TABLE OF CHANGES – Instructions
Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
OMB Number: 1615-0028
03/24/2020
Reason for Revision: Final Fee Rule. Project Phase: G-1056
Legend for Proposed Text:
Expires 12/31/2021 Edition Date 12/21/2019 |
Current Page Number and Section |
Current Text |
Proposed Text |
Page 1,
What Is the Purpose of This Form?
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[Page 1]
What Is the Purpose of Form I-600A?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses the information provided on Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, to determine whether you (and your spouse, if married) are suitable and eligible to adopt 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).
Form I-600A is not a petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative. Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, is used for that purpose. |
[Page 1]
What Is the Purpose of Form I-600A?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses the information provided on Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, to determine whether you (and your spouse, if married) are suitable and eligible to adopt 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).
Form I-600A is not a petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative. Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, is used for that purpose. |
Page 1, Who May File Form I-600A? |
[Page 1]
Who May File Form I-600A?
You may file Form I-600A if you are a U.S. citizen who plans to adopt or has adopted a child from a country that is not party to the Hague Adoption Convention. You may file Form I-600A even if you do not have a specific child identified for adoption.
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[Page 1]
Who May File Form I-600A?
You may file Form I-600A if you are a U.S. citizen who plans to adopt or has adopted an unmarried child from a country that is not party to the Hague Adoption Convention. You may file Form I-600A even if you do not have a specific child identified for adoption.
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Page 1, Who May Not File Form I-600A? |
[Page 1]
Who May Not File Form I-600A?
If you seek to adopt a child who is habitually resident in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, you cannot file Form I-600A and must instead use Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country.
There are exceptions. You may be able to file Form I-600A if:
1. You (and your spouse, if married) were not yet U.S. citizens when you adopted the child from a Hague Adoption Convention country, but the applicant is a U.S. citizen at the time of filing Form I-600A; or
2. The child’s adoption is not governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. For example, the adoption took place before the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the child’s country of origin. For additional information, see the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption and the Department of State's website at www.adoption.state.gov.
NOTE: If you are filing under one of these exceptions, you should include evidence that you qualify for the exception with your Form I-600A.
For a list of Hague Adoption Convention countries and the dates the Hague Adoption Convention became effective for each country, see the Status Table on the website of The Hague Conference on Private International Law at https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=69.
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[Page 1]
Who May Not File Form I-600A?
If you seek to adopt a child who is habitually resident in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, you cannot file Form I-600A and must instead use Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country.
There are exceptions. You may be able to file Form I-600A if:
1. You (and your spouse, if married) were not yet U.S. citizens when you adopted the child from a Hague Adoption Convention country, but the applicant is a U.S. citizen at the time of filing Form I-600A; or
2. The child’s adoption is not governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. For example, the adoption occurred before the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force in the child’s country of origin. For additional information, see the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption and the Department of State's website at www.adoption.state.gov.
NOTE: If you are filing under one of these exceptions, you should include evidence that you qualify for the exception with your Form I-600A.
For a list of Hague Adoption Convention countries and the dates the Hague Adoption Convention became effective for each country, see the Status Table on the website of The Hague Conference on Private International Law at https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=69.
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Page 2,
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
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[Page 2]
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
You must be a U.S. citizen to file Form I-600A.
If you are married, your spouse does not need to be a U.S. citizen. However, if your spouse lives in the United States, you must submit proof that your spouse is living in the United States lawfully as a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or in another lawful immigration status.
If you are unmarried, you must be at least 24 years of age to file Form I-600A and at least 25 years of age to file Form I-600.
NOTE: Some children may not be eligible for adoption, even if you are eligible to file Form I-600A and your application is approved. For more information, refer to the What Should You Do After Locating or Identifying a Child or Children section of these Instructions.
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[Page 1]
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
You must be a U.S. citizen to file Form I-600A.
If you are married, your spouse does not need to be a U.S. citizen. However, if your spouse lives in the United States, you must submit proof that your spouse is living in the United States lawfully as a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or in another lawful immigration status.
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If you are unmarried, you must be at least 24 years of age to file Form I-600A and at least 25 years of age to file Form I-600.
NOTE: Some children may not be eligible for adoption, even if you are eligible to file Form I-600A and your application is approved. For more information, refer to the What Should You Do After Locating or Identifying a Child or Children? section of these Instructions.
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Pages 2-5,
General Instructions
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[Page 2]
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/. If you do not have internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. A power of attorney is also not sufficient for USCIS purposes. A legal guardian may sign for a mentally incompetent person.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink signature.
Filing Fee. Each application 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 documents listed in the Initial Evidence section of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS requires that you, your spouse (if married), and/or any adult member of your household appear for an interview or provide biometrics (for example, fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application.
1. Applicants Residing in the United States. After you file your application, USCIS will notify each person in writing of the date, time, and local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) where he or she must go to provide biometrics. USCIS may deny your application if anyone fails to go to his or her appointment.
