What is a Form I-800?

Form I-800, also known as the Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, is a form used by individuals who wish to bring an adopted child from a foreign country to the United States. The form is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and petitions for the child to be classified as an immediate relative of the petitioner. This allows the child to be eligible for a green card without having to go through the certain requirements for other immigrant visa categories.

Who is Eligible for Form I-800?

Form I-800 is used by individuals to apply for the adoption of a child from a foreign country. To be eligible to file Form I-800, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. The prospective adoptive parent(s) must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

2. The adoptive parent(s) must be at least 25 years old, unless the prospective adoptive parent is the stepparent or relative of the child.

3. The adoptive parent(s) must have resided in their home state or country for at least six months prior to filing Form I-800.

4. The adoptive parent(s) must meet all applicable State and local laws related to adoption of a child from a foreign country.

5. The adoptive parent(s) must demonstrate that they have the financial and emotional ability to provide a suitable home for the child.

6. The adoptive parent(s) must meet all applicable federal requirements, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Hague Adoption Convention, if applicable.

What is the Latest Form I-800 Edition?

The most recent version of Form I-800 is the 11/30/17 edition. This version can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-800?

1. A Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, completed and signed by the prospective adoptive parents.

2. Evidence demonstrating that the prospective adoptive parent or parents meet the legal standards for adopting in their state of residence.

3. Copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, or divorce decrees for all applicants, including any legal guardians or stepparents they may have.

4. Proof of legal immigration status and/or U.S. citizenship of all applicants.

5. Proof of financial support and ability to provide for the adopted child’s needs.

6. Copies of valid passports for all applicants and any dependents who are included in their immigration petitions.

7. Evidence demonstrating that all applicants have undergone a home study and received approval from the USCIS-accredited adoption service provider in their state of residence or the child’s country of origin (if applicable).

8. Evidence demonstrating that the adoption process has been approved by the relevant foreign authority or Central Authority in the child’s country of origin (if applicable).

How to Submit Form I-800?

Form I-800 is submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by mailing it to the appropriate address. When submitting Form I-800, the applicant must include:

• Completed Form I-800

• Supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, and other related documents

• A check or money order for the appropriate fee

• A self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of any documents

It is important to note that Form I-800 must be signed under penalty of perjury for it to be accepted by USCIS. The applicant should also keep a copy of all documents submitted for their own records.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-800?

1. Make sure your form is filled out completely and accurately. Double check all information before filing.

2. Submit two copies of the form, along with two copies of any supporting documents.

3. Include a check or money order for all applicable fees.

4. Submit the form to the appropriate address provided in the I-800 instructions.

5. Keep a copy of your application and any supporting documents for your records.

6. Track the status of your application online or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

7. Respond to all requests from USCIS promptly and completely to avoid delays in processing your application.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-800?

Yes. When completing Form I-800, applicants must provide detailed and accurate information to ensure the form is properly filled out. All information must be handwritten in black ink and all applicable sections must be completed. Also, applicants must make sure to sign and date the form and include the appropriate filing fee. Applicants must also submit two passport-style photos with the form.

What is the Form I-800 Fee?

The Form I-800 fee is a fee for submitting an application for immediate relative immigrant visa for a child adopted abroad. The fee for filing the Form I-800 is $775.

Can I Apply for Form I-800 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a Form I-800 fee waiver or reduction. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers fee waivers and reductions for certain immigration applications including Form I-800, which is used to petition for a foreign-born orphan to immigrate to the United States. To be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction, you must meet certain income requirements and provide financial documentation as evidence of your eligibility. Additionally, you must demonstrate that the fee would create a financial hardship or be a significant burden on you or your family.

What is the Form I-800 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form I-800 varies depending on the particular case, but the USCIS estimates that it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for the entire process to be completed.

Form I-800 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Form I-800?
Form I-800 is an application used by foreign prospective adoptive parents to receive the consent of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bring a child from another country into the United States for adoption.

2. Who should file Form I-800?
Form I-800 should be filed by foreign prospective adoptive parents who are seeking to adopt a child from a foreign country and bring him/her to the United States for adoption.

3. Where can Form I-800 be submitted?
Form I-800 can be submitted either online or by mail to the appropriate USCIS International Adoption address found in the form instructions.

4. What documents are required to be included with Form I-800?
To submit a complete application, the following documents must be included with Form I-800:
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
• Evidence of marital status
• Evidence of homestudy completion
• Birth certificates
• Fingerprints
• Passport photos
• Adoption agreement document
• Affidavit of Support
• Proof of financial resources
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

5. What is the filing fee for Form I-800?
The filing fee for Form I-800 is $775 per child. This fee may be waived in certain cases, such as if the applicant is a public child welfare agency or an individual approved for a fee waiver due to financial hardship.

6. How long does it take to process Form I-800?
The processing time for Form I-800 depends on the particular USCIS office where you submit your application, but generally takes around six months from submission to approval or denial.