Form I-600A, the Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, lets U.S. citizens get pre-approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adopt a child from a non-Hague Adoption Convention country before a specific child is identified. You file this form to prove you are suitable and eligible so that the later orphan petition (Form I-600) moves faster.
According to the U.S. Department of State Annual Report on Intercountry Adoption, 1,517 intercountry adoptions were finalized by U.S. citizens in Fiscal Year 2023, and most non-Hague cases ran through the I-600A/I-600 path. A clean, complete I-600A is the single biggest factor in avoiding months of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📋 How every part of the current Form I-600A edition works, line by line
- ⚖️ The federal statutes and regulations, including 8 CFR 204.3 and the Adam Walsh Act, that drive each answer
- 👨👩👧 Real named-person examples covering married, single, and military filers
- 🚫 The most common mistakes that trigger RFEs, denials, or fingerprint expirations
- 💡 Country-by-country nuances, fees, validity windows, and what to do after approval
What Form I-600A Is and Why It Exists
Form I-600A is a suitability and eligibility application filed with USCIS before you have matched with a specific orphan abroad. The form lets the agency vet you, your spouse if you have one, and every adult in your household for criminal history, child abuse, financial fitness, and home environment. The point is to clear all the U.S.-side checks early so that, once you identify a child, the orphan petition (Form I-600) can move quickly.
The form exists because of the orphan definition in INA §101(b)(1)(F), which limits this path to children from countries that are not parties to the Hague Adoption Convention. Hague country adoptions use Form I-800A and Form I-800 instead. If you confuse the two tracks, USCIS will reject your filing, and you will lose the filing fee plus weeks of processing time.
Plain-English explanation: think of I-600A as a U.S. government background check and home-study review that says, “Yes, this family is fit to adopt.” The consequence of skipping it is that you cannot legally bring an orphan from a non-Hague country to the United States as your child. A real-world example: Maria and Daniel Alvarez of Tampa want to adopt from Jamaica, a non-Hague country. They file I-600A first to get pre-approval, then travel only after they identify a child and file I-600. A common misconception is that I-600A “matches” you with a child. It does not. Matching happens through your adoption service provider and the foreign country’s authorities.
The Statutory Backbone
The orphan program rests on three legal pillars. The first is INA §101(b)(1)(F), which defines who counts as an orphan. The second is 8 CFR 204.3, which sets the home study, fingerprint, and approval rules. The third is the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAAA), which forced non-Hague cases to follow Hague-style accreditation standards for adoption service providers (ASPs).
Plain meaning: the orphan must be a child under 16 with no parents, or with a sole or surviving parent who cannot care for the child and has given written, irrevocable consent to emigration and adoption. The consequence of not meeting this definition is automatic denial of the I-600 later, even if your I-600A was approved. A mini-scenario: the Patel family of Austin assumed a “social orphan” living with grandparents qualified. USCIS denied the I-600 because the biological mother was alive and had not legally relinquished rights. The misconception is that poverty alone makes a child an orphan. It does not.
Hague vs. Non-Hague: Which Track Are You On?
You file I-600A only if the child’s country of origin is not party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Examples of common non-Hague sending countries include Jamaica, Nigeria, Ethiopia (currently closed but historically non-Hague-process), Republic of Korea (Korea joined the Hague in 2025, so cases initiated before that date follow the orphan rules), Liberia, and Pakistan in some scenarios. The U.S. Department of State country list is the controlling reference.
The consequence of filing the wrong form is rejection and re-filing with a new fee. A scenario: the Nguyen family wants to adopt from South Korea in 2026; because Korea now operates under the Hague, they must file Form I-800A, not I-600A. The common misconception is that “non-Hague” means “less regulated.” Under the UAAA, the same accreditation standards apply.
Eligibility Requirements Before You File
To file I-600A, you must be a U.S. citizen. If you are married, your spouse must also sign and join the application, but the spouse does not need to be a citizen. If you are unmarried, you must be at least 24 years old when filing the I-600A and at least 25 years old when you later file the I-600. These age and marital rules come straight from 8 CFR 204.3(b).
Plain English: a single 23-year-old citizen cannot file. The consequence is outright rejection. Mini-scenario: Jordan Lee, age 23, files I-600A in Vilnius while stationed at the U.S. Embassy. USCIS rejects it because Jordan turns 24 four months later; Jordan must wait. The common misconception is that “filing” the home study early counts. It does not; the age clock runs to the I-600A receipt date.
