What is Form I-600?
Form I-600, known as the Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, is a crucial document for U.S. citizens looking to adopt a foreign child from a country not part of the Hague Adoption Convention. This form aids in determining if the child qualifies as an immediate relative, which is essential for expediting their immigration to the United States. For prospective adoptive parents, accurately completing this form is vital to finalize the adoption process and welcome the child into their family in the U.S.
What is Form I-600 used for?
Form I-600 is important for families looking to adopt a child from abroad. It serves the following purposes:
- Finalizes the immigration process for a child not living in a Hague Convention country.
- Verifies if the child qualifies as an orphan under U.S. law.
- Confirms that the U.S. citizen adoptive parent meets the required criteria for adoption.
How to fill out Form I-600?
- 1
Confirm your eligibility as a U.S. citizen to file Form I-600.
- 2
Attach a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of termination of any prior marriages if married.
- 3
Provide proof of your spouse's lawful immigration status if they reside in the U.S.
- 4
Ensure you have a valid and approved Form I-600A.
- 5
Complete Part 2 with accurate information about yourself and your spouse.
- 6
List all adult household members and children under 18.
- 7
Submit all required documents as outlined in the instructions.
Who is required to fill out Form I-600?
Form I-600 is completed by U.S. citizens, including married couples and unmarried individuals aged 25 and older, who wish to adopt an orphan from a non-Hague Convention country. The form is filed by the prospective adoptive parent who is a U.S. citizen, while their spouse can be in lawful immigration status.
When is Form I-600 not required?
Form I-600 is not needed if the child lives in a Hague Convention country, or if the child is the birth sibling of a foreign-born child already a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It also isn't required if the child is 16 or older and the petition was filed before they turned 16.
When is Form I-600 due?
The deadline for Form I-600 is before the child's 16th birthday. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must file the petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative before this age limit. It is important to note that the child should not be habitually resident in a Hague Convention country and must meet the orphan criteria under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
How to get a blank Form I-600?
To get a blank Form I-600, simply visit our website. The form is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is readily available in our editor. Remember, our platform aids in filling and downloading forms, but not in filing them.
How to sign Form I-600?
To sign Form I-600, you need to provide a handwritten signature. USCIS accepts original signatures that are photocopied, faxed, or scanned, but does not accept electronic or digital signatures. After filling out the form using PDF Guru, download it and ensure your signature is original—not stamped or typewritten. Remember to check for the latest updates regarding form requirements before submission, as PDF Guru helps you prepare the form but does not assist with submitting it.
Where to file Form I-600?
To submit Form I-600, mail it directly to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility. Ensure your form is complete before sending.
If you're outside the U.S., you can file at the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your petition. Remember, online filing is not available.
