Form I-600

The I-600 Form is the Petition to Classify Orphan as Immediate Relative to the United States citizens who will be adopting them and allows the child to enter the United States. This form is used for international adoptions but only for countries that are not part of the Hague Convention. The I-600 Form allows a child to be classified as an orphan due to the desertion, death or abandonment of their parents. In some cases if the child is not properly cared for the child may also be released for adoption.

The form must be completed prior to the child's sixteenth birthday by a married U.S. citizen and spouse or unmarried U.S. citizen who is at least 25 years old. Specific documents must be sent with the I-600 Form which include, but are not limited to, a birth certificate to show proof of citizenship, proof of marriage, proof of ended previous marriages (if applicable), proof of age of orphan and the child's parent(s) death certificates (if applicable). Because international adoption can be complicated and there are risks adopting a child internationally, it is important to discuss your choice with an adoption lawyer.