Home Study Requirements
A home study by an accredited or approved adoption service provider is mandatory and must comply with 8 CFR 204.3(e). The study must be less than six months old when submitted. It must include criminal background checks on every adult in the household, an abuse-history check, financial review, references, and a written recommendation.
Plain English: a social worker visits your home, interviews everyone, and writes a report. The consequence of an incomplete home study is an RFE that can stall your case 60 to 120 days. Real example: Alicia and Mark Johnson of Denver submitted a home study that omitted Mark’s adult son living in the basement; USCIS issued an RFE demanding new fingerprints and an addendum. The misconception is that you can file I-600A without a home study and add it later. You cannot if you want concurrent processing, although USCIS does allow filing without the home study and submitting it within one year per the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 5, Part C.
Adam Walsh Act Background Checks
The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 bars anyone convicted of a specified offense against a minor from filing any family-based petition unless USCIS grants a “no risk” waiver. Specified offenses include sexual abuse, kidnapping, child pornography, and similar crimes.
Plain English: a prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but USCIS must affirmatively decide you pose no risk. Consequence: failure to disclose triggers denial and possible fraud charges. Mini-scenario: Robert Kim disclosed a 1998 misdemeanor and submitted rehabilitation evidence; USCIS granted the waiver. Misconception: expungement removes the duty to disclose. It does not. You must disclose every arrest and conviction.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Form I-600A
The current edition of Form I-600A is found on the USCIS forms page. Always download a fresh copy because USCIS rejects outdated editions. Fill it out in black ink or type directly into the PDF. Do not leave fields blank; write “N/A” or “None” if a question does not apply.
Part 1 — Information About You
Part 1 collects your full legal name, other names used, mailing address, physical address, date and place of birth, country of citizenship, Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if any, USCIS Online Account Number if any, Social Security Number, marital status, and the date and place of your current marriage. You must list every prior marriage and how it ended.
Plain English: this is the section that identifies you. Consequence of errors: a misspelled name on the I-600A will mismatch the eventual visa and IR-3 or IR-4 stamp, delaying the child’s entry. Example: Sarah Bennett of Chicago listed her maiden name on Part 1 but her married name on the home study; USCIS issued an RFE for evidence linking the names. Misconception: nicknames are fine. They are not; use legal names exactly as on your passport.
Part 2 — Information About Your Spouse
Part 2 mirrors Part 1 but for your spouse. Even if your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, the spouse must sign and submit fingerprints. Both spouses are co-applicants under 8 CFR 204.3(b).
Plain English: married means married together on the application. Consequence of leaving Part 2 blank when married: rejection. Example: David and Aisha Thompson, where Aisha holds a green card, both signed; USCIS approved without issue. Misconception: “we will get divorced anyway, so I’ll file alone.” If you are still legally married on the filing date, your spouse must join.
Part 3 — General Information
Part 3 asks about the country where you intend to adopt, whether you plan to travel to see the child, the number of children you intend to adopt (one or two siblings is the maximum on a single I-600A), and whether you have ever filed an I-600A or I-600 before.
Plain English: tell USCIS your plan. Consequence of asking for three children on one form: rejection, because 8 CFR 204.3(b) caps each I-600A at two unrelated or related children unless they are biological siblings. Example: the Garcia family checked “two children” because they are pursuing biological twin siblings in Haiti; USCIS approved. Misconception: you can amend later to add more children for free. You cannot; you must file a new application or a supplemental request and pay again in some cases.
Part 4 — Information About Your Home Study Preparer
Part 4 lists the home study preparer’s name, agency, license or accreditation number, and contact information. The preparer must be either a state-licensed agency in the state of the applicant’s residence or an accredited or approved provider under the UAAA.
Plain English: name the agency that wrote the home study. Consequence of using a non-accredited preparer: denial, because 22 CFR 96 requires accreditation. Example: the Williams family in Atlanta used an accredited agency listed on the State Department search tool and avoided issues. Misconception: any licensed social worker is fine. They are not; the agency itself needs accreditation.
Part 5 — Applicant’s Statement, Contact Info, Declaration, and Signature
Part 5 captures your sworn statement that the information is true, your daytime phone, mobile, email, and your signature with date. If an interpreter helped you, that interpreter signs Part 6.
Plain English: this is the sworn-under-penalty-of-perjury part. Consequence of a missing signature: outright rejection without review. Example: Carlos Rivera typed his name but forgot to wet-sign the printed PDF; USCIS rejected the package within 10 days. Misconception: an electronic signature is always acceptable. USCIS accepts a typed name only on the online filing through the myUSCIS account, not on paper.
