Form I-800A Guide

USCIS evaluates several criteria for Form I-800A, including proof of U.S. citizenship, marital status, and the completion of a home study. A common mismatch occurs when applicants fail to provide valid signatures, which can lead to application denial.

• Provide clear proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
• Include a marriage certificate and documentation of any prior marriages.
• Ensure the home study report is current and meets USCIS requirements.
• Submit legible photocopies of all documents to avoid processing delays.
• Prepare translations for any non-English documents.

• Missing required signatures can lead to a request for evidence (RFE) from USCIS. It's essential to ensure all signatures are valid.
• Incomplete evidence submissions, such as missing proof of citizenship or marriage certificates, can trigger an RFE. Ensure all required documents are included.
• Failure to provide translations for foreign documents can result in an RFE. All non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations.
• Inconsistencies in personal information, such as differing names or dates, can lead to RFEs. Review all information for accuracy before submission.
• Not providing a complete home study report can trigger an RFE. Make sure this document is thorough and meets all requirements.

• U.S. citizenship proof.
• Marriage certificate and proof of termination of prior marriages.
• Completed home study.
• Legible photocopies of all documents.
• Signed declarations from both the applicant and spouse.
• Biometric services appointment notice, if applicable.

• CAUTION:

  Do not accept any adoption placement before USCIS has approved Form I-800A.

• Adoption Service Provider

  Verify that your adoption service provider is authorized under 22 CFR Part 96.

• Legal Services

  Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives may provide legal advice regarding this form.

• General Instructions

  Read all instructions carefully and ensure you have the latest version of the form.

• General Requirements

  Submit all required documents listed in the instructions.

• Home Study Requirements

  Include a completed home study report as part of your application.

• Part 2. Information About You
  • Family Name (Last Name)
  • Other Names Used
  • U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
  • Date of Birth
  • Place of Birth
  • Physical Address
• Part 3. Information About Your Spouse
• Part 4. General Information
• Part 5. Applicant’s Statement, Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature
  • Application for Determination of Suitability to
  • Adopt a Child from a Convention Country
  • What Is the Purpose of This Form?
  • The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention)
  • When Should I Use Form I-800A?
  • 1. USCIS has approved Form I-800A; and
  • Relative; and
  • Who May File Form I-800A?
  • Who May Not File Form I-800A?
  • Role of Service Provider

• 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 from the applicant or spouse.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Incomplete or incorrect information in the application.
• Not providing translations for documents in foreign languages.
• Failing to include proof of termination of prior marriages.
• Not following the specific instructions for each part of the form.

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

• Some applicants believe they can use a stamped signature; however, only handwritten signatures are accepted. This is crucial to avoid application rejection.
• There is a misconception that original documents must always be submitted, but only photocopies are needed unless specified. Submitting unnecessary originals can lead to their destruction.
• Many think they can adopt before USCIS approval, but this is not allowed until Form I-800A is approved. Engaging in adoption prematurely can complicate the process.
• Applicants often assume that all documents must be in English, but translations are only required for documents not originally in English. This can lead to unnecessary delays if not addressed.
• Some individuals think they can skip the biometrics appointment without consequences, but missing it can result in application denial. Attendance is mandatory for processing.

This guide is based on the latest official instructions and requirements for Form I-800A. It aims to provide clear, non-legal advice to help applicants navigate the process effectively.

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