Form I-600 · Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
Form I-600 walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
The edition date and filing notices were checked on the official page on October 26, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
A U.S. citizen adoptive parent or legal custodian of a child who is not habitually resident in a Hague Convention country.
What it does
Asks USCIS to classify the child as an orphan so they can immigrate to the U.S. as the citizen’s child.
Where
By mail. See the filing instructions page for where to send it.
Cost
See the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Fees change and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so confirm the amount on the official fee page or fee calculator before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
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1About the parentsWho is petitioning.
What it asks
- Names, addresses, citizenship
- Marital history
- Home study details
Evidence to gather
- Home study with original signatures if you did not submit one with an I-600A
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
Tip: Complete all 16 pages. Missing family name, address, signatures or pages cause rejection.
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2About the childThe child’s details and status as an orphan.
What it asks
- Name, birth details, country
- How the child became an orphan
- Adoption or custody status
Evidence to gather
- Birth certificate
- Death certificates or abandonment papers
- Adoption decree or custody order
Tip: Translate every foreign-language document in full.
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3Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in another language needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
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4Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. USCIS rejects unsigned forms
- Pay the current fee shown on the official fee schedule
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: Keep your receipt notice and answer any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Missing pages or a missing home study
- Using an old edition of the form, or mixing pages from different editions
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or translations
What happens next
After approval the child applies for an immigrant visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-600 (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.