Part 6 — Interpreter’s Contact Info, Certification, and Signature
Use Part 6 only if an interpreter helped you read or fill out the form. The interpreter certifies the language used and that you understood every question.
Plain English: if you needed help in another language, the helper signs here. Consequence of skipping when an interpreter was used: possible fraud finding. Example: Mei Chen used a Mandarin interpreter; the interpreter signed Part 6 properly. Misconception: bilingual family members do not count as interpreters. They do, and they should sign.
Part 7 — Preparer’s Contact Info, Declaration, and Signature
Part 7 is for the lawyer or accredited representative, if any, who prepared the form. The preparer’s Form G-28 must be filed with the I-600A.
Plain English: your lawyer signs here. Consequence of skipping G-28: USCIS will not communicate with the attorney. Example: attorney Rachel Cohen filed G-28 with the I-600A and received all RFEs directly. Misconception: a paralegal can sign Part 7. Only a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative can.
Part 8 — Additional Information
Part 8 is the overflow section for any answer that did not fit. Number each entry to the part and item it relates to.
Plain English: extra space. Consequence of using random margins instead of Part 8: USCIS may miss the information and issue an RFE. Example: the Okonkwo family used Part 8 to list five prior addresses over the past 10 years. Misconception: you can attach a separate Word document instead. You can attach extra sheets, but they must reference the part and item number clearly.
Filing Fees, Biometrics, and Where to File
As of the USCIS Fee Schedule effective April 1, 2024, the I-600A filing fee is $920, plus an $85 biometrics fee per person required to be fingerprinted. Each adult household member 18 or older must be fingerprinted, including the applicants and any other adult living in the home.
Plain English: budget about $1,200 to $1,500 for the federal fees alone, more if multiple adults live in your house. Consequence of underpaying: USCIS rejects the entire package. Example: the Brown family forgot to add the $85 biometrics fee for their adult daughter living at home; USCIS rejected and they re-filed three weeks later. Misconception: military families are fee-exempt. They are not for I-600A, although some DOS reimbursement programs and the federal adoption tax credit may apply.
File the paper I-600A with the USCIS National Benefits Center lockbox in Lewisville, Texas, or use the online filing portal at my.uscis.gov. Online filing is recommended because you get instant receipt confirmation.
Three Real-World Filing Scenarios
The next three tables show how different families handle three of the most common filing situations.
Scenario 1: Married Couple, First-Time Filers
| Filing Decision | Direct Result |
|---|---|
| File jointly on one I-600A with both signatures | Both spouses share suitability vetting; one fee covers both |
| Submit home study less than six months old | Avoids RFE under 8 CFR 204.3(e) |
| Pay $920 + $85 × 2 biometrics = $1,090 | Package accepted on first review |
| List both adult children at home | Triggers extra fingerprints but prevents fraud finding |
Scenario 2: Single Applicant Adopting from Haiti
| Filing Decision | Direct Result |
|---|---|
| Filer must be at least 24 at I-600A filing | Application accepted under 8 CFR 204.3(b) |
| Verify Haiti is non-Hague-process for orphan cases | Confirms I-600A is the right form via DOS country page |
| Submit single-applicant home study | Approved if agency is UAAA-accredited |
| Plan travel after I-600 approval | Avoids two-trip rule confusion |
Scenario 3: Military Family Stationed Overseas
| Filing Decision | Direct Result |
|---|---|
| List APO/FPO mailing address in Part 1 | USCIS routes notices through military mail |
| Fingerprints taken at overseas USCIS field office | Avoids return travel to the U.S. for biometrics |
| Home study by military family-services-approved agency | Meets DoD adoption reimbursement rules |
| Use a U.S. state of “legal residence” for jurisdiction | Determines which state’s law governs the home study |
Named Examples That Show the Process in Action
These three examples cover the most common filer profiles.
Example 1 — The Alvarez Family Adopting from Jamaica
Maria and Daniel Alvarez of Tampa, Florida want to adopt one child from Jamaica. They use Bethany Christian Services, an accredited agency, for the home study. They file I-600A online with both signatures, pay $1,090 in total fees, and receive biometrics appointments within four weeks. Their I-600A is approved 4.5 months later, valid for 15 months under 8 CFR 204.3(h)(7).
The Alvarezes then identify a child in Kingston, file Form I-600, and travel for the adoption proceedings. Their child enters the U.S. on an IR-4 visa because the adoption will be finalized in Florida.
