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Form I-800A: Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
USCIS Form I-800A is the Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, used by U.S. citizens intending to adopt a child habitually residing in a Convention country.
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USCIS Form I-800A - Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
USCIS Form I-800A is the Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, used by U.S. citizens intending to adopt a child habitually residing in a Convention country.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not accept an adoption placement before USCIS approves Form I-800A.
- 2Filing without the required supporting affidavits sworn by two persons with personal knowledge.
- 3Submitting a document in a foreign language without a complete English translation and translator certification.
- 4Accepting an adoption placement before USCIS has approved Form I-800A.
- 5Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature on the application.
Plain English
What does this form mean in plain English? This form starts the official immigration process so that USCIS can confirm you are eligible and suitable to adopt a child from a country that is part of an international adoption agreement (a Convention country). Filing this application allows USCIS to determine if your suitability meets federal requirements for intercountry adoption.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding filing deadlines; however, if you move outside your previous residence while not a U.S. citizen, notification is required within 10 days of moving.
- 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 who habitually resides in the United States intends to adopt a child who is a habitual resident of a Convention country.
- Do not use Form I-800A if you intend to adopt a child from a country other than a Convention country, or if you wish to continue your case under existing orphan regulations.
- Check Form I-600A instead when filing an Orphan Petition for Advance Processing.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Adopting a child from a non-Convention country
Used to initiate the immigration process for Convention children
✓ Check instructions on Form I-600A or Form I-600.
Continuing an existing orphan case under old regulations
Use this form only if you are not continuing under existing provisions.
✓ Verify your case status before filing.
Requesting action (like an extension) on an already approved application
Required even if you filed the main Form I-800A to request extensions or changes.
✓ Ensure the approval is valid before using Supplement 3.
Deadline or filing window
The form itself does not state a specific filing deadline, but if you are not a U.S. citizen and move, you must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. If you need an extension or change on an approved Form I-800A, use Supplement 3.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
General Application
All evidence and supporting documents listed in Instructions · Provided with the application
Item Number 10 (Arrest/Conviction)
Certified copy of final disposition document for each incident · Submitted with Form I-800A
Item Number 10 (Arrest/Conviction)
Written statement detailing incidents, signed under penalty of perjury · Submitted with Form I-800A
Form I-800A Supplement 3
Required if requesting action on an approved form · Used alongside the main application or separately
Adoption Service Provider Info (Part 4)
Name and address of primary provider (if applicable) · Form I-800A, Part 4
Before you submit
- 1Fill out all items on the form using legible black ink.
- 2Provide your physical address if it differs from your mailing address (Item Number 5).
- 3Answer every question presented in Item Number 10.
- 4If answering 'Yes' to any question in Item Number 10, include a certified copy of the final disposition document for that incident.
- 5For each arrest/conviction listed, provide a written statement detailing the incident (including mitigating circumstances) and signing it under penalty of perjury.
- 6Ensure your application is signed with a valid handwritten ink signature.
- 7If using extra paper sheets, ensure they are typed/printed legibly and include your name, A-Number (if applicable), Page Number, Part Number, Item Number, and date.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-800A by typing or printing legibly in black ink, attaching extra sheets as necessary.
- 2Gather all required evidence, including certified documentation for any arrest/conviction incidents detailed in Item Number 10.
- 3Sign and date the form (and every attached sheet) under penalty of perjury.
- 4Mail the completed Form I-800A and supporting documents to the designated USCIS filing location found on www.uscis.gov/I-800A, or submit electronically if directed.
Known limitations
- 1Do not use Form I-800A if adopting a child from a country other than a Convention country.
- 2If you filed Form I-600A and/or Form I-600 before April 1, 2008, and intend to adopt a child from a Convention country, do not use Form I-800A if you wish to continue your case under existing orphan regulations.
- 3Do not accept any adoption placement before USCIS has approved Form I-800A.
- 4If requesting an extension or change on an approved Form I-800A without having filed Form I-800 yet, Supplement 3 must be completed.
- 5If you live where a State authority must review and approve the home study before submission, do not file Form I-800A until that State authority has reviewed it.
