "accredited representative" for purposes of preparation of this form means an individual accredited under
8 CFR 292.2(d) to practice before USCIS and/or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). This type of
accreditation is separate and distinct from accreditation under the Department of State regulations at 22 CFR Part 96
to provide adoption services.
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed petition to review in the future and for your
records. If you must appear for a biometric services appointment at a USCIS ASC, we recommend that you
review your copy of your completed petition before you come to the appointment. At that appointment, you will be
permitted to complete the petition process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the
information in your petition is accurate, true, and complete. If you are not able to make that attestation in good
faith at that time, you will be required to return for another appointment when you are able to do so.
Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household
You must complete Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household, for each adult
member of your household. For purposes of this supplement, the definition of an adult member of the household is any
individual other than you and your spouse (if married), who has the same principal residence as you and is 18 years of age
or older on or before the date that Form I-600A or Form I-600 is filed. Residence is defined as the place of general abode
or a person's principal, actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent.
NOTE: USCIS reserves the right to request information on any household member who has not yet reached his or her 18th
birthday before the date when Form I-600A or Form I-600 is filed, or who does not actually live at the same residence, but
whose presence in the residence is relevant to the issue of your and your spouse's (if married) suitability to adopt.

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Initial Evidence
If you previously submitted items 1., 2., and 8. listed below with your Form I-600A, you do not need to do so again
when filing your Form I-600 unless requested by the USCIS office processing your Form I-600.
NOTE: If you are requesting a suitability and eligibility determination as part of this filing, you must submit all items
listed below. For more information about such filings, see the filing instructions for Form I-600 on the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/I-600.
1. Proof of Petitioner's U.S. Citizenship
A. If you are a U.S. citizen by birth, you must submit a copy of your birth certificate issued by a civil registrar, vital
statistics office, or other civil authority. If your birth certificate is not available, submit a statement from the
appropriate civil authority certifying that your birth certificate is not available. In such a situation, secondary
evidence must be submitted, such as:
(1) Religious records bearing the seal of the organization showing the baptism, dedication, or comparable rite
occurred within two months after your birth and showing the date and place of your birth, date of the religious
ceremony, and the names of your parents;

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(2) School records issued by the authority (preferably the first school you attended) showing the date of your
admission to the school, your age at the time, and your parents' names and places of birth;
(3) Census records (state or Federal) showing your name, place of birth, and date of birth or age;
(4) Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by persons who were living at the time of your birth and who have personal
knowledge of your date and place of birth in the United States. Affidavits should contain the following
information about each person making the affidavit: his or her full name, address, date and place of birth,
relationship to you, full information concerning the event, and complete details on how he or she acquired
knowledge of your birth; or

Fee Rule

(5) An unexpired U.S. passport issued for 10 years.

B. If you were born outside the United States, submit a copy of one of the following:
(1) Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS or the former Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS);
(2) Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States, issued by a U.S. Embassy or U.S.
Consulate;
(3) An unexpired U.S. passport issued for 10 years; or
(4) An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying your U.S. citizenship with an unexpired passport.
NOTE: If you are married, and your spouse lives in the United States, you must submit proof that your spouse is
living in the United States lawfully. If your spouse is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen U.S. national, you must submit
evidence from Part A. or B. above as proof of your spouse's U.S. citizenship or non-citizen U.S. national status.
If your spouse is an alien who is residing in the United States, submit proof of your spouse's lawful immigration
status, such as: Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card; Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record; a copy of the
biographic pages of your spouse's passport and his or her nonimmigrant visa pages showing an admission stamp;
or any other Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-issued document.
2. Proof of Marriage of Petitioner and Spouse (if applicable)
If you are married, you must submit a copy of your marriage certificate. If you or your spouse were previously
married, you must also submit proof of termination of any prior marriages.
NOTE: If any change occurs in your marital status while your petition is pending, immediately notify the USCIS
office or the government entity that USCIS designates that has jurisdiction over your case.

