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Form I-600A: Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-600A is the Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, used by U.S. citizens planning to adopt a child from a non‑Hague country; unmarried filers must be at least 24 years old.
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USCIS Form I-600A - Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-600A is the Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, used by U.S. citizens planning to adopt a child from a non‑Hague country; unmarried filers must be at least 24 years old.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without the required applicant signature causes immediate rejection.
- 2Submitting Form I‑600A without the applicant’s signature in Part 5.
- 3Leaving Part 6 unsigned when the applicant is married.
- 4Filing the form while the applicant is under 24 years old and unmarried.
- 5Attaching original documents that are not requested, which USCIS may destroy.
Plain English
Form I-600A lets a U.S. citizen start the adoption process for a child from a country that does not follow the Hague Convention. It shows that the adopter meets basic eligibility rules before a child is identified.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 are a U.S. citizen planning to adopt or have adopted a child from a country that is not a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, even if the child is not yet identified.
- Do not use it when the child you intend to adopt resides habitually in a Hague Convention country, unless an exception applies.
- Check Form I-800A instead when the adoption involves a child from a Hague Convention country.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Adoption of a child from a Hague Convention country
I-600A cannot be used for Hague Convention adoptions
✓ Verify the child's country is a Hague party before proceeding
After I-600A approval, filing to classify the orphan as an immediate relative
I-600A only provides advance processing; the final petition requires I-600
✓ Ensure you have the I-600A approval notice before filing I-600
Determining the correct filing fee amount
The fee schedule lists the amount required for I-600A
✓ Review the current fee on Form G-1055 before payment
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Signature
Handwritten ink signature on the form · Completed Form I-600A
Home Study Attachment
Completed adoption home study report · Part 3 of Form I-600A
Biometrics Appointment
Appointment notice and signed oath · USCIS biometrics notice
OAN (if applicable)
USCIS Online Account Number from receipt with IOE prefix · USCIS online account profile or Account Access Notice
Mailing address
Correct filing address per USCIS website · USCIS website www.uscis.gov/I-600A
Before you submit
- 1Verify you are a U.S. citizen planning to adopt from a non‑Hague country
- 2Confirm no child is habitually resident in a Hague Convention country
- 3Check that the form edition reads 01/20/25
- 4Ensure a handwritten ink signature appears on every required line
- 5Attach the home study or correctly indicate its attachment status in Part 3
- 6Include the filing fee amount shown on Form G-1055
- 7Obtain the correct USCIS filing address from www.uscis.gov/I-600A
- 8Schedule and attend any required biometrics appointment
- 9Enter your OAN only if you have a receipt number beginning with IOE
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-600A using the 01/20/25 edition
- 2Gather required documents, including the adoption home study and fee payment receipt
- 3Sign each required signature line with a handwritten ink signature
- 4Mail the package to the USCIS filing address listed on the website, keeping the mailing receipt as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Form I-600A cannot be used for adoptions of children residing in Hague Convention countries, except for limited exceptions
- 2The form does not serve as the petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative; that requires Form I-600
- 3Stamps or typewritten names are not accepted as signatures on the form
- 4The Camp Springs address listed on p.11 is not a filing address for Form I-600A
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->Form I-600A is the 01/20/25 edition; the instructions direct filers to www.uscis.gov/I-600A for the most current filing location. No change details are provided in the source.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows 01/20/25 on the cover page
- Fee — amount not stated in the official source — verify on Form G-1055
- Mailing address — confirm you are not using the Camp Springs address listed on p.11
- Signature — ensure a handwritten ink signature is present; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted
- OAN — verify you have an Online Account Number only if a prior receipt begins with IOE
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a complete copy of the signed Form I-600A and all supporting documents
- 2Track the mailed package and keep the delivery confirmation
- 3Monitor case status online using the receipt number once USCIS issues it
- 4Attend any biometrics appointment and sign the required oath
- 5If USCIS issues a request for evidence or a denial, follow the instructions in the notice to respond or correct the error
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-600A is to determine suitability and eligibility to adopt a foreign‑born child from a non‑Hague country
- SRCInstructions p.1 — U.S. citizens planning to adopt or who have adopted from a non‑Hague country may file Form I-600A
- SRCInstructions p.1 — cannot file I-600A for a child habitually resident in a Hague Convention country; must use Form I-800A
- SRCInstructions p.1 — exceptions allow filing I-600A if applicant became a citizen at filing time or adoption not governed by Hague Convention
- SRCInstructions p.2 — USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature
- SRCInstructions p.2 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of original handwritten signature is valid
- SRCInstructions p.2 — filing fee information is on Form G-1055
- SRCInstructions p.3 — OAN exists only for filers with a receipt number beginning with IOE
- SRCInstructions p.9 — see www.uscis.gov/I-600A for the most current filing location
- SRCInstructions p.9 — address change must be notified to the jurisdictional USCIS office; NBC has jurisdiction if filed at the Lockbox
- SRCInstructions p.11 — do not mail the completed Form I-600A to the Camp Springs address listed
- SRCForm p.8 — edition date is 01/20/25
Common confusion points
Do I need to have a specific child identified before filing?
The form permits filing without a specific child identified.
→ Verify your adoption plan involves a non‑Hague country child, even if not yet named.
Can I use a stamp for my signature?
Stamped or typewritten signatures are rejected.
→ Ensure a handwritten ink signature is present on every required line.
Where should I mail the completed form?
The Camp Springs address on p.11 is not for filing.
→ Check www.uscis.gov/I-600A for the correct filing address.
Is the home study required to be attached?
Part 3 asks you to indicate whether the study is attached.
→ Mark the appropriate option and attach the study if required.
What fee amount must I include?
The exact fee amount is not listed in the instructions.
→ Consult Form G-1055 for the current filing fee.
Do I need an OAN on the form?
Only filers with a prior receipt number beginning with IOE have an OAN.
→ Leave the OAN field blank if you do not meet this condition.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-600A
What is USCIS Form I-600A used for?
Form I-600A lets a U.S. citizen start the adoption process for a child from a country that does not follow the Hague Convention. It shows that the adopter meets basic eligibility rules before a child is identified.
Who must file USCIS Form I-600A?
U.S. citizens who intend to adopt a child from a country that is not a party to the Hague Adoption Convention may file Form I-600A. Unmarried applicants must be at least 24 years old.
What information does USCIS Form I-600A require?
The form collects personal data about the applicant and spouse, details of the home study, and whether the home study is attached (Part 3). It also requires signatures in Part 5 (applicant) and Part 6 (spouse, if married).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-600A?
The filing address is not listed; applicants must visit www.uscis.gov/I-600A for the current filing location and follow the instructions there.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-600A?
First, complete Parts 1–4 with personal and home‑study information, indicating whether the home study is attached. Next, sign Part 5; if married, the spouse signs Part 6. Review the form for required translations and attach the home study if indicated. Finally, submit the signed form with any required fee to the address listed on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-600A is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject any Form I-600A that is unsigned or missing the required filing fee and will issue a deficiency notice.
Do I need to have a specific child identified before filing?
The form permits filing without a specific child identified. Verify your adoption plan involves a non‑Hague country child, even if not yet named.
Can I use a stamp for my signature?
Stamped or typewritten signatures are rejected. Ensure a handwritten ink signature is present on every required line.
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