Quick answer
What is USCIS Form I-600A used for?
U.S. citizens who plan to adopt an orphan from a non-Hague Convention country use this form to request that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determine their suitability and eligibility as prospective adoptive parents.
I-600A is the non-Hague prospective-parent suitability step
I-600A lets U.S. citizens pursuing an orphan adoption from a non-Hague Convention country ask USCIS to decide their suitability and eligibility as prospective adoptive parents before the orphan petition is completed. It focuses on the adopting household: citizenship, marriage history, adult household members, state pre-adoption compliance, and the home study.
Do not substitute I-600A for Form I-800A, which serves Hague Convention adoption cases, or for Form I-600, which asks USCIS to classify a particular child as an immediate relative under the orphan process. The official page allows the home study to follow within the stated period, but the study and required household supplements still need careful coordination. Resolve the child’s country framework before choosing between the Hague and orphan-process form families.
List every adult household member required by the supplements and resolve discrepancies between the home study and civil records before filing. A move, household change, new arrest, marital change, or change of intended country can affect what must be updated after approval. Preserve the approval notice and complete suitability record for the later child-specific petition.
For a non-Hague case, track the home-study submission window separately from the application receipt and record any later request to extend an approval or change the intended country. Keep the state pre-adoption findings and the foreign-country plan distinct: USCIS suitability approval does not by itself complete a foreign adoption, establish that a child meets the immigration definition of orphan, or issue an immigrant visa.
What to prepare before filling I-600A
- 01
Confirm that Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, matches the specific benefit, request, verification, or record you need.
- 02
Download the current Form I-600A and its separate instructions from USCIS, then compare the edition date before typing any answers.
- 03
For Form I-600A, collect the identity records, receipt or account numbers, dates, addresses, and prior immigration documents that support your answers.
- 04
For the relationship questions in Form I-600A, build a timeline and gather the civil records, translations, and custody or adoption evidence that applies.
Current official filing details
The details below are condensed from the USCIS page reviewed on 2026-07-26. Follow the official page and instructions if they differ from this snapshot.
Edition date
01/20/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Where to file
See the Form I-600A filing instructions for information on where to file.
Filing fee
You can find the filing fee for Form I-600A and supplements by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Initial evidence
Did you provide the following? Proof of your U.S. citizenship; Proof of your spouse’s name, identity, and citizenship, if not a resident of the United States (if applicable); A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable); Proof you and your spouse terminated all prior marriages (if applicable); Proof you have complied with pre-adoption requirements in the state of the child’s proposed residence (if applicable); and A home study with original signature(s). (You have one year from the date you file your Form I-600A to submit this.)
USCIS filing tips
Filing Tips for Form I-600A Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing: Part 2– Information About You (Applicant) Family Name U.S.
Mailing Address Part 5 – Applicant’s Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature Applicant’s Signature Part 6– Your Spouse’s Certification, Duty of Disclosure, and Signature Spouse’s Signature
Special instructions
If you do not submit a home study with original signature(s) with your Form I-600A, you must do so within one year of filing Form I-600A. Please visit our pages on Suitability and Home Study information and the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA) for more information.
You must complete Form I-600A/Form I-600, Supplement 1, Listing of Adult Member of the Household, for each adult member of your household. You do not need to complete one for yourself or your spouse (if married).
You may submit Form I-600A/Form I-600, Supplement 2, Consent to Disclose Information, if you want to allow us to disclose information about your case to your primary adoption service provider, home study preparer, or any other individual or entity (other than your attorney or accredited representative). We generally may not disclose information to other people, such as your adoption service provider, without your consent.
You must submit Form I-600A/I-600, Supplement 3, Request for Action on Approved Form I-600A/I-600, to request an extension, change of country, or other action after we have approved your Form I-600A/I-600.
Official I-600A downloads and filing links
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Get the AI PDF filling skillUSCIS Form I-600A FAQ
What is Form I-600A used for?
U.S. citizens who plan to adopt a foreign-born child use this form to allow USCIS to adjudicate the application that relates to the suitability and eligibility of the applicant(s) as prospective adoptive parent(s).
How much does Form I-600A cost?
You can find the filing fee for Form I-600A and supplements by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Can I file Form I-600A online?
The USCIS all-forms directory does not list a general online filing option for this form. Follow the official page for the required filing method.
Related USCIS form guides
Family & adoption
Form I-600
Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
Family & adoption
Form EOIR-29
Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS Officer
Family & adoption
Form I-129F
Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
Family & adoption
Form I-130
Petition for Alien Relative
Family & adoption
Form I-360
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
Family & adoption
Form I-361
Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal Custody for Public Law 97-359 Amerasian
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Independent guide by Clerks AI; not affiliated with USCIS and not legal advice.
Last researched 2026-07-26. Recheck the official page before filing.