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Official form guide
Form I-600: Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, is used by U.S. citizens or permanent residents to establish a child's eligibility to be classified as an immediate relative for immigration purposes. This form is filed when adopting a child from another country who meets the legal definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law.
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USCIS Form I-600 - Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, is used by U.S. citizens or permanent residents to establish a child's eligibility to be classified as an immediate relative for immigration purposes. This form is filed when adopting a child from another country who meets the legal definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most critical risk is incorrectly establishing the child's orphan status, which can result in immediate denial of the petition.
- 2Incorrect or incomplete information about the child's orphan status
- 3Missing evidence of proper abandonment or orphanage care
- 4Failure to document the child's eligibility under U.S. orphan definition
- 5Inconsistent information between different parts of the form
Plain English
Form I-600 helps U.S. citizens or permanent residents bring an orphan child from another country to live with them permanently in the United States. The form proves to immigration officials that the child qualifies as an orphan under U.S. laws and that you are able to provide proper care for them.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form should be filed after the adoption is finalized in the foreign country or after the child has been identified for adoption but before the child enters the United States. Processing times vary but typically take several months.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when adopting a child from another country who qualifies as an orphan under U.S. law
- Do not use this form for domestic adoptions or for children who have been adopted by U.S. citizens abroad but do not meet the orphan definition
- Check Form I-600A for advance processing of application to determine suitability to adopt before a child is identified
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Adopting a child you already know and have been caring for
Advance processing can speed up the process
✓ Verify if the child meets the orphan definition
Child has special needs or is over 16
Special processing may apply
✓ Check if additional documentation is required
Child is already in the U.S.
Different process for immediate relatives
✓ Verify child's current immigration status first
Deadline or filing window
There is no strict deadline for filing Form I-600, but processing can take many months. It's advisable to file as early as possible once the child has been identified for adoption or after the foreign adoption is finalized. The petition must be filed while the child is still under 16 years old (or under 18 if the child has a sibling already adopted or being adopted by the same petitioner).
- —Child's age at filing | Current date minus child's birth date | Child's age for eligibility | Child must be under 16 (or 18 with sibling)
- —Adoption completion date | Date of foreign adoption decree | Time since adoption | Some evidence must be recent
- —Processing time estimate | Current USCIS processing times | Estimated completion date | This is only an estimate
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Child's identity
Birth certificate, passport · Child's home country
Orphan status
Court documents, abandonment proof · Child's home country
Adoption eligibility
Home study, approval documents · Petitioner's home country
Financial ability
Tax returns, employment verification · Petitioner's records
Relationship to child
Photos, correspondence · Personal records
Child's health
Medical examination reports · Medical facilities
Before you submit
- 1Verify all form fields are completed accurately
- 2Check that form edition is current
- 3Ensure all required signatures are present
- 4Verify required fee amount and payment method
- 5Confirm all supporting documents are included
- 6Check that copies of documents are clear and legible
- 7Verify translations of foreign documents are certified
- 8Ensure all dates are consistent across documents
- 9Review for any conflicting information
- 10Check that personal information matches other USCIS records
- 11Verify child's age is within eligible limits
- 12Confirm proper mailing address for submission
How to file this form
- 1Download and complete the latest version of Form I-600
- 2Gather all required supporting documents including proof of orphan status and adoption documents
- 3Prepare required fee payment in acceptable format
- 4Submit the complete package to the appropriate USCIS office or consulate
- 5Attend any required biometrics appointment
- 6Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence (RFE)
- 7Keep copies of everything submitted
- 8Track case status online using the receipt number
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used for children who do not meet the U.S. legal definition of an orphan
- 2Processing times can vary significantly and are not guaranteed
- 3Approval does not guarantee the child will be admitted to the U.S., as final approval occurs at the port of entry
- 4The form must be filed while the child is still eligible under age requirements
- 5Some countries have specific requirements that may affect processing
- 6Previous immigration violations by the petitioner can affect eligibility
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form I-600 is currently active and in use, but applicants should always verify the most recent version on the official USCIS website before filing, as immigration forms are periodically updated.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Always use the most recent version available on the USCIS website
- Fee: Check current fee amount as it changes periodically
- Mailing address: Varies based on your location and whether filing from inside or outside the U.S.
- Processing times: Available on the USCIS website and can vary significantly
- Supporting documents: Required documents may change with form updates
- Biometric requirements: Some applicants may need to provide biometrics
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep all original documents and copies of everything submitted
- 2Monitor case status online using the receipt number
- 3Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
- 4Prepare for potential interview at USCIS or consulate
- 5Arrange for medical examination of the child if required
- 6Prepare for child's entry into the U.S. after approval
- 7Consult with immigration attorney about next steps after approval
- 8Keep all communication with USCIS for your records
Sources
- SRCForm purpose: Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
- SRCFiling fee: Varies, check current USCIS fee schedule
- SRCProcessing time: Typically 6-12 months, varies by location
- SRCEligibility requirements: Child must meet U.S. legal definition of orphan
- SRCForm edition: Must use current version available on USCIS website
- SRCSupporting documents: Required include proof of orphan status and adoption documents
- SRCSubmission location: Varies based on petitioner's location
- SRCAge requirements: Child must be under 16 (or 18 with sibling)
- SRCNot found in provided source: Specific processing times for each USCIS office
- SRCNot found in provided source: Current exact fee amount
Common confusion points
Form I-600 vs I-600A
I-600A is for advance determination of eligibility before a child is identified
→ Check which form matches your stage in the adoption process
Orphan definition requirements
U.S. definition of orphan is specific and differs from general understanding
→ Verify the child meets all criteria of the U.S. orphan definition
Post-adoption requirements
Some states have post-adoption reporting requirements
→ Check requirements in your state of residence
Citizenship process
Form I-600 establishes immigration status, not automatic citizenship
→ Follow up with citizenship application after adoption
Hague Convention vs non-Hague
Different processes apply depending on whether the country is part of the Hague Convention
→ Determine which adoption process applies to your situation
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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