USCIS Forms (I-800A) So you're ready to fill out one of the first USCIS Forms necessary for your adoption - Form I-800A! The full name of this form is Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, the convention country being China is this case. USCIS will evaluate whether not you are suitable to adopt a child from China. Worried about getting approval? Don't be. You would never have gotten past the home study process if you weren't qualified.
Getting StartedLet's go over a quick summary of what you'll need to complete an I-800A application:
Your adoption agency should have given you a sample form to assist you in filling it out. In case they didn't, I'll provide you with step by step instructions here (NOTE: These should NOT replace the guidance of your agency. This sample is only intended to get you started!).
Download First, you'll need to download Form I800A. You can fill the form out online, which is faster, easier, and neater than doing it by hand. Plus, you can easily erase mistakes. Fill It Out In case your agency didn't give you samples, or if you want to compare your agency sample to something else, you can view detailed instructions on how to fill out USCIS Form I-800A (and Supplements 1 and 2).
Also, please download and take a look at the official USCIS instructions for filling out this form. Supporting DocumentsYou don't have to send original birth certificates or marriage licenses with your application. Copies will suffice.If you do send copies, some agencies feel that you will need to copy the following text in to a Word document, print it, and sign it:
“I certify this is a true and accurate copy of the original document, which I have in my possession. I understand that I may be required to present the original document to an Embassy or Consular official at some time.” There is debate about whether or not this is still necessary. But it doesn't hurt anything to include, and it just takes a minute to do. Note: Some adoption agencies want you to submit copies of driver's licences, social security cards, and other identifying documents. Please check with your licensed adoption agency to make sure you are sending all the documents they suggest. Home Study You MUST send your original notarized homestudy with your USCIS Form I-800A application. A copy is not acceptable. Your social worker should have provided you with multiple originals, so that you aren't sending away your only original home study! G-1145 The Form G-1145 allows USCIS to send you emails and/or text message updates on your case!! This was only recently implemented, and many families really enjoy this capability. If you want to make use of it, download the G-1145. Simply fill in your name, email address, and phone number to receive these electronic updates.
Filing Fee There is a standard filing fee of $720. Also, you must include an $85 fingerprinting fee for each adult member of your household, including both parents. You may combine these fees into one personal check or money order. DO NOT make your check out to USCIS or USDHS. Spell out the entire name! Mailing Your Application Congratulations! You have completed your USCIS Form I-800A application! Run through the summary list at the beginning of this page and make sure you have everything, including any extras your agency asks you to submit. If everything is ready, then mail your paperwork to one of the following addresses: Courier and Express Mail Deliveries USCIS
Regular Mail Service
What Happens Next?
What Is A Lockbox? The lockbox is the location where USCIS reviews your Form I-800A application quickly to make sure there aren't any missing pages, unsigned sections of your application, etc.. They want to make sure everything is in order before they send the application to the National Benefits Center for approval. Approval Timeframes The current average approval timeframe is around 60-80 days. If you receive an RFE, it will take you longer to be approved. Checking Your Status If there is a problem with your application, you have received an RFE from USCIS, or you are waiting unusually long for our approval, you can contact USCIS using the following information: NBC(National Benefits Center), Hague Unit (Missouri)
Texas Lockbox
To check on the status of your case, contact the National Benefits Center (NBC) using the phone number or email address listed above. Ask to speak to the officer who is assigned to your case. When You Get Your USCIS Approval Check your approval notice carefully when you receive it. Make sure all your names are spelled correctly, birth dates are accurate, and that there are no mistakes on your form. If you find an error, contact your USCIS officer immediately.
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Immigration
USCIS deals with new immigrants to the United States. When you file form I800A, you are asking USCIS for approval to adopt a child from China in general. When you file Form I800, you are asking USCIS for approval to adopt your child specifically.
Visa Types for Hague Adoptions
IH-3 visas are for children who are adopted in a Hague Convention country. Children who are under 18 automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry to the United States on an IH-3 visa. In such cases, USCIS automatically sends Certificates of Citizenship without requiring additional forms or fees. This also applies even if only one adoptive parent travels to China to adopt the child. You can read more about this topic under my Citizenship page.
Important
NEVER falsify your information when filing forms with USCIS and communicating about your child's immigrant visa. Under 8 CFR Part 204.311(d), you and your spouse have a duty to be completely honest and forth right with all information you provide to USCIS. You aren't doing yourself, your family, or the child you intend to adopt ANY favors by failing to be honest with USCIS.
You have a duty to:
- Give true and complete information to your social worker
- Disclose any health problems
- Disclose any arrest, convictions, or criminal history
- Disclose any history of sexual abuse or substance abuse
- Notify USCIS and your social worker if your circumstances change (i.e. you move to another location).
This duty of disclosure is ongoing until your Form I-800 has been completely approved, the adoption is complete, and your child is home as a United States citizen in your home.
USCIS has the right to deny your application to adopt if you fail to disclose criminal history or if you refuse to complete child abuse background checks.
If you have an arrest in your background, a financial problem, or a health problem, talk to your agency and social worker about it so they can find the best way to assist you in working around the difficulty so you can complete your adoption.