Unlocking US Adoption: Form I-800
Thinking of adopting a child from a Hague Convention country? Form I-800 helps make it easier!
What is the Hague Adoption Convention?
An international agreement ensuring safe intercountry adoptions for children, birth parents, and adoptive parents.
What is Form I-800 For?
U.S. citizen adoptive parents use this form to petition USCIS to classify a child from a Hague country as their immediate relative for immigration purposes. This allows the child to enter the US as your adopted child.
Who Qualifies as a Convention Adoptee?
Children adopted (or to be adopted) from a Hague country by US citizens.
Must be under 16 when the petition is filed.
Meet adoption eligibility requirements of their home country.
Fulfill other specific requirements.
Filing Form I-800:
Submit the form with USCIS along with documents proving the child's eligibility for adoption under the Hague Convention.
USCIS will review the petition and documents to determine the child's eligibility.
What Happens After Approval?
With an approved petition, the child can immigrate to the US as your immediate relative.
The child can then apply for an immigrant visa to enter the US permanently.
Post-Adoption Requirements:
As adoptive parents, you'll need to meet any post-adoption requirements, such as reporting and obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship for the child.
Overall, Form I-800 is a key step in bringing your adopted child home through the Hague Adoption Convention process.