Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form I-600: Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-600 is a petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative for an immigrant visa. A U.S. citizen (and spouse, if married) must file it before the child’s 16th birthday, or before 18th in limited cases.
Need help with Form I-600?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form I-600.
Start filling →Form Overview
USCIS Form I-600 - Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
USCIS Form I-600 is a petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative for an immigrant visa. A U.S. citizen (and spouse, if married) must file it before the child’s 16th birthday, or before 18th in limited cases.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing a valid handwritten signature will cause the petition to be rejected.
- 2Submitting the petition without a handwritten signature or using a stamped name.
- 3Filing the petition after the child’s 16th birthday (or after 18th in limited cases).
- 4Attaching a home study before the state authority has reviewed and approved it.
- 5Failing to provide affidavits when a required document cannot be obtained.
Plain English
Form I-600 asks USCIS to treat a child you plan to adopt as an orphan so the child can receive an immediate relative visa. You, as a U.S. citizen petitioner, submit the petition with the child’s information and supporting documents. The petition must be signed and filed before the child reaches the age limit.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The petition must be filed before the child’s 16th birthday, or before the child’s 18th birthday in certain cases described in the instructions.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
Glossary Terms
No matched glossary terms in this overview yet.
Hover a term to preview the meaning.
What this form is for
- Use this form when a U.S. citizen (and spouse, if married) files for an unmarried child to be classified as an orphan for an immediate relative immigrant visa.
- Do not use it when the child is married, when the child is older than the allowed age limit, or when seeking a visa category other than the immediate relative orphan classification.
- Check Form I-600A instead when you need to file a preliminary petition for a child before the adoption is finalized.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Petition before adoption is finalized
Required for the initial adoption petition before the child can be classified as an orphan
✓ Verify eligibility and supporting documents before filing
Need to determine filing fee amount
Provides the official fee schedule for Form I-600
✓ Confirm the correct fee is attached before mailing
Filing the orphan classification after adoption is finalized
Directly classifies the child as an orphan for an immediate relative visa
✓ Ensure all initial evidence is included before submission
Deadline or filing window
The filing window opens when you decide to adopt and closes the day before the child turns 16, or 18 in the limited circumstances noted in the instructions. No extension is provided; filing after the age limit results in ineligibility.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Proof of petitioner’s U.S. citizenship
Copy of birth certificate, U.S. passport, or consular statement · Personal records or passport office
Child’s birth certificate
Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate · Civil registrar or vital statistics office
Home study report
State‑reviewed home study forwarded by the state authority · State adoption agency
Handwritten signature
Original ink signature on the petition (or clear photocopy/scan) · Signer’s pen
USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable)
OAN from prior receipt with IOE number · USCIS online account profile or receipt notice
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the child’s age is under 16 (or under 18 in limited cases) before filing.
- 2Mark any non‑applicable fields as “N/A” per the instructions.
- 3Include a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- 4Attach proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or consular statement).
- 5Submit the state‑approved home study if required.
- 6Sign the petition with a handwritten ink signature (or attach a clear scanned copy).
- 7Prepare the filing fee according to the current Form G‑1055 schedule.
- 8Verify the mailing address on the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov/i-600).
- 9Retain a complete copy of the petition and all attachments for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Gather all required documents and supporting evidence, creating a checklist as proof of preparation.
- 2Complete Form I-600, entering “N/A” or “None” where appropriate.
- 3Sign the form with a handwritten ink signature and, if submitting a scanned copy, ensure the signature is clear.
- 4Assemble the filing fee according to Form G‑1055 and attach it to the petition.
- 5Mail the completed petition, evidence, and fee to the USCIS address listed on the website.
- 6Keep the mailing receipt and a full copy of the submission as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply to children who are married.
- 2Cannot be used for children older than 16, except in limited cases up to 18.
- 3Not suitable for visa categories other than the immediate relative orphan classification.
- 4Cannot be filed until the required state‑reviewed home study is available.
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 edition of Form I-600 expires on 10/31/2027, and the instructions direct users to the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov/i-600) for the most current filing location.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form expires 10/31/2027
- Fee — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Signature — must be a handwritten ink signature; photocopy, fax, or scan of the original is acceptable
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Store the complete filing copy and receipt in a safe place for at least five years.
- 2Monitor case status online using the receipt number.
- 3Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.
- 4Notify USCIS of any address change using the appropriate channel, not the Lockbox.
- 5If an error is discovered, submit a corrected petition with a cover letter explaining the amendment.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-600 is to determine orphan classification for an immediate relative immigrant visa.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — U.S. citizen (and spouse, if married) may file for an unmarried child before the child’s 16th birthday (or 18th in limited cases).
- SRCInstructions p.4 — signature must be handwritten; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — a photocopied, faxed, or scanned original handwritten signature is valid for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — filing fee information is found in Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — proof of petitioner’s U.S. citizenship requires a birth certificate, passport, or consular statement.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — home study must be submitted after state authority review; select Item 1.d. or 1.e. accordingly.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — filing location details are on www.uscis.gov/i-600; do not submit change of address to the Lockbox.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Can I file after the child turns 16?
The age limit is 16 unless a limited 18‑year exception applies.
→ Verify the child’s exact age and the exception criteria before filing.
Do I need to submit a passport if I was born in the U.S.?
A birth certificate suffices for U.S.‑born petitioners, but a passport is also acceptable.
→ Check which document you are including and ensure it is unexpired.
Is a typed name acceptable for the signature?
The instructions require a handwritten ink signature; typed names are rejected.
→ Confirm the signature is handwritten or a clear scanned copy.
What if my state must review the home study before I file?
You must wait until the state authority forwards the home study and select Item 1.e.
→ Ensure you have the state’s approval before mailing the petition.
Do I need to include my USCIS Online Account Number?
Only if you have a prior receipt number beginning with IOE; otherwise you do not have an OAN.
→ Check your receipt numbers before adding an OAN.
Where do I send the petition?
The instructions direct you to the USCIS website for the current filing address.
→ Verify the address on www.uscis.gov/i-600 before mailing.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
⚠ If something goes wrong
Questions about USCIS Form I-600
What is USCIS Form I-600 used for?
Form I-600 asks USCIS to treat a child you plan to adopt as an orphan so the child can receive an immediate relative visa. You, as a U.S. citizen petitioner, submit the petition with the child’s information and supporting documents. The petition must be signed and filed before the child reaches the age limit.
Who must file USCIS Form I-600?
A U.S. citizen petitioner (and their spouse, if married) may file Form I-600 for an unmarried child.
When is USCIS Form I-600 due?
The petition must be filed before the child’s 16th birthday, or before the child’s 18th birthday in certain cases described in the instructions.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-600?
Visit www.uscis.gov/i-600 for the most current filing address; the website provides the specific USCIS lockbox or international office to which the petition should be sent.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-600?
Type or print legibly in black ink and answer every question fully. Use Part 12 for any extra information and attach a separate sheet if needed, labeling each sheet with the petitioner's name and A‑Number. Include the required home study and any affidavits, then sign and date each page. Submit the completed petition to the address listed on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-600 is filed incorrectly?
If the petition lacks a valid handwritten signature, USCIS will reject or deny the request.
Can I file after the child turns 16?
The age limit is 16 unless a limited 18‑year exception applies. Verify the child’s exact age and the exception criteria before filing.
Do I need to submit a passport if I was born in the U.S.?
A birth certificate suffices for U.S.‑born petitioners, but a passport is also acceptable. Check which document you are including and ensure it is unexpired.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
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.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.