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Form I-600: Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-600 is Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, used by USCIS to determine if a child can be classified as an orphan for an immediate relative immigrant visa. A specific filing requirement is that the petition must be filed before the child’s 16th birthday.
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USCIS Form I-600 - Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-600 is Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, used by USCIS to determine if a child can be classified as an orphan for an immediate relative immigrant visa. A specific filing requirement is that the petition must be filed before the child’s 16th birthday.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to provide a valid signature on each petition sheet will result in rejection by USCIS.
- 2Filing Form I-600 after the child reaches their 16th birthday without justification.
- 3Submitting a petition that lacks a proper signature from the filer or signing authority.
- 4Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of an actual handwritten signature.
- 5Not providing required affidavits when documentation cannot be obtained.
Plain English
This form tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that a child qualifies to be called an 'orphan' so they can receive an immediate relative immigrant visa. USCIS uses this information to decide if the classification is correct for immigration purposes.
Submission Date
- Filing date: A U.S. citizen must file Form I-600 before the child’s 16th birthday (or before the child’s 18th birthday in some cases).
- 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 a U.S. citizen (and spouse, if married) seeks to classify an unmarried child as an orphan for an immediate relative immigrant visa.
- Do not use Form I-600 when the child's adoption is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention (generally).
- Check Form I-130 instead when the child qualifies as an immediate relative under INA section 101(b)(1)(E) but does not qualify as an orphan under INA section 101(b)(1)(F).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Child is already in the U.S., is a parolee, and has not been adopted in the United States
Filing is permitted under specific conditions outlined by USCIS.
✓ Check if the child meets INA section 101(b)(1)(F) criteria.
Child's adoption is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention
Generally, Form I-600 cannot be filed for this child.
✓ Verify if an exception applies to your case.
Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site)
Need to request a first extension of an approved Form I-600A
This supplement is required regardless of whether you have already filed the main Form I-600.
✓ Ensure you submit this supplement when requesting extensions.
Form I-600A/Form I-600, Supplement 3
Marital status changes before completion of intercountry adoption process
You must use this combined filing rather than just submitting Supplement 3.
✓ Do not rely solely on the supplement if your marital status changed.
Form I-600A or Form I-600 combination filing
Deadline or filing window
The filing window requires submission before the child reaches their 16th birthday, though an exception allows filing before the 18th birthday in certain instances. No specific extension period is listed in this excerpt, but the deadline must be met based on the child's age.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Initial Evidence
All documents listed in the Initial Evidence section of these Instructions · Form I-600 Instruction Booklet
Spouse's Status (if spouse lives in U.S.)
Proof that the spouse is lawfully residing as a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or another lawful immigration status · Instructions p.2
Child's Age/Status
Evidence proving the child meets criteria (e.g., before 16th birthday) · Form I-600 form data and supporting documents
Required Document Not Available
Written statement from the governmental agency that should have the record, verifying non-existence · Instructions p.5
Address Change Notification
Updated address information for USCIS jurisdiction · Form I-600 form data and accompanying notification
Before you submit
- 1Verify you are a U.S. citizen or spouse of a U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried child.
- 2Confirm the petition is filed before the child’s 16th birthday (or meets other exceptions).
- 3If your spouse lives in the United States, confirm proof of their lawful status is included.
- 4Ensure all evidence listed in the Initial Evidence section is attached to the Form I-600 package.
- 5Verify that any required document not obtainable includes a written affidavit sworn/affirmed by two knowledgeable persons.
- 6If filing via Lockbox, confirm jurisdiction falls under the National Benefits Center (NBC).
- 7Confirm you have used the current edition of Form I-600.
How to file this form
- 1Complete and sign USCIS Form I-600 using the current 01/20/25 edition.
- 2Gather all required supporting evidence, including proof of spouse's lawful status if applicable.
- 3Submit a written affidavit for any document that cannot be obtained from the relevant governmental agency.
- 4Mail or submit the complete package to the USCIS office with jurisdiction over your case (or use the Lockbox).
- 5Receive and retain a copy of the submitted Form I-600 for personal records.
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-600 may be filed for an unmarried child if the filing occurs before the child’s 18th birthday in some cases, depending on specific circumstances.
- 2If a question does not apply to the filer (e.g., never married), the response should be typed or printed as “N/A” unless directed otherwise.
