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USCISAdoption & Orphan

Official form guide

Form I-800A: Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country

USCIS Form I-800A is used to determine eligibility and suitability for adopting a child from a Hague Convention country. It's the first step in the intercountry adoption process under international adoption standards.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form I-800A - Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country

USCIS Form I-800A is used to determine eligibility and suitability for adopting a child from a Hague Convention country. It's the first step in the intercountry adoption process under international adoption standards.

The form collects personal information about adoptive parents, including background, financial status, home environment, and reasons for adoption. It requires details about the child's identity and the prospective parents' ability to provide proper care.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Using an outdated form version will result in automatic rejection of your application.
  • 2Outdated form edition causing rejection
  • 3Missing required signatures from all applicants
  • 4Incomplete financial documentation
  • 5Failure to include home study report

Plain English

This form helps U.S. citizens prove they're qualified to adopt a child from another country that follows international adoption rules. You'll need to share information about your background, finances, and home life to show you can provide a safe environment for a child.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: This form should be filed before identifying a specific child to adopt, as it's part of the initial approval process. There's no specific deadline, but it must be submitted early in the intercountry adoption process.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

financialidentity

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when adopting from a Hague Convention country
  • Do not use for domestic adoptions or adoptions from non-Convention countries
  • Check Form I-800 if you've already identified a specific child and need to process their immigration

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Adopting from a non-Hague country

Different eligibility requirements and process

✓ Verify the country's adoption status with USCIS

Form I-600

Already identified a specific child

Required for the child's immigration petition

✓ Complete Form I-800A first before filing I-800

Form I-800

Adopting as a U.S. resident but not citizen

Citizenship status affects eligibility

✓ Consult with an immigration attorney

Different requirements

Deadline or filing window

There is no specific deadline for filing Form I-800A, but it must be submitted before identifying a specific child to adopt. The approval is valid for 18 months from the date of issuance, so plan accordingly in your adoption timeline.

  • —Income level | Total household income ÷ number of dependents | Financial sufficiency | Must meet minimum requirements regardless of calculation
  • —Adoption timeline | Processing time + 18-month validity period | Total adoption window | Start early to avoid expiration of approval

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Personal information

Proof of citizenship, identification documents · Passport, birth certificate, Green Card

⚠ Expired documents✕ High
2

Marital status

Marriage certificate, divorce decrees if applicable · Vital records office

⚠ Not providing current status✕ Medium
3

Home environment

Home study report from approved agency · Social worker evaluation

⚠ Outdated or incomplete report✕ High
4

Financial status

Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements · Financial records

⚠ Understating income or assets✕ Medium
5

Criminal history

FBI background check, state criminal records · Law enforcement agencies

⚠ Omitting offenses✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify you're using the latest edition of Form I-800A
  2. 2Ensure all required signatures are included
  3. 3Check that all personal information matches supporting documents
  4. 4Confirm the home study report is current and complete
  5. 5Verify payment amount and method are correct
  6. 6Ensure all required supporting documents are included
  7. 7Double-check that no questions are left unanswered
  8. 8Make copies of everything before submitting

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the current Form I-800A from the official USCIS website
  2. 2Complete all sections thoroughly and accurately
  3. 3Gather required supporting documents including home study, fingerprints, and financial evidence
  4. 4Submit the application package with the correct fee to the appropriate USCIS address
  5. 5Schedule biometrics appointment if required
  6. 6Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not guarantee approval of your adoption application
  2. 2Approval is valid only for adoptions from Hague Convention countries
  3. 3Does not replace the need for country-specific adoption requirements
  4. 4Form alone does not complete the intercountry adoption process
  5. 5Approval does not guarantee the child will be eligible for immigration

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your current legal name.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
A-Number

Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.

text

Details

1 items

Basis for Application

The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.

Requiredtext

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Documentation

List of documents supporting this application.

Requiredtext

Signatures

2 items

Applicant Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
Date of Signature

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
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Current form status
USCIS

The current edition of Form I-800A was last updated in 2020. Always check the USCIS website for the most recent version before filing. Processing times vary but typically range from 4-6 months based on current USCIS workload.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Must be the current version available on the USCIS website
  • Fee: $1,040 (subject to change; verify current amount on USCIS website)
  • Mailing address: Varies by location; check USCIS website for correct address
  • Supporting documents: Must include home study report, fingerprints, and financial evidence
  • Processing time: Currently averaging 4-6 months (check USCIS for current estimates)

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Quick Facts

The form is filed by U.S. citizens (including single applicants) who wish to adopt a child from a Hague Convention country. Married couples must include their spouse's information.
The form collects personal information about adoptive parents, including background, financial status, home environment, and reasons for adoption. It requires details about the child's identity and the prospective parents' ability to provide proper care.
This form should be filed before identifying a specific child to adopt, as it's part of the initial approval process. There's no specific deadline, but it must be submitted early in the intercountry adoption process.
The form must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the required filing fee and supporting documents. It can be filed online through the USCIS account if eligible, or by mail to the designated USCIS address.
Errors or omissions in this form can significantly delay the adoption process or result in denial, requiring you to restart the entire application. Inaccurate information may raise concerns about your suitability as an adoptive parent.
Complete the form thoroughly with accurate personal information, including details about your marital status, employment, residence, and financial status. Gather required documents like proof of citizenship, marriage certificates, home study reports, and financial records. Submit the form with the required fee to USCIS and wait for their determination of your suitability.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep a complete copy of your submitted application and all supporting documents
  2. 2Record the date of submission and tracking number if applicable
  3. 3Monitor your USCIS online account for updates and requests
  4. 4Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
  5. 5Track processing times on the USCIS website for your case type
  6. 6Maintain contact with your adoption agency throughout the process

Sources

  • SRCForm purpose: Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
  • SRCFiling fee: $1,040 (verify current amount on USCIS website)
  • SRCProcessing location: USCIS Hague Adoption Convention Unit
  • SRCApproval validity: 18 months from date of issuance
  • SRCBiometric requirement: Yes, fingerprints and photos required
  • SRCHome study requirement: Mandatory from approved agency
  • SRCProcessing time: Varies (check current USCIS estimates)
  • SRCCitizenship requirement: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • SRCHague Convention countries list: Available on USCIS website

Common confusion points

Form I-800A vs I-800

I-800A is for pre-approval before identifying a child

→ Confirm which stage of adoption you're in

Hague vs non-Hague countries

Different adoption processes apply

→ Verify the country's status with USCIS

Home study requirements

Vary by state and agency

→ Check your state's specific requirements

Financial documentation expectations

Different for international adoptions

→ Consult with your adoption agency

Single vs married applicants

Different documentation requirements

→ Ensure you're providing all required information

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

7 signals

Before

Home study application to approved adoption agencyFingerprints and background checks

Current

I-800A

After

Form I-800 (if adopting a specific child)Country-specific adoption petition

Often used with

Form I-800A Supplement for Convention Country AdoptionFinancial documentation and verification

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Request for Evidence (RFE) response

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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