2. Applicants Residing Abroad. Each individual who must provide biometrics must go to a USCIS international office, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or U.S. military installation abroad to submit a completed Form FD-258, Applicant Fingerprint Card, or provide biometrics electronically where available. 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.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application or petition. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be immediately destroyed after we receive them.
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Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
Affidavits. If you cannot obtain a required document, you must:
1. Submit an original typed or written statement verifying that the record does not exist from the governmental agency that should have the record;
2. Submit a citation to the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual indicating that the records are generally not available; or
3. Otherwise demonstrate that both the primary and secondary evidence are unavailable. Only then may you submit two or more written affidavits sworn to or affirmed by persons who are not parties to the application and 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-600A
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. If you 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 (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless otherwise directed.
4. Part 2. Information About Your Home Study Preparer and/or Primary Adoption Service Provider. Provide the information requested in Item Numbers 1. - 5.
Indicate in Item Number 1. whether your home study is or is not attached to your Form I-600A. If your home study is attached, select Item A. If your home study is not attached, select Item B. Your home study must be submitted within one year from the date you file Form I-600A, or USCIS will deny your Form I-600A under 8 CFR parts 204.3(c)(2) and (h)(5).
If the individual who prepared your home study meets the definition of an exempted or supervised provider in 22 CFR 96, you will need to identify an accredited agency that has reviewed and approved or will review and approve your home study in Item Number 3.
5. Part 4. Accommodations for 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 we may offer. Examples include, but are not limited to:
A. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, USCIS may provide you with a sign-language interpreter at an interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment; or
B. If you are unable to travel to a designated USCIS location for an interview, USCIS may visit you at your home or a hospital.
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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 "Yes" in Item Number 1. and then all applicable boxes in Items A. - C. in Item Number 3. that describe the nature of the disabilities and/or impairments. Also, describe the types of requested accommodations on the lines provided. If requesting a sign-language interpreter, indicate for which language. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information.
6. Part 5. Applicant's Statement, Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. Also, if someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. Under \8 CFR section 204.311(d), you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of your household have an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the intercountry adoption process. See the Duty of Disclosure section of these Instructions below for more information. Read the Duty of Disclosure certification, then sign and date this section of the application. Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
7. Part 6. Your Spouse's Statement, Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature. Your spouse should select the appropriate box to indicate whether he or she read this application themselves or whether he or she had an interpreter assist them. If someone assisted your spouse in completing the application, select the box indicating that he or she used a preparer. Additionally, if you are married, your spouse has an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the intercountry adoption process. See the Duty of Disclosure section of these Instructions below for more information. Your spouse must read the Duty of Disclosure certification, then sign and date this section of the application. Every application MUST contain the signature of your spouse. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
8. Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you and/or your spouse (if married) used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section; provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
9. Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, If Other Than the Applicant and/or Spouse. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if other than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as an interpreter and preparer for you and your spouse (if married), that person should complete both Part 7. and Part 8. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you and/or your spouse complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you and/or your spouse prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may also need to 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 application.
Only an individual who is licensed in the United States as an attorney (or who is otherwise permitted under 8 CFR parts 1.2, 292.1, and 292.2 to practice before USCIS) may give you legal advice or provide any other legal services concerning your application. You should ask anyone providing you with legal advice if he or she is licensed to practice law or is otherwise permitted by U.S. law to provide you with legal advice about immigration processes.
An "accredited representative" 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 to provide legal services is separate and distinct from accreditation to provide adoption services under the Department of State regulations at 22 CFR 96.
10. Part 9. Additional Information. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 9., you may make copies of Part 9. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of paper. If you attach a separate sheet of paper, type or print your name and 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.
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We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and for your records. We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you go to your biometric services appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will permit you to complete the application process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your application is complete, true, and correct. If you are not able to make that attestation in good faith at that time, USCIS will require you to return for another appointment.
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[Page 2]
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/. If you do not have internet access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. A power of attorney is also not sufficient for USCIS purposes. A legal guardian may sign for a mentally incompetent person. If the request is not signed or if the requisite signature on the request is not valid, USCIS will reject the request. See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS will deny the request.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink signature.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.)
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Initial Evidence section of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS requires that you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of your household appear for an interview or provide biometrics (for example, fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify identity, obtain additional information, and conduct security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application.
1. Applicants Residing in the United States. After you file your application, USCIS will notify each person in writing of the date, time, and local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) where he or she must go to provide biometrics. USCIS may deny your application if anyone fails to go to his or her appointment.
2. Applicants Residing Abroad. Each individual who must provide biometrics must go to a USCIS international office, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or U.S. military installation abroad to submit a completed Form FD-258, Applicant Fingerprint Card, or provide biometrics electronically where available. 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.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application or petition. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after we determine we no longer need your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be immediately destroyed after we receive them.
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Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
Affidavits. If you cannot obtain a required document, you must:
1. Submit an original typed or written statement from the governmental agency that should have the record, verifying that the record does not exist;
2. Submit a citation to the current U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual indicating that the records are generally not available; or
3. Otherwise demonstrate that both the primary and secondary evidence are unavailable. Only then may you submit two or more typed or written affidavits sworn to or affirmed by persons who are not parties to the application and 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-600A
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 12. Additional Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. If you attach a separate sheet of paper, type or print your name and Alien Registration (A-Number) 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 (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have?” or “How many times have you departed the United States?”), type or print “None.”
