Form I-600A is one of the necessary forms needed by adoptive parents who want to adopt a child from overseas. The form acts as a preliminary application for adopting a foreign child and is used to determine if the adoptive parent(s) meet the necessary requirements for international adoption. It is important for adoptive parents to understand the purpose and requirements of Form I-600A to ensure a smooth adoption process.
What is Form I-600A?
Form I-600A, also known as the Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, is a crucial form required for international adoption. This form provides the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with basic information about the adoptive parent(s) and their eligibility to adopt a child from another country.
Who Needs to File Form I-600A?
Any U.S. citizen who wishes to adopt a child from a foreign country must file Form I-600A, even if they have already identified a child to adopt. In some cases, both spouses must sign the form, while in others, only one spouse needs to sign.
When Should Form I-600A be Filed?
Form I-600A should be filed as soon as possible, even before identifying a child to adopt. This is because the form is valid for up to 15 months from the date of approval, and it takes approximately 90 days for USCIS to process the application. Therefore, it is best to file the form at least six months before planning to adopt a child.
What Information is Required on Form I-600A?
Form I-600A requires detailed information about the adoptive parents, including their biographical data, marital status, employment, and financial status. Additionally, the form requires the submission of fingerprints, criminal background checks, and medical exams for each adoptive parent. The form also requires information about the intended adoptive child, including their name, age, and country of origin.
Biographical Information
The biographical information required on Form I-600A includes the full name, date of birth, and place of birth for each adoptive parent. Additionally, the form requires information about the adoptive parent’s citizenship, gender, and marital status.
Employment and Income
The form requires information about the adoptive parent’s current employment status, including their job title, employer name, and duration of employment. Additionally, the form requires information about the adoptive parent’s income, including their annual salary and any other sources of income.
Criminal Background Checks
Form I-600A requires the submission of criminal background checks for each adoptive parent. These background checks must be conducted by a local or state law enforcement agency and must be certified.
Medical Exams
Each adoptive parent must undergo a medical exam to ensure they are physically and mentally capable of caring for a child. The exam must be conducted by a licensed doctor and must be certified.
How to File Form I-600A
Form I-600A can be filed online using the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) or by mail. The USCIS website provides detailed instructions on how to complete and file the form. Additionally, USCIS provides a list of required supporting documents that must be submitted with the form, including fingerprints, criminal background checks, and medical exams.
One key takeaway from this text is that Form I-600A is a crucial form required for international adoption in the United States. Any U.S. citizen who wishes to adopt a child from a foreign country must file this form, providing USCIS with basic information about the adoptive parent(s) and their eligibility to adopt a child. Adoptive parents should file this form as soon as possible, even before identifying a child to adopt, as it takes approximately 90 days for USCIS to process the application and the form is valid for up to 15 months from the date of approval. When completing Form I-600A, adoptive parents should pay close attention to the biographical information section, carefully review instructions and checklists, and start the process early to allow plenty of time for processing.
Tips for Completing Form I-600A
Completing Form I-600A can be a daunting task, but there are several tips that can make the process easier. First, adoptive parents should carefully review the USCIS instructions and checklist to ensure they understand all required information and supporting documents.
Second, adoptive parents should pay close attention to the biographical information section of the form. This section requires detailed information about each adoptive parent, including their full name, date of birth, and place of birth. Adoptive parents should ensure this information is accurate and matches other documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and driver’s licenses.
Finally, adoptive parents should start the process early and allow plenty of time for USCIS processing. It is best to file Form I-600A at least six months before planning to adopt a child to allow time for processing and any necessary follow-up.
FAQs for Form I-600A
What is Form I-600A?
Form I-600A is an application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. It is used by prospective adoptive parents who want to adopt a child from a foreign country, but have not yet identified a specific child to adopt.
Who is eligible to file Form I-600A?
Any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is at least 24 years old and wishes to adopt a foreign orphan may file Form I-600A. However, if the prospective adoptive parents have any criminal history, they may not be eligible to file Form I-600A.
What documents are required to file Form I-600A?
To file Form I-600A, you must submit documents that prove your identity, citizenship or lawful permanent residency, marital status, and financial stability. You may also need to provide police clearance certificates and medical reports, depending on the country you are adopting from.
What is the purpose of Form I-600A?
The purpose of Form I-600A is to demonstrate that prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suitable to adopt a foreign orphan. This form is used to determine whether the prospective adoptive parents meet the eligibility requirements under the Hague Adoption Convention or the Orphan Process.
How long does it take to process Form I-600A?
The processing time for Form I-600A varies depending on the workload of the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office reviewing the application. Generally, it takes between three to six months to process Form I-600A.
Can I appeal a denial of Form I-600A?
If USCIS denies your Form I-600A application, you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider. However, the motion must be supported by new evidence and must be filed within 30 days of the denial. If the motion is denied, you may be able to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO).
