Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition

Instructions for Application for Advance Processing
of an Orphan Petition
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-600A

OMB No. 1615-0028
Expires 12/31/2021

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).

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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. Every individual who is an applicant, petitioner, derivative, beneficiary, or sponsor
of an immigration benefit request or other request submitted to USCIS is required to submit biometrics unless USCIS
waives or exempts the requirement. For intercountry adoption cases, each adult member of your household 18 years of
age or older, including your spouse (if married) must submit biometrics. Beneficiaries are exempt from the biometrics
requirement unless USCIS notifies the petitioner that a beneficiary’s biometrics are required.
1. Applicants Residing in the United States. USCIS will notify all parties of the time and place of their appointment if
they must appear and will provide requirements for rescheduling if necessary. If any party fails to submit biometrics
as required, USCIS may deny your application, petition, or request.
2. Applicants Residing Abroad. Each individual who requires biometric services must submit a completed Form FD258, Applicant Fingerprint Card, or appear for electronic biometrics where available. A USCIS international office,
U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or U.S. military installation abroad must prepare the fingerprint card or collect the
electronic biometrics. For additional information on obtaining biometric services when residing outside the United
States, consult the nearest USCIS international office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate.
DHS may store the biometrics submitted by an individual and use or reuse biometrics to conduct background and security
checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), verify
identity, produce documents, determine eligibility for immigration and naturalization benefits, or to perform any other
functions necessary for administering and enforcing immigration and naturalization laws, and any other law within DHS
authority.
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and

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3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
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.
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.

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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. Biographic Information. If you previously filed Form I-600A and provided biographic information, you do not need
to complete this section. Otherwise, provide the biographic information requested. Providing this information as
part of your petition may reduce the time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric
Services Appointment section of these Instructions.
A. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
B. Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race
(1) Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other
Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. (NOTE: This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part
1., Item Number 17.)
(2) American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and
South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
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(3) Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the
Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the
Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
(4) Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
(5) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of
Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
(6) White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
C. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are five feet and
nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.

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D. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight or need to enter a weight under 30 pounds
or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
E. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.

F. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.

5. 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.
6. 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 blind or have low vision, USCIS may permit you to take a test orally rather than in writing; or
C. If you are unable to travel to a designated USCIS location for an interview, USCIS may visit you at your home or
a hospital.
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.
NOTE: All domestic USCIS facilities meet the “Standards for Accessible Design” of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), so you do not need to contact USCIS to request an accommodation for physical access to a domestic
USCIS office. However, in Part 4. of this application, you can indicate whether you use a wheelchair. This will
allow USCIS to better prepare for your visit.

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NOTE: USCIS also ensures that limited English proficient (LEP) individuals are provided meaningful access at an
interview or other immigration benefit-related appointment, unless otherwise prohibited by law. LEP individuals may
bring a qualified interpreter to the interview.
USCIS considers requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis, and we will make our best efforts
to reasonably accommodate your disabilities and/or impairments. USCIS will not exclude you from participating in
USCIS programs or deny your petition because of your disabilities and/or impairments. Requesting and/or receiving
an accommodation will not affect your eligibility for any USCIS benefit you request.
7. 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.

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8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

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11. 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.

Form I-600A/I-600 Supplements

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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, Consent to Disclose Information. You are not required to give this consent in
order to file Form I-600A.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 concurrent 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.
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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.

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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.
4. If you need to submit a home study update, but your Form I-600A expired after you filed your Form I-600,
submit your updated home study to the USCIS office or the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate that has jurisdiction over
your Form I-600.

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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;

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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.

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.

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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).

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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.”
Notice to Those Paying by Check. If you send USCIS a check, we will convert it into an electronic funds transfer (EFT).
This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for the
amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours, and your bank will show it on your regular
account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your
check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is
returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your 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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Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-600A or 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

DHS Privacy Notice

AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this petition, and the associated evidence, is collected under Immigration
and Nationality Act sections 101(b)(1)(F), 103, 201, and 204, 8 CFR parts 204.1, 204.3, 204.301, and 8 CFR 204.311.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine is you are
suitable and eligible to adopt a child. Filing this form 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 approve 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 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/ICE/CBP-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 assessments
[DHS/USCIS/PIA-007(b) Domestically Filed Intercountry Adoptions Applications and Petitions and DHS/USCIS/PIA051 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, 8 CFR
204.3(h)(2), and with respect to 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 provided, 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 where not otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act, applicable routine uses, or in 8 CFR 204.3(h)(2), 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

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 3 hours and 40 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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