Example 2 — Single Filer Jordan Lee Adopting from Liberia
Jordan Lee, age 27, single, lives in Seattle. Jordan files I-600A as a single applicant under 8 CFR 204.3(b). The home study, prepared by a Washington-state-licensed and UAAA-accredited agency, is filed concurrently. Jordan disclosed a 2010 DUI; USCIS reviewed it under the Adam Walsh Act framework, found it not a specified offense against a minor, and approved the application five months later.
Jordan’s case shows that single filers can succeed and that minor non-Walsh-Act offenses do not bar approval, although they require complete disclosure.
Example 3 — The Okonkwo Family Transferring an Approved I-600A
Chinedu and Ngozi Okonkwo of Houston received I-600A approval to adopt from Nigeria. Eight months in, Nigeria suspended new orphan cases. The Okonkwos filed a Supplement 3 to Form I-600A requesting a country change to Ethiopia, paid no additional filing fee for the first country-change request within the 15-month validity period, and updated their home study. USCIS approved the country change in seven weeks.
Their case shows that an approved I-600A is portable across non-Hague countries within its validity, although a new home study addendum is always required.
Mistakes to Avoid
Each mistake below ends real cases every year. Learn from them.
- Filing the wrong form for a Hague country, which forces refiling and a new fee under 8 CFR 204.3
- Submitting a home study older than six months, which triggers an automatic RFE
- Failing to list every adult household member, which can be treated as fraud
- Using nicknames instead of legal names, which causes visa-stamp mismatches
- Forgetting the biometrics fee for one adult, which causes total package rejection
- Skipping the Form G-28 when an attorney represents you, cutting the lawyer out of communications
- Letting the I-600A expire before filing the I-600, which forces a full refile under USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 5
- Hiding a prior arrest, which violates the Adam Walsh Act disclosure duty
- Using a non-UAAA-accredited home-study preparer, which voids the home study under 22 CFR 96
- Listing three or more unrelated children on one I-600A, which violates the two-child cap
Do’s and Don’ts
These actionable rules keep your case clean.
- Do download the latest Form I-600A edition before every filing because USCIS rejects outdated editions immediately
- Do file online through myUSCIS when possible because you get instant receipt and faster RFEs
- Do schedule biometrics promptly because missed appointments cause 60-day delays
- Do keep copies of every page because USCIS occasionally loses documents at the lockbox
- Do update USCIS within 10 days of any address change using Form AR-11 because failure is a misdemeanor
- Don’t sign the form before reading every question because false statements are perjury
- Don’t pay with personal check from a closed account because the entire package is rejected for nonpayment
- Don’t assume your state’s adoption rules satisfy federal law because federal rules add the orphan and Walsh Act layers
- Don’t travel internationally to meet the child before I-600A approval because some countries treat that as a private placement and bar later orphan classification
- Don’t use a notary in place of a wet signature because USCIS requires the applicant’s own signature
Pros and Cons of Filing I-600A First
Filing I-600A before identifying a child is the standard path, but it has trade-offs.
- Pro: front-loads the suitability review so the I-600 moves faster after match
- Pro: locks in your fingerprints for 15 months under 8 CFR 204.3(h)(7)
- Pro: provides a Notice of Approval that foreign authorities often require before referrals
- Pro: triggers the federal adoption tax credit eligibility timeline
- Pro: lets you change destination countries within validity using Supplement 3
- Con: $920 plus biometrics is non-refundable if the case fails
- Con: 15-month validity can expire before you find a child, forcing a refile
- Con: home study must be redone every time it goes stale beyond six months
- Con: every adult who joins your household after filing must be added and refingerprinted
- Con: the orphan definition under INA §101(b)(1)(F) is narrower than many state-law definitions
After USCIS Approves Your I-600A
Once USCIS issues Form I-797, Notice of Action, your file is forwarded to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the child’s country. The approval is good for 15 months from the date of the FBI biometrics clearance, not the I-797 date, per 8 CFR 204.3(h)(7).
Plain English: your clock starts on the fingerprint date, so do not delay biometrics. Consequence of missing the 15-month window: refile from scratch with a new $920 fee. Example: the Patel family identified a child at month 14, filed I-600 at month 14.5, and squeezed through; another family who waited until month 16 had to refile. Misconception: extensions are routine. They are not. USCIS grants only one free 15-month extension under limited circumstances per the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 5, Part C, Chapter 4.
Filing Form I-600 Next
Once you identify a specific child, you file Form I-600, the Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative. The I-600 includes the child’s birth certificate, evidence of orphan status, the foreign adoption decree or guardianship order, and a Hague-style I-604 orphan investigation completed by the Embassy.
