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?
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Children adopted (or to be adopted) from a Hague country by US citizens.
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Must be under 16 when the petition is filed.
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Meet adoption eligibility requirements of their home country.
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Fulfill other specific requirements.
Filing Form I-800:
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Submit the form with USCIS along with documents proving the child’s eligibility for adoption under the Hague Convention.
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USCIS will review the petition and documents to determine the child’s eligibility.
What Happens After Approval?
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With an approved petition, the child can immigrate to the US as your immediate relative.
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The child can then apply for an immigrant visa to enter the US permanently.
Post-Adoption Requirements:
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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.