- 3If a required numeric answer is zero or none (e.g., number of children), the response must be typed or printed as “None” unless directed otherwise.
- 4If filing for a child who will come to the U.S. for adoption, evidence proving compliance with pre-adoption requirements must be submitted; USCIS will not approve the Form I-600 without this evidence.
- 5A Home Study is required unless it was previously submitted with a pending or approved and valid Form I-600A or Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-600 is dated 01/20/25, and instructions are available as of this date; the source directs users to www.uscis.gov/i-600 for the most current information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Filing Fee — check Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for fee amounts.
- Mailing address — verify jurisdiction: Lockbox (National Benefits Center) or a specific USCIS international office.
- Signature — confirm the signature is an original handwritten ink signature, even if photocopied or scanned.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents, though USCIS may request an original document at any time.
- 2If filing online, the USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) can be found in the account profile; if mailing, it is located on the Account Access Notice.
- 3Keep a copy of the filed Form I-600 and supporting documents for personal records.
- 4If an initial evidence document cannot be obtained, submit a written statement from the governmental agency verifying that the record does not exist, followed by sworn affidavits if necessary.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-600 is used by USCIS to determine if a child can be classified as an orphan for an immediate relative immigrant visa.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A U.S. citizen (and spouse, if married) may file Form I-600 for an unmarried child before the child’s 16th birthday.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — The USCIS Contact Center can be reached at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or 1-212-620-3418 when calling from outside the U.S.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If a question does not apply, type or print “N/A” unless otherwise directed.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — Initial evidence requires proof of Petitioner’s U.S. Citizenship (unless previously submitted with Form I-600A).
- SRCInstructions p.10 — Proof of Compliance with Preadoption Requirements is required if the child will be coming to the United States for adoption.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — Home Study must be submitted unless it was previously provided with a pending or approved and valid Form I-600A or Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between my OAN and A-Number?
The OAN is specific to filings with a receipt number beginning with IOE; it is not the same as an A-Number.
→ Check your Account Access Notice or online profile.
When should I file if my state must review my home study first?
Select Item Number 1.e and do not file until the state authority is ready to send the home study directly to USCIS.
→ Verify the specific instructions on the Form I-600 packet for your state.
Do I need to submit proof of citizenship every time?
If you previously submitted it with a pending or approved and valid Form I-600A, you do not need to resubmit unless USCIS requests it.
→ Check if you have an existing record with USCIS.
What should I write if the child is 15 years old?
See the 'What Are the Eligibility Requirements' section of these Instructions for specific guidance when filing for a 15-year-old child.
→ Refer to the instructions packet, not just the form itself.
How do I request an accommodation during the process?
Follow the instructions on your appointment notice or visit uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.
→ Confirm this step before attending any required appointments.
Can I file without a Home Study yet?
If the state authority will forward it to you (not directly to USCIS), do not file until you receive it, then select Item Number 1.d.
→ Follow the specific guidance in Section 8 of the Instructions.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition.
Questions about USCIS Form I-600
What is USCIS Form I-600 used for?
This form tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that a child qualifies to be called an 'orphan' so they can receive an immediate relative immigrant visa. USCIS uses this information to decide if the classification is correct for immigration purposes.
Who must file USCIS Form I-600?
A U.S. citizen (and their spouse, if married) may file Form I-600 for an unmarried child.
What information does USCIS Form I-600 require?
The form collects details about the child and family in various sections; Part 12 allows for additional information or attached sheets to provide comprehensive data.
When is USCIS Form I-600 due?
A U.S. citizen must file Form I-600 before the child’s 16th birthday (or before the child’s 18th birthday in some cases).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-600?
The most current information regarding where to file is available at www.uscis.gov/i-600; if filed with the USCIS Lockbox, the National Benefits Center has jurisdiction.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-600?
Fill out Form I-600 by typing or printing legibly in black ink. Answer all questions fully, using 'N/A' when a question does not apply. The petitioner must properly sign the completed petition before sending it to USCIS.
What happens if USCIS Form I-600 is filed incorrectly?
If Form I-600 is not signed or the signature is invalid, USCIS will reject the petition and may deny the request for adjudication.
What is the difference between my OAN and A-Number?
The OAN is specific to filings with a receipt number beginning with IOE; it is not the same as an A-Number. Check your Account Access Notice or online profile.
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