Form I-800 Guide

USCIS evaluates the approval of Form I-800A, the relationship between the petitioner and the child, and the completeness of the submitted evidence. A common mismatch occurs when the required evidence, such as birth certificates or adoption decrees, is missing or incomplete.

• Gather birth certificates for each sibling to prove their relationship.
• Collect evidence of the younger sibling's immigration status.
• Obtain a statement from the primary adoption service provider if necessary.
• Ensure all documents are translated and certified if in a foreign language.
• Review the adoption decree for accuracy and completeness.

• Missing required documents, such as birth certificates or evidence of immigration status.
• Deficient signatures on the petition, which can lead to rejection.
• Inadequate evidence to support the child's eligibility as a Convention adoptee.
• Failure to submit a statement from the adoption service provider when required evidence is not available.
• Inconsistencies in the information provided about the child's background or adoptability.

• Must have an approved Form I-800A before filing.
• File Form I-800 before the expiration of the approval notice.
• Submit all required supporting documents.
• Provide valid signatures on the petition.
• Include translations for any foreign language documents.

• Adoption Service Provider

  Prepare documentation from your adoption service provider, including their contact information and any relevant certifications.

• Legal Services

  If applicable, include information about any legal representation and ensure they are authorized to provide immigration advice.

• General Instructions

  Follow the general instructions carefully to complete the form accurately and submit all required evidence.

• General Requirements

  Review the specific requirements for supporting documents that must accompany your petition.

• Processing Information

  Understand the processing steps and timelines associated with your petition.

• DHS Privacy Notice

  Familiarize yourself with the privacy notice to understand how your information will be used.

• Family Name (Last Name)
• Given Name (First Name)
• Middle Name (if applicable)
• USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
• U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Place of Birth (City/Town, State/Province, Country)
• E-Mail Address (if any)
• Phone Number (with area/country code)
• Daytime Telephone Number (with area/country code)
• Date Approval/Extension Expires (mm/dd/yyyy)
• USCIS Receipt Number
• Foreign Country
• City in Foreign Country
• Name of Primary Adoption Service Provider
• Point of Contact (contact person within the organization)
• Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee
• as an Immediate Relative
• What Is the Purpose of This Form?
• The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention)
• When Should I Use Form I-800?
• Convention Country; and
• child’s 16th birthday
• Intercountry Adoption; and
• adoption by the same adoptive parents; and
• Respect to Intercountry Adoption; and
• on adoption by the same adoptive parents; and
• Who May File Form I-800?

• 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.

• Missing signatures on the petition.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Not providing translations for documents in a foreign language.
• Failing to file before the child's 16th birthday.
• Inadequate evidence to support the child's eligibility.
• Using outdated versions of the form.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-800 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-800. 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-800 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• Some believe that a stamped signature is acceptable; however, USCIS requires a handwritten signature on the petition.
• There is a misconception that original documents must always be submitted; only submit originals if specifically requested in the instructions.
• Many think that filing after the child's 16th birthday is permissible; it is not, as the petition must be filed before that age.
• Some assume that any evidence can be submitted at any time; however, all required evidence must be included at the time of filing.
• It's often thought that changes in circumstances do not need to be reported; however, significant changes require filing Form I-800A, Supplement 3.

This guide is built from the official instructions and current editions of Form I-800. It provides non-legal advice based on the latest USCIS guidelines to help you navigate the petition process effectively.

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