4. Part 5. Information About Your Home Study Preparer and/or Primary Adoption Service Provider. Provide the information requested in Item Numbers 1. - 5.
Indicate in Item Number 1. whether your home study is or is not attached to your Form I-600A. If your home study is attached, select Item A. If your home study is not attached, select Item B. Your home study must be submitted within one year from the date you file Form I-600A, or USCIS will deny your Form I-600A under 8 CFR parts 204.3(c)(2) and (h)(5).
If the individual who prepared your home study meets the definition of an exempted or supervised provider in 22 CFR 96, you will need to identify an accredited agency that has reviewed and approved or will review and approve your home study in Item Number 3.
5. Part 7. Accommodations for 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 we may offer. Examples include, but are not limited to:
A. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, USCIS may provide you with a sign-language interpreter at an interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment; or
B. If you are unable to travel to a designated USCIS location for an interview, USCIS may visit you at your home or a hospital.
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If you believe that you need USCIS to accommodate your, your spouse's (if married), or an adult member of your household’s disability and/or impairment, select "Yes" in Item Number 1. and all applicable boxes in Item Number 2., as well as in Items A. - C. in Item Number 3. that describe the nature of the disabilities and/or impairments. Also, describe the types of requested accommodations on the lines provided. If requesting a sign-language interpreter, indicate for which language. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 12. Additional Information.
6. Part 8. Applicant's Statement, Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. Also, if someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. Additionally, under 8 CFR section 204.311(d), you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of your household have an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the intercountry adoption process. See the Duty of Disclosure of these Instructions below for more information. Read the Duty of Disclosure certification, then sign and date this section of the application. Every application MUST contain the applicant’s signature. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
7. Part 9. Your Spouse's Statement, Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature. Your spouse (if married) should select the appropriate box to indicate whether he or she read this application alone or whether he or she had an interpreter assist him or her. If someone assisted your spouse in completing the application, select the box indicating that he or she used a preparer. Additionally, under 8 CFR 204.311(d), your spouse has an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the intercountry adoption process. See the Duty of Disclosure section of these Instructions below for more information. Your spouse must read the Duty of Disclosure certification, then sign and date this section of the application. Every application MUST contain your spouse’s signature. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
8. Part 10. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you and/or your spouse (if married) used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section; provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
9. Part 11. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, If Other Than the Applicant and/or Spouse. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if other than you, the applicant, and/or your spouse (if married). If the same individual acted as an interpreter and preparer for you and your spouse, that person should complete both Part 10. and Part 11. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you and/or your spouse complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you and/or your spouse prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may also need to 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 application.
Only an individual who is licensed in the United States as an attorney (or who is otherwise permitted under 8 CFR parts 1.2, 292.1, and 292.2 to practice before USCIS) may give you legal advice or provide any other legal services concerning your application. You should ask anyone providing you with legal advice if he or she is licensed to practice law or is otherwise permitted by U.S. law to provide you with legal advice about immigration processes.
An "accredited representative" 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 to provide legal services is separate and distinct from accreditation to provide adoption services under the Department of State regulations at 22 CFR 96.
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10. Part 12. Additional Information. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the space provided in Part 12. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 12., you may make copies of Part 12. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of paper. If you attach a separate sheet of paper, type or print your name and 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.
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and for your records. We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you go to your biometric services appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will permit you to complete the application process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your application is complete, true, and correct. If you are not able to make that attestation at that time, USCIS will require you to return for another appointment.
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Page 5, Form I-600A/I-600 Supplements |
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Form I-600A/I-600 Supplements
Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household
You must submit Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household, for each adult member of your household. For this supplement, an adult member of the household is any individual other than you and your spouse (if married) who has the same residence as you and is 18 years of age or older on or before the date that you file Form I-600A or Form I-600. An adult member of the household is considered to have the same residence as you if they actually live with you. It does not matter if they intend to reside with you for a short term or long term.
USCIS may request that you submit Supplement 1 for any household member who has not yet turned 18 years of age before you file Form I-600A or Form I-600, or who does not actually live with you, but whose presence USCIS deems relevant to whether you and your spouse (if married) are suitable to adopt.
Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 2, Consent to Disclose Information
If you want to give consent for USCIS to disclose information about your case to your primary adoption service provider, home study preparer, or any other individual or entity (other than your attorney or accredited representative), you should complete Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 2. You are not required to give this consent in order to file Form I-600A.
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Form I-600A/I-600 Supplements
Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household
You must submit Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household, for each adult member of your household. For this supplement, an adult member of the household is any individual other than you and your spouse (if married) who has the same residence as you and is 18 years of age or older on or before the date that you file Form I-600A or Form I-600. An adult member of the household is considered to have the same residence as you if he or she actually lives with you. It does not matter if he or she intends to reside with you for a short term or long term.
