Quick answer
What is USCIS Form I-800 used for?
To determine the child's eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parent files the petition to finalize the immigration process of a child who is habitually resident in a Convention country. The petitioner must have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, to file Form I-800.
I-800 is the child-specific petition in a Hague Convention adoption
Form I-800 asks USCIS to determine that a specific child habitually resident in a Hague Adoption Convention country qualifies as a Convention adoptee and immediate relative. It follows the Hague process and builds on the prospective adoptive parents’ suitability approval, commonly handled through Form I-800A. It is not the initial household-suitability application.
Match the child’s identity, birth and family history, Convention-country findings, adoption-service-provider record, proposed placement, and petitioner information to the approved suitability case. Do not use I-800 for a non-Hague orphan adoption, which generally uses the I-600 form family. Sequence matters in Convention cases, so avoid taking adoption or custody steps out of order and confirm the required Article 5/17 process with the responsible authorities and accredited provider.
What to prepare before filling I-800
- 01
Confirm that Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, matches the specific benefit, request, verification, or record you need.
- 02
Download the current Form I-800 and its separate instructions from USCIS, then compare the edition date before typing any answers.
- 03
For Form I-800, 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-800, 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
U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: Adoption I-800 P.O.
Box 660087 Dallas, TX 75266-0087 FedEx, UPS and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: Adoption I-800 (Box 660087) 2501 S. State Hwy.
121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Filing fee
You can find the filing fee for Form I-800 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Initial evidence
Did you provide the following? Your Form I-800A approval notice and, if applicable, proof we extended the approval period; Your Article 16 report which includes all the information specified in 8 CFR Part 204.313(d)(3) and (4); A statement from your primary adoption service provider verifying that you have completed all pre-placement preparation and training; A post-placement plan (if applicable); Evidence you have complied with pre-adoption requirements in the state of the child’s proposed residence (if applicable); Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ; and Form I-601 (if applicable).
USCIS filing tips
Filing Tips for Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing: Part 2 – Information About You Family Name Physical Address
Special instructions
E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or text message that we have accepted your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and clip it to the first page of your form. Our Suitability and Home Study Information page gives prospective adoptive parents and adoption service providers helpful information about home studies for Hague Convention adoptions.
You may submit Form I-800, Supplement 1, Consent to Disclose Information, if you want to allow us to disclose information about your case to your 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.
Official I-800 downloads and filing links
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What is Form I-800 used for?
Use this form to determine the child's eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee.
How much does Form I-800 cost?
You can find the filing fee for Form I-800 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Can I file Form I-800 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
Fees, support & filing tools
Form G-1145
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Form I-360
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Form I-361
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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.