Plain English: I-600 ties your I-600A approval to a real child. Consequence of weak orphan evidence: I-600 denial despite I-600A approval. Example: the Bennett family’s I-600 was approved within eight weeks because the Embassy’s I-604 confirmed the surviving parent’s irrevocable consent. Misconception: an I-600A approval guarantees I-600 approval. It does not.
Denials and the Right to Appeal
If USCIS denies your I-600A, you may file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, within 33 days of the denial notice if mailed. Appeals go to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Common AAO decisions on orphan cases focus on Walsh Act risk assessments and home-study sufficiency.
Plain English: you have rights after a denial. Consequence of missing the 33-day deadline: the denial becomes final. Example: the Cohen family appealed a Walsh Act denial with a forensic psychological evaluation; the AAO reversed and approved. Misconception: you can refile instead of appealing. You can, but a fresh filing does not erase the denial record, which the next adjudicator will see.
Key Court Rulings and Policy Decisions
While most orphan cases never reach federal court, a few matter.
- Bangura v. Hansen, 434 F.3d 487 (6th Cir. 2006): clarified that USCIS must apply the orphan definition strictly under INA §101(b)(1)(F); read the opinion via the court’s docket page.
- Matter of Y-K-W-, 27 I&N Dec. 671 (BIA 2019): reinforced that “sole or surviving parent” requires documentary proof, not just affidavits, available through the BIA precedent decisions list.
- AAO non-precedent decisions on Walsh Act waivers, searchable on the AAO decisions database, confirm that USCIS uses a totality-of-the-circumstances test.
Each ruling reinforces the same point: documentation drives outcomes. The consequence of relying on testimony alone is denial. Mini-scenario: the Williams family supplied a death certificate and a notarized relinquishment; the I-600 was approved without an RFE. Misconception: BIA and AAO decisions are interchangeable. They are not; AAO handles I-600A denials, BIA handles removal-related issues.
State Nuances That Affect Your I-600A
Federal law sets the floor, but each state controls the home-study standards and post-placement supervision. California’s Department of Social Services requires post-placement reports for at least six months. New York’s Office of Children and Family Services imposes additional fingerprinting at the state level. Texas’s Department of Family and Protective Services regulates licensed child-placing agencies separately.
Plain English: meet federal rules first, then state rules layered on top. Consequence of ignoring state post-placement requirements: your state may refuse to recognize the foreign decree, blocking re-adoption. Example: the Garcia family of Houston completed Texas re-adoption to secure a U.S. birth certificate. Misconception: a foreign adoption decree is automatically valid in your state. It is not in many states; you may need a re-adoption.
FAQs
Can I file Form I-600A online?
Yes. Online filing is available through myUSCIS, and most filers see faster receipts and RFE delivery than with paper filing.
Do I have to be married to file Form I-600A?
No. A single U.S. citizen at least 24 years old at filing and 25 at the I-600 stage may file alone under 8 CFR 204.3(b).
Is Form I-600A the same as Form I-800A?
No. Form I-800A is for Hague Convention countries, while I-600A is for non-Hague countries; using the wrong one causes outright rejection.
Can same-sex couples file Form I-600A together?
Yes. Federal law recognizes same-sex marriages for immigration purposes after United States v. Windsor, 570 U.S. 744 (2013), so both spouses sign jointly.
Will a past misdemeanor disqualify me?
No. A misdemeanor that is not a specified offense against a minor under the Adam Walsh Act does not bar approval, but you must disclose every arrest.
Does an approved I-600A guarantee I can bring a child home?
No. I-600A approves only your suitability; you still must file Form I-600 and pass the Embassy’s I-604 orphan investigation before a visa issues.
How long is an approved I-600A valid?
Yes, it is valid for 15 months from the FBI biometrics clearance date under 8 CFR 204.3(h)(7), with one possible extension.
Can I switch the country of adoption after approval?
Yes. File Supplement 3 to Form I-600A and a home-study update; the first country change inside the validity period usually carries no extra filing fee.
Do military families get any special treatment?
Yes. Military families overseas can complete biometrics at USCIS international field offices and may qualify for DoD adoption reimbursement.
Are filing fees refundable if my case is denied?
No. USCIS treats fees under the USCIS Fee Schedule as non-refundable, even if the application is denied or withdrawn before adjudication.
Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-600A?
No. A lawyer is not required, but using one experienced in intercountry adoption often prevents costly RFEs and Adam Walsh Act issues.
Can my adult children living at home affect my application?
Yes. Every adult household member must be fingerprinted and pass background checks under 8 CFR 204.3(e); failure causes denial.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-539A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-600 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-730 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-800 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-800A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-918A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out USCIS Form I-821 (w/Examples) + FAQs