USCIS may request that you submit Supplement 1 for any household member who has not yet turned 18 years of age before you file Form I-600A or Form I-600, or who does not actually live with you, but whose presence USCIS deems relevant to whether you and your spouse (if married) are suitable to adopt.
Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 2, Consent to Disclose Information
If you want to give consent for USCIS to disclose information about your case to your primary adoption service provider, home study preparer, or any other individual or entity (other than your attorney or accredited representative), you should complete Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 2. You are not required to give this consent in order to file Form I-600A.
Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3, Request for Action on Approved Form I-600A/I-600
You must file Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3 if you would like to request action, such as an extension or updated suitability determination, on your approved and valid Form I-600A or Form I-600 suitability determination.
The USCIS office that approves your Form I-600A (if you choose to file it) will have jurisdiction over any extensions or changes you may need to request while your Form I-600A approval remains valid. Once you file Form I-600, you are not required to keep any underlying Form I-600A approval valid, but you may do so if you wish. If you choose to let your Form I-600A expire after you filed your Form I-600, the USCIS office that approved your original Form I-600A or the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your Form I-600 may assume jurisdiction over making a new suitability determination in light of any significant changes.
If your Form I-600A approval is still valid, you must use Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3, regardless of whether you have filed Form I-600, to request any of the following:
1. An extension of your approved Form I-600A;
[Page 6]
2. A new approval notice based on a significant change or change in the number of children or characteristics (such as age, gender, and/or special needs) of the child or children you intend to adopt since your Form I-600A or Form I-600 was approved; 3. A change in non-Hague Adoption Convention country; or 4. A duplicate approval notice.
Your Form I-600A approval notice indicates the date your approval expires. If you are filing Supplement 3 to obtain an extension of your approved Form I-600A, you must do so before your approval expires, but no more than 90 days before its expiration.
NOTE: You may not use Supplement 3 to extend eligibility to process your case as a Hague Adoption Convention transition case beyond your first extension. Generally, you may not use Supplement 3 to increase the number of children you wish to adopt from a transition country. However, unless prohibited by the new Convention country, USCIS will permit prospective adoptive parent(s) to request an updated Form I-600A approval notice to increase the number of children they are approved to adopt as a transition case only in order to pursue the adoption of a birth sibling, provided the birth sibling(s) is (are) identified and the Form I-600 petition is filed before the Form I-600A approval expires. You may not use Supplement 3 to change to a transition country if you have already designated a country. See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption for information on filing limitations in transition cases.
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Pages 5-9,
Initial Evidence
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[Page 5]
Initial Evidence
Unless otherwise stated, you must submit the following supporting documentation with your Form I-600A:
1. Proof of Applicant's U.S. Citizenship
A. If you were born in the United States, 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 and secondary evidence, 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;
(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
(5) An unexpired U.S. passport issued with 10 years of validity.
[Page 6]
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 with 10 years of validity; 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 the evidence listed above as proof of your spouse's U.S. citizenship or non-citizen U.S. national status. If your spouse is a foreign national who is residing in the United States, submit proof of your spouse's lawful immigration status, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green 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 Applicant 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.
If any change occurs in your marital status while your application is pending, immediately notify the USCIS office that has jurisdiction over your case. See the Home Study Updates section of these Instructions below for more details on changes in marital status.
3. Proof of Compliance with Pre-adoption Requirements (if any)
If the child will be coming to the United States for adoption, you must provide evidence that any pre-adoption requirements of the state where the child will live have been met. If you cannot submit this evidence when you initially file your application due to state law requirements, you may submit this evidence later. However, USCIS will not approve your Form I-600 for a specific child without this evidence.
4. Home Study
You have one year from the filing date of your application to submit your home study. If you live in a state where an appropriate state authority must review, approve, and submit your home study directly to USCIS, it must be submitted within the same timeframe. If your home study is not received within one year, USCIS will deny your Form I-600A under 8 CFR parts 204.3(c)(2) and (h)(5). In all cases, your home study must not be more than six months old when it is submitted to USCIS. If it is more than six months old, you must include an update to the home study that is not more than six months old.
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.
A home study preparer is an individual or agency authorized to conduct home studies 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 where the home study is prepared. 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 also personally sign your home study and any updated home study under penalty of perjury under U.S. law.
If
your case meets certain criteria, your home study may be required
to meet some different requirements than those described above.
For more information, see the information on the Intercountry
Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 on the USCIS website
at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
[Page 7]
If your home study was not conducted by an accredited agency, an accredited agency must review and approve your home study before you submit it to USCIS. This requirement does not apply to a home study that was conducted 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. Although a reviewer is not required, a home study conducted by a public foreign authority or public domestic authority must still comply with the requirements specified in 8 CFR 204.311
Home Study Requirements
For a complete description of the requirements for a home study, see 8 CFR 204.311 and 22 CFR 96. If your case meets certain criteria, your home study may not be required to meet the requirements of 8 CFR 204.311 and 22 CFR 96. For more information, see the information on the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
Home Study Updates
There may be times during the adoption process when you will be required to obtain and provide an update of your home study.