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3. Proof of Orphan's Age and Identity
You should submit a copy of the orphan's birth certificate, or if such a certificate is not available, an explanation
together with other proof of age and identity. Such secondary evidence could include medical records, school records,
church records, entry in a family Bible, orphanage intake sheets, or affidavits from individuals with first-hand
knowledge of the event(s) to which they are testifying. If there is doubt that the child is the birth child of his or her
purported birth parent, you may be provided the option of submitting DNA evidence to establish the claimed
relationship.
4. Copies of Death Certificates of Child's Parents (if applicable)
5. Certified Copy of Adoption or Custody Decree and Certified Translation
6. Evidence Child is an Orphan (as defined in INA 101(b)(1)(F) and 8 CFR 204.3(b))
A. If the orphan is a child of a sole parent, you should submit evidence that the birth mother is a sole parent, is
incapable of providing proper care for the child, and has irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption
in writing.

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NOTE: The father of an orphan is ineligible for classifications as a sole parent as defined in 8 CFR 204.3(b).
B. If the orphan is a child of a surviving parent, you should submit evidence that the other parent is deceased, the
surviving parent is incapable of providing proper care for the child, and the surviving parent has irrevocably
released the child for emigration and adoption in writing.
C. If the child does not have a sole or surviving parent, you should submit evidence that the child is an orphan due to
the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from both parents. These terms
are defined in 8 CFR 204.3(b) and indicate what must be established for each of these situations to apply. It is not
necessary to establish that each parent is gone for the same reason. For example, if one parent has disappeared
and the other parent has abandoned the child, the child is an orphan.

Fee Rule

NOTE: Before USCIS, or the government entity that USCIS designates, can make a final decision on your petition,
an officer must complete an internal document called Form I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption, also known
as an orphan investigation. USCIS, or the government entity that USCIS designates, must complete an orphan
investigation as part of every orphan adoption case to verify that the child is an orphan under U.S. immigration law.
7. Proof of Compliance with Pre-adoption Requirements (if any)

If the child is to be adopted in the United States, you must provide evidence that any pre-adoption requirements of the
state of the orphan's proposed residence in the United States have been met. If you cannot submit this evidence upon
initial filing of your petition under the laws of your state of proposed residence in the United States, you may submit
this evidence later. However, USCIS will not approve your Form I-600 petition for a specific child without it.
8.

Home Study
You must submit a home study prepared according to the requirements specified in 8 CFR 204.311 by a person who is
authorized under 22 CFR 96 to prepare the home study.
NOTE: Effective July 14, 2014, 8 CFR 204.3(e) and certain definitions in 8 CFR 204.3(b) no longer apply unless a
case meets certain criteria specified in the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA), which
would exempt the case from UAA requirements. See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website for more
information at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
An authorized home study preparer must prepare your home study. The home study preparer (or, if the home study is
prepared by an entity, the officer or employee who has authority to sign the home study for the entity) must personally
sign the home study and any updated or amended home study under penalty of perjury under U.S. law.

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A home study preparer is an individual or agency authorized to conduct home studies, either as a public domestic
authority, a public foreign authority, an accredited agency, approved person, supervised provider, or exempted
provider (see 8 CFR 204.301). The home study preparer (other than a public domestic authority or a public foreign
authority) must hold any license or other authorization that is required to conduct adoption home studies under the law
of the jurisdiction in which the home study is prepared. You should ask any adoption service provider whether they
are authorized to provide adoption services in connection with adoptions according to 22 CFR 96 before engaging that
provider's services.
NOTE: An accredited agency must review and approve any home study that was not performed by an accredited
agency before it is submitted to USCIS. This requirement does not apply to a home study that was prepared by a
public domestic authority or a public foreign authority. A public domestic authority means an authority operated by a
state, local, or tribal government within the United States. A public foreign authority means an authority operated by
a national or subnational government of a foreign country.
If USCIS approved your Form I-600A application or it is still pending, you do not need to resubmit a copy of your
home study with your Form I-600 petition. However, you must submit a home study with your petition, if you
did not previously submit it with your Form I-600A. The only exception to this requirement is if you live in a state
where an appropriate state authority must review and approve your home study and submit it directly to USCIS.

