U.S. Immigrant Visa for Inter-Country Adoption (Form I-800)

1. What is Form I-800 and what is its purpose?


Form I-800 is an application form used to classify an individual as an immediate relative of a US citizen for the purpose of petitioning for their admission into the United States. The purpose of this form is to provide evidence that an individual meets the requirements of a family-based immigrant visa. It can also be used to petition for an orphan who is a prospective adopted child of a US citizen.

2. How do I submit a Form I-800 application?


Form I-800 applications must be submitted electronically through the USCIS Online Account system, which is available on the USCIS website. Applicants must first create an account on the USCIS website, using their name, date of birth, and other identifying information. Once they have created an account, they can begin the Form I-800 application process. The application must be completed and all necessary supporting documents must be uploaded before it can be submitted.

3. What information does the Form I-800 request?


Form I-800 is an application for determination of eligibility for Convention Adoption. It requests information such as the applicant’s name, address, date of birth, passport number, legal status in the U.S., relationship to the child, and other information related to the adoption process.

4. Is there a fee for filing a Form I-800?


Yes, there is a filing fee of $1,225 for a Form I-800 petition.

5. How much time will it take for my Form I-800 application to be processed?


The processing time for Form I-800 applications varies depending on the individual case and the backlog of other applications. Generally, it can take anywhere from seven months to one year or longer.

6. Do I need to provide any evidence of my relationship with the child?


Yes, you will need to provide proof of your relationship with the child. This may include birth certificates, adoption papers, guardianship papers, or other legal documents.

7. What documents do I need to provide to show that I meet the eligibility requirements for an orphan adoption visa?


In order to meet the eligibility requirements for an orphan adoption visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Proof of the legal adoption of your child.

2. Proof of your relationship with your adopted child.

3. A written statement from a qualified medical professional that confirms that the child has been medically examined and found to be in good health.

4. An adopted child visa form (Form I-600A).

5. Documentation of your financial resources and income.

6. A court order granting your adoption of the child or a document from the government agency responsible for adopting children.

7. Evidence that any prior marital status has been dissolved, if applicable.

8. Do I need to complete any additional forms or paperwork to adopt a foreign child under the U.S. intercountry adoption program?


Yes, you will need to complete additional paperwork and forms in order to adopt a foreign child under the U.S. intercountry adoption program. These forms will include an application for adoption, a homestudy report, a health history of the child and the adoptive parents, an affidavit of financial support, and other documents that may be required by the country of adoption. You will also need to pass an immigration background check and obtain a visa for the child.

9. Are there any restrictions or limitations on bringing adopted children into the United States?


Yes, there are restrictions and limitations on bringing adopted children into the United States. In order for an adopted child to be eligible for an immigrant visa, the child must meet all of the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as described in INA 101(b)(1). These requirements include being under the age of 16 at the time of filing, being adopted or having an approved home study, being found eligible to be adopted by a competent immigration authority, and having a full and final adoption by a U.S. citizen. In addition, the adoptive parent or parents must meet certain requirements in order to show that they are qualified to adopt and to provide a suitable home for the child. Furthermore, each adoptive parent must enter into a binding agreement with the state in which they reside to provide financial support for the adopted child until the child reaches 18 years of age.

10. What happens if my Form I-800 application is denied?


If your Form I-800 application is denied, you will receive a notice that explains the reason for the denial. You can appeal the decision or submit a new application.

11. How do I arrange for the child’s travel to the United States?


You will need to obtain a visa for the child to travel to the United States. Depending on the child’s country of origin, this may require an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. You may also need documents such as a birth certificate, passport, and/or travel authorization from the child’s custodial parent(s). For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.

12. What are the medical requirements for the adopted child’s entry into the United States?


The medical requirements for the adopted child’s entry into the United States depend on the child’s age and country of origin. Generally, adopted children must meet the medical screening requirements of the U.S. immigration laws, which include:

• A physical examination by a doctor approved by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within three months prior to the child’s travel.

• Vaccinations as required by U.S. immigration law (generally only two vaccinations are currently required: one for measles, mumps and rubella and one for polio).

• A negative TB skin test within six months prior to travel (if applicable).

In addition, if the child is over 16 years old, an HIV test is also required.

13. Do I need to provide immigration officials with proof of my financial ability to provide for the child’s needs?


Yes. You must provide sufficient evidence to prove that you can provide financially for the child’s needs. This may include bank statements, tax returns, or other financial documents.

14. Does the child need to be interviewed for his or her immigrant visa application?


Yes, the child typically needs to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate when applying for an immigrant visa.

15. What is required for U.S. citizens adopting foreign children under U.S. immigration laws?


In order for U.S. citizens to adopt foreign children under U.S. immigration laws, they must first meet the immigration eligibility requirements for adoption, which include: having a valid home study; being found eligible to adopt by the U.S. government; providing proof of financial resources to care for the child; meeting the child’s physical and mental health needs; obtaining permission from their state of residence to adopt; and meeting the child’s country’s adoption requirements. Once all these requirements are met, the adoptive parent must obtain an immigrant visa for the child from the U.S. Embassy in the child’s home country. The child can then travel to the U.S. and become a permanent resident of the United States once they enter the country.

16. Will my adopted children automatically acquire U.S. citizenship?


Yes. Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, all foreign-born, adopted children of U.S. citizens automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when the adoption is finalized.

17. Can I bring my adopted children with me when I travel abroad from the United States?


Yes. U.S. citizens who adopted a child abroad, or who are in the process of adopting a child abroad, and who have received a final adoption decree, may apply for an Immigrant Visa for the child in order to bring the child to the United States. The child must be eligible to immigrate under U.S. immigration law and meet all of the requirements for admission into the United States.

18. How do I obtain a passport for my adopted children who are U.S citizens?


In order to obtain a passport for your adopted children who are U.S. citizens, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Department of State:

• A completed passport application form (Form DS-11)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or Naturalization Certificate
• Proof of adoption, such as an adoption decree or court order
• Evidence of parental relationship
• Recent passport-style photo of the applicant(s)
• An application fee
• Any additional documentation requested by the Department of State

For more information on how to apply for a passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/under-16.html

19. How do I apply for a Social Security number for my adopted children who are U.S citizens?


You can apply for a Social Security number for your adopted children who are U.S. citizens by completing Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can get Form SS-5 at your local Social Security office or online at www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. You will need to provide evidence of your child’s U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. You will also need to provide evidence that establishes your parent/child relationship, such as an adoption decree, court order, or other legal document.

20. Is legal assistance available if needed when completing and submitting a Form I-800 application?


Yes, legal assistance is available if needed when completing and submitting a Form I-800 application. It is recommended that individuals consult with a qualified attorney or accredited representative to ensure their application is accurate and complete.