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Form I-600A: Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
USCIS Form I-600A is the Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, which a U.S. citizen files to start the adoption process when adopting from a non-Hague Convention country. If unmarried, the applicant must be at least 24 years old to file this form.
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USCIS Form I-600A - Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
USCIS Form I-600A is the Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, which a U.S. citizen files to start the adoption process when adopting from a non-Hague Convention country. If unmarried, the applicant must be at least 24 years old to file this form.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to sign or include correct fees will result in immediate rejection by USCIS.
- 2Filing when adopting from a Hague Convention country without meeting exceptions (use I-800A instead).
- 3Submitting a document in a foreign language without a full English translation and certified translator signature.
- 4Not indicating whether the home study is attached (Item 1.a. vs. 1.b.).
- 5Failing to sign Part 5. of Form I-600A by the applicant.
Plain English
This form allows you to begin the official immigration process for adopting a child from a country that is not part of the Hague Adoption Convention. Submitting Form I-600A tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are ready to move forward with your adoption petition.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form can be filed at any time if you meet the eligibility requirements. If unmarried, the applicant must be at least 24 years of age to file Form I-600A.
- 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 plans to adopt or has adopted a child from a country that is not a party to the Hague Adoption Convention.
- Do not use Form I-600A when seeking to adopt a child who is habitually resident in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, unless one of the exceptions applies.
- Check Form I-800A instead when you seek to adopt a child from a Hague Adoption Convention country and do not meet the filing exceptions for Form I-600A.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You are a U.S. citizen adopting from a non-Hague country, but were not citizens when you adopted (or your spouse was not).
The adoption is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention, and this exception allows filing Form I-600A instead of Form I-800A.
✓ Check the specific exceptions listed on Instructions p.1.
You are adopting a child whose adoption is not governed by the Hague Adoption Convention.
This situation falls under an exception that allows filing Form I-600A even if you are a U.S. citizen and the country is a party to the Hague Convention.
✓ Verify this condition on Instructions p.1.
You are adopting from a non-Hague Adoption Convention country, but have not yet identified a specific child for adoption.
You may file Form I-600A even if you do not have a specific child identified for adoption.
✓ Confirm this status meets the general filing criteria on Instructions p.1.
Deadline or filing window
The filing window is not specified with a specific deadline date on Form I-600A. However, if the applicant is unmarried, they must be at least 24 years of age to file this form. No extension period is stated for the initial filing.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Foreign Language Document
Full English translation + Translator's certification (including signature, printed name, date, contact info) · Instructions p.3
Adoption Status/Country
Proof of adoption/country status documentation · Form I-600A fields and instructions
Signature Validity
Original handwritten signature (even if copied/scanned) · Instructions p.2
Adoption History
Every prior adoption home study (completed or not) · Form I-600A fields and instructions
Extension/Change Request
Updated home study document · Instructions p.5
Interpreter's Certification
Interpreter's signature, date (mm/dd/yyyy), and fluency certification · Form I-600A Part 11
Before you submit
- 1Ensure the application is signed by you and your spouse (if married) before sending.
- 2Verify that any foreign language documents include a full English translation.
- 3Confirm the translator's certification includes their signature, printed name, date, and contact information.
- 4Check that every prior adoption home study has been disclosed, even unfavorable ones.
- 5If requesting an extension or change, verify that an updated home study is included with the submission.
- 6Ensure any signatures submitted (scanned/faxed) are copies of original handwritten ink signatures.
- 7Confirm you have notified USCIS if your address changes and ensure jurisdiction matches where you filed.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on Form I-600A, ensuring foreign documents include certified English translations.
- 2Sign the application (and spouse's section) using handwritten ink; have any interpreter complete Part 11.
- 3Gather supporting evidence, including proof of non-Hague Convention country status and prior home studies.
- 4Submit Form I-600A to the appropriate USCIS office or Lockbox based on your filing location.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-600A cannot be filed if seeking to adopt a child habitually resident in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention; Form I-800A must be used instead.
- 2If filing, and you are unmarried, you must be at least 24 years of age (while the related Form I-600 requires applicants to be at least 25 years old).
- 3Form I-600A may be filed even if a specific child is not identified for adoption.
- 4An applicant may still fail eligibility for adoption, even if they are eligible to file and the application is approved.