The following are some examples of circumstances that require a home study update:
1. If your Form I-600A is approved, you must submit an updated home study to USCIS when you request an extension of your Form I-600A approval.
2. Change to a different non-Hague Convention country.
3. Change in marital status. If your change in marital status occurs:
A. While your Form I-600A application is pending, you must submit a new Form I-600A that reflects your changed marital status and an updated home study. No new application fee is required, but you must pay any new required biometric services fees; or
B. After your Form I-600A application has been approved, USCIS will automatically revoke an approved Form I-600A if you are an unmarried applicant who marries or if you are married and your current marriage ends. Therefore, you must either:
(1) Submit an updated home study and a new Form I-600A that reflects your changed marital status (you must pay the application fee and any required biometric services fees); or
(2) Wait until you are ready to file your Form I-600 petition. File your Form I-600 petition together with Form I-600A supporting documents. USCIS will make a new suitability and eligibility determination as part of your Form I-600 petition filing. (You must pay the petition fee and any required biometric services fees.) For more information about such simultaneous filings, see the filing instructions for Form I-600 on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-600.
4. Change of residence, including a change in the child's proposed residence. If you move to a new state in the United States, you must meet any pre-adoption requirements of that new state if a child is coming to the United States for adoption.
5. Significant decrease in availability of financial resources, such as loss of employment, garnishment of wages, etc.
6. Any change in history of arrest or criminal history of the applicants or any household member regardless of age.
7. Any change in history of child abuse or neglect, substance abuse, family violence, and/or sexual abuse as an offender, for the applicants or any household member, regardless of age.
[Page 8]
8. Change in the number of and/or identity of children in your household, whether through adoption, foster care, birth, or any other means.
9. Change in the number of and/or identity of adult members of your household. A Form I-600A/Form I-600, Supplement 1 is required for any new adult member of the household.
10. Lapse of more than six months between the date your home study is completed and the date you submit it to USCIS.
11. Change in the number of children or characteristics (such as age, gender, and/or special needs) of the child or children you intend to adopt.
12. A development of a serious health condition for any household member, including but not limited to: heart attacks, cancer, strokes, conditions requiring extensive therapy, dementia, severe injuries, etc.
Your adoption service provider can advise you on other changes that may require an updated home study.
How to File Updates to Your Home Study
If you need to file an updated home study, you must always submit a signed written request and include a copy of the home study that is being updated, including all prior updates (if applicable).
1. If you need to submit a home study update while your Form I-600A is pending, submit your updated home study to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your Form I-600A.
2. If you need to submit a home study update after USCIS has approved your Form I-600A and while it remains valid, submit your updated home study to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your Form I-600A.
3. If you need to submit a home study update, but you did not file Form I-600A, submit your updated home study to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your Form I-600.
[Page 9]
Duty of Disclosure
Under 8 CFR 204.311(d), you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of your household have an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the intercountry adoption process. This duty requires you, your spouse, and any adult member of your household to:
1. Provide true and complete information to your home study preparer;
2. Disclose other relevant information, such as physical, mental, or emotional health problems or behavioral issues;
3. Disclose any arrest, conviction, or other criminal history, whether in the United States or abroad, even if the record of the arrest, conviction, or other criminal history was expunged, sealed, pardoned, or the subject of any other amelioration;
4. Disclose any history of substance abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse or neglect, and/or family violence as an offender under 8 CFR 204.309(a)(1), even if closed or unsubstantiated; and
5. Notify your home study preparer and USCIS of any new event or information that might require you to submit an updated home study.
With respect to child abuse or neglect, this duty of disclosure requires you to disclose any past or 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 even if closed or unsubstantiated.
This duty of disclosure is an ongoing duty that continues throughout the intercountry adoption process. This timeframe includes periods while any Form I-600A is pending, after any Form I-600A is approved, while any Form I-600 is pending, and until there is a final decision admitting the child to the United States with a visa.
See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption for information on duty of disclosure notification periods.
WARNING
Under 8 CFR 204.309(a), USCIS will deny this application if you, your spouse (if married), or any adult member of your household:
1. Conceal, misrepresent, or fail to disclose 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 it;
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. |
[Page 6]
Initial Evidence
Unless otherwise stated, you must submit the following supporting documentation with your Form I-600A:
1. Proof of Applicant's U.S. Citizenship
A. If you were born in the United States, 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 and secondary evidence, 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;
(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
(5) An unexpired U.S. passport issued with 10 years of validity.
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 with 10 years of validity; or
(4) An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying your U.S. citizenship with an unexpired passport.
[Page 7]
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 the evidence listed above as proof of your spouse's U.S. citizenship or non-citizen U.S. national status. If your spouse is a foreign national who is residing in the United States, submit proof of your spouse's lawful immigration status, such as: a Permanent Resident Card (Green 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 Applicant and Spouse
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.
If any change occurs in your marital status while your application is pending, immediately notify the USCIS office that has jurisdiction over your case. See the Home Study Updates section of these Instructions below for more details on changes in marital status.
