USCIS Form I-800 Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative

What Is USCIS Form I-800?

This is a legal form that was released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Citizenship and Immigration Services on March 10, 2017 and used country-wide. As of today, no separate filing guidelines for the form are provided by the issuing department.

FAQ

Q: What is Form I-800?
A: Form I-800 is a petition to classify a convention adoptee as an immediate relative.

Q: Who uses Form I-800?
A: Parents who are adopting a child from a Hague Convention country use Form I-800.

Q: What is a convention adoptee?
A: A convention adoptee is a child who is habitually resident in a Hague Convention country and is or will be adopted by U.S. citizens.

Q: What is an immediate relative?
A: An immediate relative is a close family member of a U.S. citizen, including a child adopted abroad.

Q: What is the purpose of Form I-800?
A: Form I-800 is used to establish the eligibility of a child to immigrate to the United States as a convention adoptee.

Q: How do I file Form I-800?
A: Form I-800 must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the necessary supporting documents and fees.

Q: What supporting documents are required for Form I-800?
A: The required supporting documents may include evidence of the child's relationship to the adopting parents, evidence of the prospective parents' eligibility to adopt, and documentation from the child's home country.

Q: How long does it take for Form I-800 to be processed?
A: Processing times can vary, but USCIS will generally notify the petitioner of their decision within 90 days of receipt of the completed application.

Q: What happens after Form I-800 is approved?
A: If Form I-800 is approved, the adopting parents can proceed with the immigration process for the convention adoptee, including applying for an immigrant visa for the child.

Q: What if Form I-800 is denied?
A: If Form I-800 is denied, the petitioner will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the denial and the available options for review or appeal.