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-800A is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions direct users to www.uscis.gov for the most current information regarding where to file.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee information applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — verify current filing locations on www.uscis.gov/I-800A, as it may change.
- Signature — confirm the signature is handwritten ink (even if photocopied or scanned).
- Filing location — confirm current addresses on www.uscis.gov/I-800A.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the filed application (Form I-800A).
- 2If you move and are not a U.S. citizen, notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving.
- 3Wait until Form I-800A is approved before accepting an adoption placement.
- 4After approval of Form I-800A, file Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative.
- 5Do not adopt or obtain custody until three conditions are met: 1) USCIS approves Form I-800A; 2) Provisional approval of Form I-800 is obtained; and 3) The U.S. Department of State provides the required notice to the child's Central Authority.
- 6If you need extra space on the form, attach a separate sheet that must be signed and dated.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Do not use this form if adopting from a country other than a Convention country.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If filed I-600A/I-600 before 4/1/2008, do not use Form I-800A to continue under existing orphan regulations.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Do not accept any adoption placement before USCIS has approved Form I-800A.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Must file Form I-800 before adopting or obtaining custody after Central Authority proposes and you accept the placement.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Cannot file Form I-800 until Form I-800A has been approved.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Adoption/custody requires 1) USCIS approval of I-800A; 2) Provisional approval of Form I-800; and 3) Notice from the U.S. Department of State to the Central Authority (under Article 5).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Signature must be by you or your signing authority; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted as a signature.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — If a question does not apply, type or print “N/A” unless directed otherwise.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — If a numeric response is zero or none, type or print “None” unless directed otherwise.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — An accredited agency must review and approve any home study not performed by an accredited agency before submission to USCIS (unless prepared by a public domestic authority).
- SRCInstructions p.11 — To find where to file this application, visit www.uscis.gov/I-800A.
Common confusion points
Should I use Form I-800A if my case was filed before April 1, 2008?
Confusion
You may continue under existing regulations.
→ Check if you wish to continue under the provisions of existing orphan regulations.
When can I accept an adoption placement?
Confusion
Only after USCIS approves Form I-800A.
→ Confirm that all three prerequisites (including State Dept notice) are met before accepting.
What happens if a home study wasn't done by an accredited agency?
Confusion
It must be reviewed and approved by an accredited or temporarily accredited agency before submission to USCIS, unless it was prepared by a public domestic authority.
→ Verify the status of your home study review.
Do I need Supplement 3 if I just filed Form I-800A?
Confusion
Yes, if you are requesting an action like an extension or change and have not yet filed Form I-800.
→ Check the specific action requested on the form.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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⚠ If something goes wrong
Questions about USCIS Form I-800A
What is USCIS Form I-800A used for?
What does this form mean in plain English? This form starts the official immigration process so that USCIS can confirm you are eligible and suitable to adopt a child from a country that is part of an international adoption agreement (a Convention country). Filing this application allows USCIS to determine if your suitability meets federal requirements for intercountry adoption.
Who must file USCIS Form I-800A?
A U.S. citizen who habitually resides in the United States must use Form I-800A if they intend to adopt a child who is a habitual resident of a Convention country.
What information does USCIS Form I-800A require?
The form collects information necessary for USCIS to determine eligibility, and supporting evidence must accompany it; specifically, written affidavits sworn by two persons with personal knowledge are required.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-800A?
The most current information on where to file Form I-800A can be found at www.uscis.gov/I-800A; the USCIS Contact Center also provides guidance on filing locations.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-800A?
First, type or print legibly in black ink. If extra space is needed, attach a separate sheet, ensuring you type/print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of that sheet. Finally, ensure the proper signature is present; USCIS will not accept only a stamped or typewritten name.
What happens if USCIS Form I-800A is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will not accept an adoption placement before it has approved Form I-800A, and failure to properly complete the application may lead to processing delays.
Confusion — what should I check?
You may continue under existing regulations. Check if you wish to continue under the provisions of existing orphan regulations.
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