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If you previously submitted your home study with your approved Form I-600A, submit a copy of your Form I-600A
approval notice and select Part 3. Information About Your Home Study and Primary Adoption Service
Provider, Item Number 1., Item A. If you previously submitted your home study, but your Form I-600A is still
pending, you should provide a copy of your Form I-600A fee receipt and select Part 3., Item Number 1., Item B.
If you are submitting your home study with your Form I-600 because you did not yet submit it with or you did not file
Form I-600A select Part 3., Item Number 1., Item C. If you are unable to submit your home study with your Form
I-600 because your state of residence must review and forward the home study directly to USCIS, select Part 3., Item
Number 1., Item D. Do not submit your Form I-600A to USCIS until your state authority is ready to send your home
study to USCIS. If your state authority must review and approve your home study, but will forward it to you (as
opposed to USCIS directly), do not file your Form I-600 until that appropriate state authority has reviewed your home
study and you are ready to submit it to USCIS.

Fee Rule

In all cases, your home study must not be more than six months old when it is submitted it to USCIS. If it is more
than six months old, you must include an update or amendment that is not more than six months old.

Home Study Requirements

For a complete description of the requirements for a home study subject to the UAA, see 8 CFR 204.311 and 22 CFR 96.
Home Study Updates and Amendments
Ordinarily, you will not have to submit an updated or amended home study to USCIS unless you are requesting an
extension of your Form I-600A approval, or there is a significant change in your household or in the characteristics of the
child you intend to adopt since your home study was completed. Listed below are some examples of significant changes
that require a home study amendment or update. Your adoption service provider can advise you on other changes that
may require an amended or updated home study.
1.

Change in marital status. USCIS will automatically revoke an approved Form I-600A if you are an unmarried
petitioner who marries or if you are married and your current marriage ends. USCIS will revoke the approval of
Form I-600A without prejudice to the filing of a new Form I-600A.
If the change in marital status is:
A. While your Form I-600A is pending, you must submit an updated or amended home study with a new
Form I-600A that reflects your changed marital status and required signatures. No fee is required.

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B. After your Form I-600A has been approved, a new Form I-600A that reflects your new marital status is
required, along with an updated or amended home study. The fee is required. (Note: You could also decide
not to file a new Form I-600A and instead wait to request a suitability and eligibility determination as part of your
Form I-600 petition filing. For more information about such filings, see the filing instructions for Form I-600 on
the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-600.)
2. Change of residence including a change in the child's proposed state of residence in the United States. You must
meet any pre-adoption requirements of the new state of proposed residence in the United States in the case of a child
coming to the United States for adoption.
3.

Any change in history of arrest, substance abuse, child abuse, and/or family violence, as an offender, for you,
your spouse (if married), or any household member regardless of age.

4.

Change to a different non-Hague Convention country. This change may require an updated or amended home
study to address suitability under the requirements of the new non-Hague Convention country.

5.

Addition of one or more children to your home, whether through adoption, foster care, birth, or any other
means, prior to the child's immigration to the United States. You must submit an updated or amended home
study even if your last home study recommended the adoption of more than one child. The updated or amended home
study must recommend the adoption of an additional child because the actual placement of one or more children in
your household after you submit your home study to USCIS is a significant change in your household, which must be
assessed to ensure you and your spouse (if married) remain suitable to parent an orphan.

6.

Addition of one or more members of the household, including adults and children, to the family prior to the
child's immigration to the United States.

2016

7. Seeking to adopt a child with a special need, disability, and/or impairment, if the last home study you submitted
to USCIS did not already address your suitability to parent a child with a particular special need, disability, and/
or impairment.

