The I-800 form is the first step toward finalizing the immigration process if you are adopting a child who lives within a Hague Convention country and you have been approved for adoption with a valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country. Form I-800 is needed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine if a child is eligible to classify as a Convention adoptee.
The following is a quick overview of the Form I-800 and should not be used in replace of the official, detailed instructions.
Guidelines Per the I-800 Form
Eligibility- You are able to file form I-800 if:
You have a valid and approved Form I-800A.
The child's Central Authority has made a proposed adoption placement referral and you have accepted the proposal, but have not yet adopted or obtained custody of the child.
No changes in your circumstances since your Form I-800A has been approved or extended.
You are unmarried and at least 25 years-old at the time of filing the petition.
Documents Needed to Show Evidence
Attach copies, do NOT send original documents unless instructed to do so. Make sure the copies show front and back of the documents needed to support your application.
- The following documents are required:
Form I-800A approval notice.
The Article 16 Report about the child's identity, including - background, social and medical history. Include all of the supporting documents that came with the report. (see the official Form I-800 instructions for further details.)
Information from primary adoption service provider verifying pre-placement preparation and training has been completed.
Statement from the primary service provider outlining their plan for post-placement services.
Further evidence of compliance with preadoption requirements, if any. These vary from State to State.
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, or Form I-864W, Intending Immigrant's Form I-864 Exemption.
When required, Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
Where to File
I-800 form must be mailed to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 805695
Chicago, IL 60680-4118
For Non-Postal deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: Hague
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
More Information
See the USCIS Web site for up-to-date information on filing fees and to download Form I-800 and the complete detailed instructions.