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-600A is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions note that readers should check www.uscis.gov for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Filing Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee information applicable to Form I-600A.
- Mailing address — consult www.uscis.gov/I-600A for the most current filing location, but note that the National Benefits Center (NBC) has jurisdiction if filed via Lockbox.
- Signature — confirm all signatures are handwritten; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted on Form I-600A.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1The filer must keep a copy of the completed Form I-600A.
- 2If mailing the form, the filer can find their Online Account Number (OAN) at the top of the Account Access Notice received from USCIS.
- 3If filing online, the OAN can be found in the account profile.
- 4The applicant or spouse must sign an oath confirming they provided/authorized all information and that it is complete, true, and correct upon attending the biometrics appointment.
- 5If a biometric services appointment is necessary for a spouse or adult household member, that individual will receive a similar notice.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-600A is used to determine suitability/eligibility for adopting a foreign-born child from a country not party to the Hague Adoption Convention.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A filer may file Form I-600A even if they do not have a specific child identified for adoption.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If seeking to adopt a child in a Hague Convention country, the filer must use Form I-800A instead of Form I-600A (with exceptions).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If unmarried, the applicant must be at least 24 years of age to file Form I-600A.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — The Online Account Number (OAN) is obtained if a previous form filed had an IOE receipt number; it differs from an A-Number.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009 is the mailing address for Form I-600A.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between Form I-600A and Form I-600?
Form I-600A is used to determine suitability/eligibility for adoption from a non-Hague Convention country, while Form I-600 is used specifically to petition the child as an immediate relative.
→ Check the purpose section on Instructions p.1.
When do you need to use Form I-600A instead of Form I-800A?
If the child habitually resides in a country that IS a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, but there are exceptions (e.g., filer wasn't a citizen when adopting), then check if those exceptions apply on Instructions p.1.
What is an OAN and how do I get it?
The OAN is your USCIS Online Account Number; you have one only if a previous form filed had an IOE receipt number. Find it in your online profile or on the mailed Account Access Notice.
→ Review instructions regarding the OAN on Instructions p.3.
What happens if I don't go to my biometrics appointment?
USCIS may deny the application if the filer does not attend their required biometric services appointment.
→ Confirm this requirement under General Instructions on Instructions p.2.
Does filing Form I-600A mean you are ready to adopt?
No; the source states that children may still not be eligible for adoption even if the Form I-600A is approved.
→ Refer to the 'What Should You Do After Locating or Identifying a Child' section of the instructions.
Do I have to file this form online?
Not necessarily; filing by mail is possible, and you can also visit a consulate or USCIS office outside the United States to schedule an appointment.
→ Check General Instructions on Instructions p.2.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
⚠ If something goes wrong
- The filer must notify the USCIS office with jurisdiction if their address changes, especially if they filed via the USCIS Lockbox (National Benefits Center has jurisdiction).
Questions about USCIS Form I-600A
What is USCIS Form I-600A used for?
This form allows you to begin the official immigration process for adopting a child from a country that is not part of the Hague Adoption Convention. Submitting Form I-600A tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are ready to move forward with your adoption petition.
Who must file USCIS Form I-600A?
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 must file Form I-600A.
What information does USCIS Form I-600A require?
The form collects information about the applicant and their spouse (if married) in Parts 5 and 6, details about your home study preparer and/or primary adoption service provider in Part 3, and indicates whether the home study is attached to Form I-600A.
When is USCIS Form I-600A due?
The form can be filed at any time if you meet the eligibility requirements. If unmarried, the applicant must be at least 24 years of age to file Form I-600A.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-600A?
To determine where to send it, check www.uscis.gov/I-600A for current information; if filed with the USCIS Lockbox, the National Benefits Center (NBC) has jurisdiction.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-600A?
The applicant must complete Part 5. of Form I-600A, and their spouse (if married) must complete Part 6. The preparer completes Item Numbers 1.a.-5. regarding home study providers. Finally, the form requires signatures from the applicant and/or signing authority.
What happens if USCIS Form I-600A is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject Form I-600A and issue a notice stating that the form is deficient if it is not signed or accompanied by the correct fees, if any.
What is the difference between Form I-600A and Form I-600?
Form I-600A is used to determine suitability/eligibility for adoption from a non-Hague Convention country, while Form I-600 is used specifically to petition the child as an immediate relative. Check the purpose section on Instructions p.1.
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