Form I-600 Guide

USCIS evaluates if the petitioner is a U.S. citizen and if the child qualifies as an orphan under INA section 101(b)(1)(F). A common mismatch occurs when the required evidence of the child's identity or age is incomplete or missing.

• Gather proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
• Include a marriage certificate if applicable.
• Provide the child's birth certificate or equivalent documentation for age verification.
• Include death certificates of the child's parents if applicable.
• Attach the adoption decree with a certified translation if necessary.
• Ensure the home study report is complete and up-to-date.

• Missing required documents such as the home study, which is essential for the petition.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information in the petition, which can lead to delays.
• Failure to provide translations for foreign documents, which is necessary for processing.
• Not submitting proof of the spouse's lawful immigration status when required, which can result in a request for evidence.

• You must be a U.S. citizen to file Form I-600.
• The child must qualify as an orphan under INA section 101(b)(1)(F).
• You must file before the child turns 16 years old unless exceptions apply.
• Proof of marriage is required if you are married.
• A home study report is necessary.
• Evidence of the child's age and identity must be provided.
• Submit copies of death certificates of the child's parents if applicable.

• General Instructions

  This section provides guidelines on how to complete the form and what documents to include.

• Initial Evidence

  You must submit supporting documentation, including proof of citizenship and the child's identity.

• Home Study Requirements

  A home study is required to assess the suitability of the adoptive home.

• Home Study Updates

  Updates to the home study must be submitted if there are significant changes.

• WARNING

  Failure to provide required documents may result in denial of the petition.

• Processing Information

  Details on how the petition will be processed and what to expect.

• Your Printed Name
• Your Signature
• Daytime Telephone Number
• Postal Code
• ZIP Code
• Proof of Petitioner’s U.S. Citizenship
• Proof of Marriage of Petitioner and Spouse (if applicable)
• Proof of Orphan’s Age and Identity
• Copies of Death Certificates of Child’s Parents (if applicable)
• Certified Copy of Adoption or Custody Decree and Certified Translation (if applicable)
• as an Immediate Relative
• What Is the Purpose of Form I-600?
• Who May File Form I-600?
• of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention);
• Who May Not File Form I-600?
• citizen at the time of filing Form I-600;
• process; or
• What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
• parents; or

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.

• Failing to sign the petition, leading to rejection.
• Submitting documents that are not legible.
• Not including required evidence like the home study.
• Filing after the child's 16th birthday without qualifying for an exception.
• Providing a stamped or typewritten signature instead of a handwritten one.
• Omitting translations for documents in foreign languages.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-600 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-600. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-600 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• You can file Form I-600 after the child's 16th birthday without exceptions, which is incorrect as specific exceptions must be met.
• A stamped signature is acceptable for the petition, but USCIS requires a valid handwritten signature.
• You do not need to submit a home study if the adoption is finalized, but a home study is required unless specific conditions are met.
• Filing Form I-600 does not require proof of the spouse's lawful immigration status, but it is necessary if the spouse lives in the U.S.
• You can submit original documents with your petition, but it's advised to submit photocopies unless originals are specifically requested.

This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-600, ensuring you have the most current information and requirements. It is designed to help you navigate the filing process effectively.

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