3. Proof of Compliance with Pre-Adoption Requirements
If the child will be coming to the United States for adoption, you must provide evidence that any pre-adoption requirements of the state where the child will live have been or will be met. If you cannot submit this evidence when you initially file your application due to state law requirements, you may submit this evidence later. However, USCIS will not approve your Form I-600 for a specific child without this evidence.
4. Home Study
You have one year from the filing date of your application to submit your original home study. If you live in a state where an appropriate state authority must review, approve, and submit your home study directly to USCIS, it must be submitted within the same timeframe. If your home study is not received within one year, USCIS will deny your Form I-600A under 8 CFR parts 204.3(c)(2) and (h)(5). In all cases, your home study must not be more than six months old when it is submitted to USCIS. If it is more than six months old, you must include an update to the home study that is not more than six months old.
You must submit an original 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.
A home study preparer is an individual or agency authorized to conduct home studies 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 where the home study is prepared. 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 also personally sign your home study and any updated home study under penalty of perjury under U.S. law.
If
your case meets certain criteria, your home study may be required
to meet some different requirements than those described above.
For more information, see the information on the Intercountry
Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 on the USCIS website
at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
If your home study was not conducted by an accredited agency, an accredited agency must review and approve your home study before you submit it to USCIS. If your home study requires review and approval, you may submit a copy of the review and approval versus the original review and approval letter. This requirement does not apply to a home study that was conducted 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. Although a reviewer is not required, a home study conducted by a public foreign authority or public domestic authority must still comply with the requirements specified in 8 CFR 204.311
[Page 8]
Home Study Requirements
For a complete description of the requirements for a home study, see 8 CFR 204.311 and 22 CFR 96. If your case meets certain criteria, your home study may not be required to meet the requirements of 8 CFR 204.311 and 22 CFR 96. For more information, see the information on the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
Home Study Updates
There may be times during the adoption process when you will be required to obtain and provide an update of your home study.
The following are some examples of circumstances that require a home study update:
1. If your Form I-600A is approved, you must submit an updated home study to USCIS when you request an extension of your Form I-600A approval.
2. Change in intended country of adoption to a different non-Hague Adoption Convention country.
3. Change in marital status. If your change in marital status occurs:
A. While your Form I-600A is pending, you must submit a new Form I-600A that reflects your changed marital status and an updated home study. No Form I-600A fee is required.
B. After your Form I-600A has been approved, USCIS will automatically revoke an approved Form I-600A if you are an unmarried applicant who marries or if you are married and your current marriage ends. Therefore, you must either:
(1) Submit a new Form I-600A with the filing fee. You must also submit an updated home study that reflects your changed marital status; or
(2) Wait until you are ready to file your Form I-600 and file it concurrently with the Form I-600A supporting documents and the Form I-600 filing fee. You must also submit an updated home study that reflects your changed marital status.
4. Change of residence, including a change in the child's proposed residence. If you move to a new state in the United States, you must meet any pre-adoption requirements of that new state if the child is coming to the United States for adoption.
5. Significant decrease in financial resources, such as loss of employment, garnishment of wages, etc.
6. Any change in history of arrest or criminal history of any household member regardless of age.
7. Any change in history of child abuse or neglect, substance abuse, family violence, and/or sexual abuse as an offender, for any household member, regardless of age.
8. Change in the number of and/or identity of children in your household, whether through adoption, foster care, birth, or any other means.
9. Change in the number of and/or identity of adult members of your household. A Form I-600A/Form I-600, Supplement 1 is required for any new adult member of the household.
10. Lapse of more than six months between the date your home study is completed and the date you submit it to USCIS.
11. Change in the number of children or characteristics (such as age, gender, and/or special needs) of the child or children you intend to adopt.
12. A development of a serious health condition for any household member, including but not limited to: heart attacks, cancer, strokes, conditions requiring extensive therapy, dementia, severe injuries, etc.
Your adoption service provider can advise you on other changes that may require an updated home study.
[Page 9]
How to File Updates to Your Home Study
The location for filing an update to your home study and the items you must include will depend on where you are in the adoption process. If you need to submit a home study update:
1. While your Form I-600A is pending, you must submit your updated home study to the USCIS office currently reviewing your application. You do not need to file Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3 while Form I-600A is pending.
2. After USCIS has approved your Form I-600A (and while it remains valid), you must file Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3 with a fee. You must also submit your updated home study with a copy of the home study that is being updated (including all prior updates) to the USCIS office that approved your Form I-600A. No Supplement 3 fee is required if you are also making your first request to extend your Form I-600A approval or change to a different non-Hague Adoption Convention country.
If USCIS determines that the updated home study shows that you and your spouse (if married) remain suitable to parent a child, we will issue a new approval notice with the same expiration date as the original approval, unless you submitted the updated home study with a request for an extension of your Form I-600A approval.
NOTE: A change in marital status while Form I-600A is pending will require you to file a new Form I-600A accompanied by a new home study, but without a fee. A change in marital status after approval of Form I-600A will require you to file a new Form I-600A with a fee and a new home study. See the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption/home-study-information for information.
