Family-based
Form I-600
Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
Filed by U.S. citizens to classify a foreign-born orphan as an immediate relative for immigration purposes under the Hague Convention (non-Hague countries).
- Filing fee
- $920
- Biometrics
- No fee
Who can file
- U.S. citizen adoptive parents
- Child must meet the definition of orphan under immigration law
- For adoptions from non-Hague Convention countries
Send with it
- Home study
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Marriage certificate
- Evidence of orphan status
- Adoption decree or evidence of custody
Worth knowing
- For Hague Convention countries, use I-800 instead
- The home study must be conducted by an authorized agency
- Processing can be complex - work with an experienced adoption attorney
Common mistakes
- Using I-600 for a Hague Convention country (should use I-800)
- Incomplete home study
- Not meeting the orphan definition requirements
Questions
- How much does Form I-600 cost?
- The USCIS filing fee for Form I-600 is $920.
- How long does Form I-600 take?
- Typically 6 to 18 months, depending on the office and the category. Check the current USCIS times for your office before you plan around it.
Related forms
Fees are as published by USCIS. Confirm on USCIS's fee schedule (G-1055) before you pay - a wrong fee gets a filing rejected. General information, not legal advice.