Form I-600A Guide

USCIS evaluates whether the applicant is a U.S. citizen and if they meet the age requirement of at least 24 years. A common evidence mismatch occurs when applicants fail to provide proof of their spouse's lawful immigration status if they reside in the U.S.

• Submit proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or naturalization certificate.
• Provide a marriage certificate if applicable, along with proof of any prior marriage terminations.
• Include a home study prepared by an accredited agency.
• Ensure all documents are legible and properly formatted.

• Missing required signatures on the application.
• Incomplete home study submission, which is essential for processing.
• Failure to provide proof of marriage if applicable, which can delay the application.
• Not submitting required documents like proof of U.S. citizenship, leading to potential denial.

• You must be a U.S. citizen to file Form I-600A.
• If married, your spouse must have lawful immigration status if residing in the U.S.
• Submit a home study within one year of filing.
• Provide proof of termination of any prior marriages if applicable.
• Include all required supporting documents listed in the Initial Evidence section.

• General Instructions

  Follow the guidelines for completing the form accurately and legibly.

• Initial Evidence

  Prepare and submit all required documents listed in this section.

• Home Study Requirements

  Ensure your home study is completed by an accredited agency and submitted on time.

• Home Study Updates

  Update your home study if there are any significant changes in your circumstances.

• WARNING

  Be aware of the consequences of submitting false information.

• Processing Information

  Understand the processing steps and potential timelines for your application.

• Your Printed Name
• Your Signature
• Daytime Telephone Number
• Postal Code
• ZIP Code
• Proof of Applicant’s U.S. Citizenship
• Proof of Marriage of Applicant and Spouse (if applicable)
• Home Study
• Proof of Compliance with Pre-adoption Requirements (if any)
• Biometric Services Appointment
• of an Orphan Petition
• What Is the Purpose of Form I-600A?
• Who May File Form I-600A?
• Who May Not File Form I-600A?
• What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
• form.)
• How To Complete Form I-600A
• Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
• 8. Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you and/or your spouse (if married)

• 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 application, leading to rejection.
• Submitting photocopies instead of original documents when originals are required.
• Not including proof of marriage if applicable.
• Missing the home study submission deadline.
• Inconsistent information between documents.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-600A 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-600A. 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-600A and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• Some believe that a stamped signature is acceptable; it is not. Only handwritten signatures are valid for the application.
• Others think that any document can be submitted as proof of citizenship; only specific documents like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate are valid.
• It is a misconception that the home study can be submitted at any time; it must be submitted within one year of filing Form I-600A.
• Many applicants think that they can file Form I-600A without being at least 24 years old; this age requirement is mandatory for single applicants.

This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-600A, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current requirements. It provides non-legal advice to help applicants navigate the process effectively.

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