If you are abroad, do not file home study updates with U.S. Department of State personnel at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must submit any home study updates directly to the USCIS office that has jurisdiction over your filing.
[deleted]
Duty of Disclosure
Under 8 CFR 204.311(d), you, your spouse (if married), and any adult member of your household have an ongoing duty of disclosure throughout the intercountry adoption process. This duty requires you, your spouse, and any adult member of your household to:
1. Provide true and complete information to your home study preparer;
2. Disclose other relevant information, such as physical, mental, or emotional health problems or behavioral issues;
3. Disclose any arrest, conviction, or other criminal history, whether in the United States or abroad, even if the record of the arrest, conviction, or other criminal history was expunged, sealed, pardoned, or the subject of any other amelioration;
4. Disclose any history of substance abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse or neglect, and/or family violence as an offender under 8 CFR 204.309(a)(1), even if closed or unsubstantiated; and
5. Notify your home study preparer and USCIS of any new event or information that might require you to submit an updated home study.
With respect to child abuse or neglect, this duty of disclosure requires you to disclose any past or 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, even if closed or unsubstantiated.
This duty of disclosure is an ongoing duty that continues throughout the intercountry adoption process. This timeframe includes periods while any Form I-600A is pending, after any Form I-600A is approved, while any Form I-600 is pending, and until there is a final decision to admit the child to the United States with a visa.
See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption for information on duty of disclosure notification periods.
[Page 10]
WARNING
Under 8 CFR 204.309(a), USCIS will deny this application if you, your spouse (if married), or any adult member of your household:
1. Conceal, misrepresent, or fail to disclose any facts to the home study preparer or USCIS about any arrest, conviction, or history of substance abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse or neglect, 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 adult member of your household from the obligation to disclose it;
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. |
Pages 9-10,
What Is the Filing Fee?
|
[Page 9]
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-600A is $775.
There are no filing fees for the Form I-600A/I-600 Supplement 1 or Supplement 2.
[Page 10]
A biometric services fee of $85 is required for every applicant, any spouse (if married), and any adult member of the household. For adult persons living abroad, USCIS will inform you if you need to pay a USCIS biometric services fee.
NOTE: The filing fee and biometric services fee are not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Payments by Checks or Money Orders
If you are filing through the USCIS Lockbox, you must submit a separate check or money order for any required filings and biometric services fees. For example, if you are a married couple residing with one adult member of your household, you must submit two checks or money orders: one check or money order for the Form I-600A filing fee, and a separate check or money order for an amount that covers all three biometric fees (for you, your spouse, and the adult member of your household).
If you are filing abroad, contact the nearest USCIS international office or U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for instructions on fees and methods of payment.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-600A filing fee 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; and
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.”
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 application and charge you a returned check fee.
Payments by Credit Card
If you are filing your application at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay your filing fee and biometric services fee using a credit card. Please see Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, at www.uscis.gov/G-1450, for more information.
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form I-600A’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 select Form I-600A to check the appropriate fee; or
2. Visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get answers to your questions and connect with a live USCIS representative. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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[Page 10]
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-600A is $805.
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The filing fees for the three Form I-600/I-600 Supplements are as follows:
1. There is no filing fee for Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1. 2. There is no filing fee for Form I-600A-I-600, Supplement 2. 3. There is a $400 filing fee for Form I-600A-I-600, Supplement 3. Certain requests associated with this supplement do not require a fee. These exceptions are indicated on Supplement 3.
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NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Payments by Check or Money Order
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If you are filing abroad, contact the nearest USCIS international office for instructions on fees and methods of payment.
If you are filing domestically through the USCIS Lockbox, use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form I-600A filing fee:
1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the check or money order 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.”
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, we may reject your application.
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Payments by Credit Card
If you are filing your application at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay your filing fee using a credit card. Please see Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, at www.uscis.gov/G-1450, for more information.
How To Check If the Fee is Correct
Form I-600A’s filing fee is 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 fee is correct by following one of the steps below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and select Form I-600A to check the appropriate fee; or
2. Visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get answers to your questions and connect with a live USCIS representative. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Page 11,
Where To File?
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Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-600A or call visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this application. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-600A or call visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this application. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Page 11,
Address Change
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Address Change
If your address changes, you must notify the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your case. If you filed your application with the USCIS Lockbox, the National Benefits Center (NBC) has jurisdiction over your case. If you filed at a USCIS international office, that office has jurisdiction over your case. Due to your change in residence, USCIS may also require you to submit an updated home study for a significant change. If you move to a different state, you may also have to provide updated information regarding any pre-adoption requirements.
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 the Lockbox does not process change of address requests. |
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Address Change
If your address changes, you must notify the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your case. Due to your change in residence, USCIS may also require you to submit an updated home study for a significant change. If you move to a different state, you may also have to provide updated information regarding any pre-adoption requirements.
