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Form I-800: Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-800 is Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, used by those adopting children from a Convention country. This form is required if you have an approved, valid Form I-800A.
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USCIS Form I-800 - Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-800 is Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, used by those adopting children from a Convention country. This form is required if you have an approved, valid Form I-800A.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to provide a valid signature results in immediate rejection by USCIS.
- 2Filing without an approved, valid Form I-800A (the prerequisite document).
- 3Submitting a typewritten name instead of a proper signature on the petition.
- 4Forgetting to provide full English translations for foreign language documents.
- 5Not including the translator's certification details on submitted documents.
Plain English
This form tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are petitioning to classify a child adopted under the Hague Convention as an Immediate Relative. Filing this allows USCIS to determine the child's eligibility for classification based on your adoption status. This is necessary if you have already received approval from Form I-800A.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You should use Form I-800 when you have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country.
- 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 you have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country.
- Do not use this form if you do not have an approved, valid Form I-800A.
- Check Form I-601 instead when the child whom you seek to adopt may be medically inadmissible under section 212(a)(1) of the Act.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Adopting a child from a Convention country
This form finalizes the immigration process after receiving an approved Form I-800A.
✓ Check that you have an approved, valid Form I-800A.
Child is medically inadmissible
If initial medical information suggests inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(1), file this form along with the I-800.
✓ Check that you include Form I-601 if necessary.
USCIS Form I-601 (filed with I-800)
Need to report Article 16 of the Convention
The form requires reporting on whether specific items related to Article 16 of the Convention are being submitted.
✓ Check Item 9.a/9.b status.
USCIS Form I-800 (Items 9.a or 9.b)
Deadline or filing window
The trigger event for using Form I-800 is having an approved, valid Form I-800A. There is no specific filing deadline mentioned, but the form must be submitted when that approval is secured to finalize the immigration process.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Child's Medical/Social History
Copy of medical records and complete English translation. · Provided by primary adoption service provider (must be received no later than 2 weeks before travel/adoption).
Approved Form I-800A
Valid, approved copy of the Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country. · Must be attached with Form I-800.
Beneficiary Address (Outside US)
City, State, ZIP Code, Street/Apt./Flr., Country, etc. · Part 4 of Form I-800.
Article 16 Report Status
Yes or No declaration for Items 9.a and 9.b. · Part 4 of Form I-800.
Payment Information
Date, Payee, Relationship to Child, Purpose of Payment, Amount. · Part 9 of Form I-800.
Before you submit
- 1Sign the form before sending it.
- 2Ensure all supporting evidence listed in the Instructions is included with the petition.
- 3Verify that you have an approved, valid Form I-800A attached.
- 4Confirm the address provided for the beneficiary (outside the U.S.) is accurate on Part 4.
- 5Check if you are submitting a report as required under Article 16 of the Convention (Items 9.a/9.b).
- 6Verify that the payment information on Part 9 correctly lists the relationship to the child and the amount paid.
- 7If not a U.S. citizen, ensure your address change notification is within 10 days of moving.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of USCIS Form I-800 using the current 01/20/25 edition.
- 2Gather all required supporting evidence, including the child's medical and social history documentation.
- 3Pay the applicable filing fee (referencing Form G-1055 for details).
- 4Sign the form and submit it to USCIS using the correct location found at www.uscis.gov/I-800.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully executed Form I-800 and all supporting documents for your records.
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-800 must be filed before the expiration of the notice of approval or extension of Form I-800A.
- 2The Form I-800 must be filed before the child’s 16th birthday.
- 3If an adoption is to be considered final, both the petitioner (and spouse, if married) must adopt the child (rather than just obtaining legal custody for emigration and adoption).
- 4If a filer does not have a USCIS Online Account Number (OAN), it means they do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE.
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->The current edition of USCIS Form I-800 is 01/20/25, and readers should visit www.uscis.gov/I-800 for the most current information regarding where to file this petition.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — see Form G-1055 for specific fee information.
