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Official form guide
Form I-800: Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-800 is the Petition to Classify a Convention adoptee as an immediate relative. Adoptive parents file it after receiving an approved Form I-800A, and must notify USCIS of address changes within 10 days.
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USCIS Form I-800 - Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-800 is the Petition to Classify a Convention adoptee as an immediate relative. Adoptive parents file it after receiving an approved Form I-800A, and must notify USCIS of address changes within 10 days.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the petition without a valid handwritten signature will cause rejection.
- 2Submitting the petition with a stamped or typed name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 3Leaving out any required affidavit details such as full name, address, date and place of birth, or signature.
- 4Failing to attach a certified English translation for any foreign‑language document.
- 5Providing a post office box for the current physical address instead of a street address.
Plain English
Form I-800 classifies a child you plan to adopt from a Hague Convention country as your immediate relative, allowing the child to immigrate to the U.S. You can file only after USCIS approves your Form I-800A. The petition must include the child’s information, affidavits, translations, and a proper signature.
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 have an approved, valid Form I-800A and are adopting a child who habitually resides in a Convention country.
- Do not use it when the child is 16 years or older or the approval/extension notice for Form I-800A has expired.
- Check Form I-601 instead when the child may be medically inadmissible under INA 212(a)(1).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Child may be medically inadmissible under INA 212(a)(1)
Determines eligibility for a medical waiver
✓ Confirm medical exam indicates possible inadmissibility
Need to establish suitability to adopt before filing I-800
Provides approval to adopt from a Convention country
✓ Verify approval notice is current and unexpired
Need to know the exact filing fee for I-800
Lists current fee schedule for immigration forms
✓ Review fee amount before payment
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Child’s background information
Medical and social history, medical records with English translation · Primary adoption service provider
Spouse signature (Duty of Disclosure)
Handwritten signature and date by spouse · Petition signer
Current physical address
Physical residence address (no PO Box) · Applicant’s residence
Biometric services appointment
Appointment notice (if required) · USCIS communication
Filing fee payment
Check or money order per Form G-1055 · USCIS fee schedule
Before you submit
- 1Attach the approved Form I-800A notice.
- 2Include the child’s medical and social history with a complete English translation.
- 3Provide all evidence and supporting documents listed in the Instructions.
- 4Sign the petition and have your spouse sign if married.
- 5Enter a current physical address that is not a PO Box and a mailing address for correspondence.
- 6Enclose payment according to the amount shown on Form G-1055.
- 7Write “None” for numeric questions that do not apply.
- 8Attach the biometric appointment notice if one was issued.
- 9Add Form I-601 only if the child may be medically inadmissible.
- 10Confirm you are using the 01/20/25 edition of the instructions.
How to file this form
- 1Gather the approved Form I-800A and the child’s background documents.
- 2Complete all parts of Form I-800, including required signatures.
- 3Prepare the filing fee payment as specified in Form G-1055.
- 4Mail the petition to the USCIS filing address listed on the I-800 website.
- 5Retain the mailing receipt and tracking number as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used for children who are 16 years or older.
- 2The form does not apply when the child does not habitually reside in a Convention country.
- 3The form is invalid if the Form I-800A approval or extension notice has expired.
- 4Form I-800 alone does not waive medical inadmissibility; Form I-601 is required in that case.
- 5A petition lacking the complete evidence list may be rejected.
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 instructions are dated 01/20/25; the source directs users to the USCIS I-800 webpage for the most current filing address and information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instruction revision reads 01/20/25 (Instructions p.5).
- Fee — verify the correct amount on Form G-1055 (Instructions p.5).
- Mailing address — confirm the filing address on the USCIS I-800 webpage (Instructions p.10).
- Signature — confirm spouse’s handwritten signature if married (Instructions p.7).
- Address change — confirm non‑U.S. citizen will notify USCIS within 10 days of moving (Instructions p.10).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the petition and all supporting documents.
- 2Monitor the case status online using the receipt number.
- 3Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence issued by USCIS.
- 4Attend any biometric services appointment if scheduled.
- 5Notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — use Form I-800 after receiving an approved Form I-800A for a Convention country adoption.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — file Form I-800 before the expiration of the I-800A notice and before the child’s 16th birthday.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — filing fee information is found on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — all evidence listed in the Instructions must be submitted.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — USCIS may require a biometric services appointment.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — spouse must sign; a stamped name is not acceptable.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — child’s medical and social history with English translation must be provided no later than 2 weeks before adoption or travel.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — file Form I-601 if the child may be medically inadmissible under INA 212(a)(1).
- SRCInstructions p.10 — see the USCIS I-800 website for the most current filing address.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — non‑U.S. citizens must notify USCIS of address changes within 10 days of moving.
Common confusion points
Do I need to file before the child turns 16?
Deadline is tied to the child’s 16th birthday.
→ Verify the child’s birthdate and ensure filing date precedes it.
Can my spouse use a stamped signature?
The Instructions require a handwritten signature.
→ Ensure the spouse signs with a pen and dates the section.
What fee amount should I include?
Fee is not listed directly; it is on Form G-1055.
→ Review Form G-1055 for the current fee before payment.
Do I need original medical records?
The source demands complete records with English translation.
→ Submit translated copies and retain originals for your records.
Is Form I-601 always required with I-800?
Only needed if the child may be medically inadmissible.
→ Attach Form I-601 only after confirming inadmissibility risk.
Where do I send the petition?
Filing address changes; the website has the latest address.
→ Check the USCIS I-800 webpage for the current mailing address.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
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Questions about USCIS Form I-800
What is USCIS Form I-800 used for?
Form I-800 classifies a child you plan to adopt from a Hague Convention country as your immediate relative, allowing the child to immigrate to the U.S. You can file only after USCIS approves your Form I-800A. The petition must include the child’s information, affidavits, translations, and a proper signature.
Who must file USCIS Form I-800?
The adoptive parent or parents who hold an approved, valid Form I-800A must file Form I-800.
What information does USCIS Form I-800 require?
The form gathers processing details in Part 3 (items 1‑5) and the beneficiary’s data in Part 4 (items 1‑8), plus required affidavits, English translations, and current and mailing addresses.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-800?
File the petition according to the instructions on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-800, which provides the current filing address.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-800?
First, collect the approved Form I-800A and all supporting evidence, including affidavits and certified translations. Complete Part 3 with processing information and Part 4 with the child’s details. Ensure the petition is signed by the filer (or guardian if under 14) and include both physical and mailing addresses. Submit the packet to the filing address listed on the USCIS I-800 webpage.
What happens if USCIS Form I-800 is filed incorrectly?
If the petition lacks a valid handwritten signature or is incomplete, USCIS will reject or deny the application.
Do I need to file before the child turns 16?
Deadline is tied to the child’s 16th birthday. Verify the child’s birthdate and ensure filing date precedes it.
Can my spouse use a stamped signature?
The Instructions require a handwritten signature. Ensure the spouse signs with a pen and dates the section.
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