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 the current mailing address for the National Benefits Center.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process change of address requests. |
Pages 11-12,
Processing Information
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Processing Information
Certification. You must fill out and sign Part 5. of Form I-600A. Your spouse (if married) must fill out and sign Part 6.
USCIS will reject any Form I-600A that is not signed or accompanied by the correct fees, if any, and issue a notice stating that your Form I-600A is deficient. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-600A. An application is not considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. A decision on Form I-600A involves a determination of whether you have established that you are suitable and eligible to adopt an orphan. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
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Processing Information
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USCIS will reject any Form I-600A that is not signed or accompanied by the correct fees, and issue a notice stating that your Form I-600A is deficient. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-600A. An application is not considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines we no longer need your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update security checks.
Decision. A decision on Form I-600A involves a determination of whether you have established that you are suitable and eligible to adopt a child. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing. If USCIS approves your application, you will receive a written notice which will include a specific period of approval. The period of approval will be determined to be 15 months from the date that USCIS was notified of your fingerprint record check results. In the case of more than one required fingerprint record for a married couple or a household with additional adult household members, the approval period will expire 15 months from the earliest fingerprint record response.
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Pages 11-12,
What Should You Do After Locating or Identifying a Child or Children? |
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What Should You Do After Locating Or Identifying a Child or Children?
Once approved, Form I-600A is valid for 18 months. When you have located and/or identified a child for adoption, you must also file a Form I-600 for the child. You generally must file Form I-600 before the child turns 16 years of age, unless an exception applies.
If USCIS finds you suitable and eligible to adopt more than one child, you may file Form I-600 for each child up to the maximum number reflected in your Form I-600A approval notice. See the Form I-600 Instructions for more information on child eligibility.
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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 expired or will expire before USCIS adjudicates your Form I-600. See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption for more information about requesting the additional biometric services appointment.
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What Should You Do After Locating Or Identifying a Child or Children?
When you have located and/or identified a child for adoption, you must also file a Form I-600 for the child. If USCIS finds you suitable and eligible to adopt more than one child, you may file a Form I-600 for each child up to the maximum number shown on the approval notice for your Form I-600A or Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3. You generally must file Form I-600 before the child turns 16 years of age, unless an exception applies. See the Form I-600 Instructions for more information on child eligibility and age exceptions.
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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 expired or will expire before USCIS adjudicates your Form I-600. See the adoption-related pages on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/adoption for more information about requesting the additional biometric services appointment.
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Page 13,
USCIS Forms and Information
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USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at 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 the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local domestic USCIS office, you may schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Tools,” then under “Self Service Tools,” select “Make An Appointment” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.
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USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local domestic USCIS office, you may schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Tools,” then under “Self Service Tools,” select “Make An Appointment” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.
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Penalties
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Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-600A, we will deny your Form I-600A and may deny any other USCIS benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
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Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-600A, we will deny your Form I-600A and may deny any USCIS benefit you request. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
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Pages 12-13,
DHS Privacy Notice |
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DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under INA sections 101(b)(1)(F), 201, and 204, 8 CFR 204.3, 8 CFR 204.301, and 8 CFR 204.311.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you are suitable and eligible to adopt an orphan. Filing this application allows USCIS to make an initial determination on your suitability and eligibility before you file Form I-600. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny your application.
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 application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-005 - Inter-County Adoptions Security and DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records] and published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-007(b) Domestically Filed Intercountry Adoptions Applications and Petitions and DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity Management for International Operations] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
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PRIVACY ACT WAIVER: Except as permitted by the Privacy Act, 5 USC 552a, applicable routine uses, and information related to adult members of your household as noted in Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, USCIS may not disclose or give access to any information or record relating to any applicant, 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. If you want to give consent for USCIS to disclose information about your case to an individual or entity, you must complete Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 2, Consent to Disclose Information. You are not required to give this consent to file Form I-600A or Form I-600. |
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DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under INA sections 101(b)(1)(F), 201, and 204, 8 CFR 204.3, 8 CFR 204.301, and 8 CFR 204.311.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you (and your spouse, if married) are suitable and eligible to adopt a child. Filing this application allows USCIS to make an initial determination on your suitability and eligibility before you file Form I-600. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny your application.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision in your case or result in a rejection or denial of your application.
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ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application and any additional requested evidence with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, DHS/USCIS-005 Inter-County Adoptions Security, and DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration Biometric and Background Check ] and published privacy impact assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-007(b) Domestically Filed Intercountry Adoptions Applications and Petitions and DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity Management for International Operations], which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
PRIVACY ACT WAIVER: Except as permitted by the Privacy Act, 5 USC 552a, applicable routine uses, and information related to adult members of your household as noted in Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 1, USCIS may not disclose or give access to any information or record relating to any applicant, 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. If you want to give consent for USCIS to disclose information about your case to an individual or entity (other than your attorney or accredited representative), you must complete Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 2, Consent to Disclose Information. You are not required to give this consent to file Form I-600A. |
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Paperwork Reduction Act
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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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. 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-600A to this address.
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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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. 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-600A to this address.
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| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Mulvihill, Timothy R |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-13 |