Fee Rule

8.

Lapse of more than six months between the date your home study is completed and the date you submit it to
USCIS.

9.

Change in the number of children or characteristics (such as age and/or gender) of the child or children you
intend to adopt.

How to File Updates and Amendments to Your Home Study

If you need to file an updated or amended home study, you must always include a copy of the home study that is being
updated or amended, including all prior updates and amendments.
If you need to submit an updated or amended home study after USCIS has approved your Form I-600A (if applicable), but
before USCIS, or the government entity that USCIS designates, issues a decision on your Form I-600, you must submit the
following items to the USCIS office that approved your Form I-600A (if applicable) if your Form I-600A approval is still
valid or to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your Form I-600 if your Form I-600A approval (if applicable) has expired.
1. Your new updated or amended home study;
2. A signed written request or cover letter for an updated or amended approval notice; and
3. A copy of the home study that is being updated (including all prior updates and amendments).
See the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption/home-study-information.
NOTE: A change in marital status after approval of a Form I-600A will require you to file a new Form I-600A with a new
home study and any required fees.

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If USCIS determines that the updated or amended home study shows that you and your spouse (if married) remain suitable to
parent an orphan, USCIS will issue a new approval notice with the same expiration date as the original approval, unless you
submitted the updated or amended home study in support of a request for an extension of your Form I-600A approval.
If you need to submit an updated or amended home study before USCIS adjudicates your Form I-600A (if applicable),
you may submit the updated or amended home study, cover letter, and a copy of the home study that you are updating or
amending (including all prior updates and amendments) to the office that has jurisdiction over your Form I-600A.
Duty of Disclosure
Under 8 CFR 204.311(d), you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of your household have a duty of
candor in completing Form I-600A (if applicable), Form I-600, during the home study process, and an ongoing duty of
disclosure throughout the adoption process. This duty requires you, your spouse, and any adult member of your
household, to:
1. Provide true and complete information to the home study preparer;

2016

2. Disclose other relevant information, such as physical, mental, or emotional health problems or behavioral issues;
3.

Disclose any arrest, conviction, or other adverse criminal history, whether in the United States or abroad, even if
the record of the arrest, conviction, or other adverse criminal history was expunged, sealed, pardoned, or the
subject of any other amelioration;

4.

Disclose any history of substance abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, and/or family violence as an offender under
8 CFR 204.309(a)(1); and

5.

Notify the home study preparer and USCIS of any new event or information that might warrant submission of an
amended or updated home study.

Fee Rule

With respect to child abuse or neglect, this duty of disclosure requires the disclosure of any currently pending
investigation by any child welfare agency, court, or other official authority in any state or foreign country
concerning the abuse or neglect of any child, as well as past investigation other than an investigation that was
completed and formally closed based on a finding that the allegation of abuse or neglect was unfounded or
unsubstantiated.
This duty of disclosure is an ongoing duty, and continues while any Form I-600A is pending, after any Form
I-600A is approved, while any Form I-600 that you filed is pending, and until there is a final decision admitting a
child, on whose behalf you filed Form I-600, to the United States with a visa.

WARNING
Under 8 CFR 204.309(a), USCIS will deny this petition if you, your spouse (if married), or any adult member of your
household:
1. Fail to disclose, conceal, or misrepresent any facts to the home study preparer or USCIS about any arrest, conviction, or
history of substance abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, and/or family violence, or any other criminal history as an
offender. The fact that an arrest or conviction or other criminal history was expunged, sealed, pardoned, or the subject of
any other amelioration does not relieve you, your spouse, or any additional adult member of your household of the
obligation to disclose the arrest, conviction, or other criminal history;
2. Fail to cooperate in having available child abuse registries checked in accordance with 8 CFR 204.311;
3.