- Mailing address — check www.uscis.gov/I-800 for current filing locations.
- Signature — ensure the signature is handwritten and on the original document (even if copying).
- Medical Inadmissibility — confirm you file Form I-601 if initial evidence suggests inadmissibility.
- Adoption Status — confirm you are adopting a child who habitually resides in a Convention country.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-800 after filing it.
- 2If USCIS requests more information, provide evidence to support the petition when requested by USCIS.
- 3If an address change is needed and the filer is not a U.S. citizen, notify USCIS within 10 days of moving from the previous residence.
- 4The information on Form I-800 may be made available for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
- 5Filing the form does not guarantee acceptance; if it is not properly completed, a basis for the child’s eligibility will not be established and the petition may be rejected or denied.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Filing deadline must be before the expiration of the notice of approval or extension of Form I-800A and before the child’s 16th birthday.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — The USCIS Contact Center can be reached at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) for information in English and Spanish.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — If a numeric response is zero or none, type or print 'None' unless otherwise directed.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — Item Number 4 on Form I-800 requires providing information about the filer’s marital status and spouse (if married).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Form I-800 Supplement 1 must be completed if written consent is given to disclose case information to the primary adoption service provider.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — Specific medical inadmissibility details are found in section 212(a)(1) of the INA and 42 CFR Part 34.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — If medical information suggests inadmissibility, Form I-601 should be filed with Form I-800 (or later).
- SRCInstructions p.10 — To find current filing locations, see the website at www.uscis.gov/I-800.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — If a filer is not a U.S. citizen, they must notify USCIS of a new address within 10 days of moving.
Common confusion points
What happens if I don't have an OAN?
The filer does not have an OAN if they do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE.
→ Check if you filed online (in your account profile) or by mail (on the Account Access Notice).
When must I file Form I-800?
It must be filed before the notice of approval/extension for Form I-800A expires, and before the child turns 16.
→ Confirm these two deadlines are met.
What is the difference between my current address and mailing address?
The Current Physical Address should not be a P.O. Box; the Mailing Address is where written correspondence should be sent.
→ Ensure you provide both if they differ.
Do I need to file Form I-601 with Form I-800?
Yes, if available medical information suggests the child may be inadmissible under section 212(a)(1) of the INA.
→ If you don't file it now, you can still file Form I-601 later.
What is the duty of disclosure for this form?
The petitioner, spouse (if married), and any adult household member have an ongoing duty to disclose information throughout the adoption process under 8 CFR 204.311(d).
→ Be prepared to provide updates beyond the initial filing.
How do I indicate zero for a numeric answer on Form I-800?
Type or print the word 'None' unless the form specifically directs otherwise (e.g., if asked 'How many children do you have').
→ Look for specific instructions related to that question.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-800
What is USCIS Form I-800 used for?
This form tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are petitioning to classify a child adopted under the Hague Convention as an Immediate Relative. Filing this allows USCIS to determine the child's eligibility for classification based on your adoption status. This is necessary if you have already received approval from Form I-800A.
Who must file USCIS Form I-800?
Those who will adopt a child who habitually resides in a Convention country must use Form I-800.
What information does USCIS Form I-800 require?
The form collects information across several sections, including Part 3 (Processing Information) and Part 4 (Information About Beneficiary/Convention adoptee), as well as details on marital status in Item Number 4.
When is USCIS Form I-800 due?
You should use Form I-800 when you have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-800?
For the most current location details on where to file this petition, users must see the website at www.uscis.gov/I-800. If not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-800?
The filer must properly complete the form and sign it (or have their signing authority sign). If under 14 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may sign on your behalf. USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature.
What happens if USCIS Form I-800 is filed incorrectly?
If the petition is not signed or if the signature provided is invalid, USCIS will reject the application, referencing 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A).
What happens if I don't have an OAN?
The filer does not have an OAN if they do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE. Check if you filed online (in your account profile) or by mail (on the Account Access Notice).
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