Fail to disclose, as required by 8 CFR 204.311, each and every prior adoption home study, whether completed or not,
including those that did not favorably recommend you, your spouse, or any adult member of your household for
adoption or custodial care.

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What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-600 is $775 for each petition, unless the children are birth siblings.
A biometric services fee of $85 is required for every petitioner, spouse (if married), and any adult member of the
household, unless you filed Form I-600A and you, your spouse, and any adult members of your household are within the
15-month biometric services validity period. For adult persons living abroad, see the Note for Petitioners Residing
Abroad below.
NOTE: The filing fee and biometric services fee are not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this
petition. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amount.
Note for Petitioners Residing Abroad: You, your spouse (if married), and each adult member of your household
MUST provide biometrics:
1. USCIS will inform a person residing abroad if he or she must pay a USCIS biometric services fee.
2. The U.S. Department of State or U.S. military installations abroad may also charge biometric services fees.

2016

3. Contact the nearest USCIS international office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate for instructions on fees and the
method of payment.
NOTE: No fee is required for this petition if you filed Form I-600A, and:

1. It was approved (or an extension was approved) within the previous 18 months; or
2. Is still pending; and

3. This is the first Form I-600 you have filed based on your valid Form I-600A (or you are filing multiple petitions for
children who are birth siblings).
If you did not file Form I-600A, and instead are requesting a suitability and eligibility determination as part of your Form
I-600 petition filing, then you must enclose a separate check or money order for each petition requiring filing and/or
biometric services fees. For example, if a married couple residing in the United States with one adult member of their
household files such a petition, the total fees would be $775 for Form I-600 and a separate check or money order for
$255 ($85 x 3 adults living in the household) for biometrics.

Fee Rule

NOTE: USCIS will provide one additional biometric services appointment at no charge to you, your spouse (if married),
and/or any adult member of your household, if the 15-month biometric services validity period has or will expire before
the final adjudication of your Form I-600 petition. See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/adoption for more information about requesting the additional biometric services appointment.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-600 filing and
biometric services fees:
1. The checks or money orders must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and
must be payable in U.S. currency.
2. Make the checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials "USDHS" or "DHS."
Notice to Those Making Payment by Check
If you send us a check, USCIS will convert it into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means we will copy your
check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for the amount of the check. The debit
from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it on your regular account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your
check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is
returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your petition and charge you a returned check fee.
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How to Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form I-600's filing fee and biometric services fee are current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page.
However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps
below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select "FORMS," and check the appropriate fee; or
2. Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or
hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
3. If you live outside the United States, contact the nearest USCIS international office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate
for instructions on fees and the method of payment.

Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-600 or call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the
most current information about where to file this petition. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

2016

Address Change

You must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. For information on
filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National
Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
In addition, you must notify the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your case. If you filed your petition with the USCIS
Lockbox, the National Benefits Center (NBC) has jurisdiction over your case. If you filed at a USCIS international office
or a government entity that USCIS designates, you will need to submit your change of address to that office. Due to your
change in residence, USCIS may also require you to submit an updated or amended home study for a significant change.

Fee Rule

See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption for information on significant changes
due to a change in residence and current mailing addresses for the NBC and USCIS international offices.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because these facilities do not process
change of address requests.

Processing Information

Certification. You must fill out and sign the Parts 5. and 6. of Form I-600. Your spouse (if married) must fill out and
sign Parts 7. and 8. of the petition.
USCIS will reject any Form I-600 that is not signed or accompanied by the correct fee, if any, and issue a notice
stating that your Form I-600 is deficient. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-600. A petition is not
considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your petition, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill
out this petition, you will not establish a basis for eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your petition.
Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your petition.
We also may request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. USCIS will return any requested originals
when they are no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your petition. At
the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.

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Decision. A decision on Form I-600 involves a determination of whether you have established the child's eligibility to be
classified as an orphan under U.S. immigration law. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.

Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments
USCIS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and/or
impairments that will help them fully participate in USCIS programs and benefits.
Reasonable accommodations vary with each disability and/or impairment. They may involve modifications to practices
or procedures. There are various types of reasonable accommodations that USCIS may offer you. Examples include but
are not limited to:
1. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, USCIS may provide you with a sign-language interpreter at an interview or other
petition-related appointment;
2. If you are blind or have low vision, USCIS may permit you to take a test orally rather than in writing; or
3. If you are unable to travel to a designated USCIS location for an interview, USCIS may visit you at your home or a
hospital.

2016

If you believe that you need USCIS to accommodate your disability and/or impairment, select "Yes" and then any
applicable box in Part 4. that describes the nature of your disabilities and/or impairments. Also, describe the types of
accommodations you are requesting on the lines provided. If you are requesting a sign-language interpreter, indicate for
which language.
NOTE: All domestic USCIS facilities meet the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so you
do not need to contact USCIS to request an accommodation for physical access to a domestic USCIS office. However, in
Part 4. of this petition, you can indicate whether you use a wheelchair. This will allow USCIS to better prepare for your
visit.

Fee Rule

USCIS considers requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis, and we will make our best efforts to
reasonably accommodate your disabilities and/or impairments. USCIS will not exclude you from participating in USCIS
programs or deny your petition because of your disabilities and/or impairments. Requesting and/or receiving an
accommodation will not affect your eligibility for any USCIS benefits.

USCIS Forms and Information

www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have
Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain
forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or
hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can now schedule an appointment through the USCIS
Internet-based system, InfoPass, at infopass.uscis.gov/. Use the InfoPass appointment scheduler and follow the screen
prompts to set up your appointment. InfoPass generates an electronic appointment notice that appears on the screen.

Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-600, we will
deny your Form I-600 and may deny any USCIS benefit you request.

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USCIS Privacy Act Statement
AUTHORITY: The information requested on this petition and the associated evidence, is collected under Section
101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [8 USC 1101], 8 CFR 204.3, and 8 CFR 204.311.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this form is to classify an orphan who is, or
will be, adopted by a U.S. citizen, as an immediate relative of the U.S. citizen to allow the child to enter the United States.
DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny your petition.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and
any requested evidence, may delay a final decision in your case or result in denial of your petition.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this form with other Federal, state, local, and foreign
government agencies and authorized organizations following approved routine uses described in the associated published
system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-005 - Inter-Country Adoptions Security and DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index,
and National File Tracking System of Records, which can be found at www.dhs.gov/privacy]. The information may also
be shared, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.

2016

NOTICE TO ADULT MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD: You are not the petitioner who is filing Form I-600. As
an adult member of the petitioner's household, however, information about you may be relevant to the adjudication of the
petitioner's Form I-600. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), the petitioner is entitled to review any information that may be used
as evidence supporting a denial of Form I-600. By signing the Form I-600A/Form I-600, Supplement 1, you are
providing your consent to permit USCIS to disclose to the petitioner and adoption service provider, if applicable,
information that USCIS may obtain about you that is relevant to the adjudication of the petitioner's Form I-600, even if the
Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, might otherwise prevent disclosure of the information to the petitioner.
PRIVACY ACT WAIVER: Except as permitted by the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, applicable routine uses, and
information related to adult members of your household as noted above, USCIS may not disclose or give access to any
information or record relating to any petitioner, spouse (if married), or adult member of your household to any individual
or entity other than that person, including but not limited to an accredited agency, approved person, exempted provider,
supervised provider, or other adoption service provider, unless you give written consent, as provided by the Privacy Act.

Fee Rule

Paperwork Reduction Act

An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated at 45 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required
documentation and information, completing and submitting the petition, preparing statement, attaching necessary
documentation, and submitting the petition. The collection of biometrics is estimated to require 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions
for reducing this burden to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of
Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0028. Do not mail your
completed Form I-600 to this address.

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