Form I-800 · Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee
Form I-800 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 prospective adoptive parent with an approved, valid Form I-800A, adopting a child from a Hague Convention country.
What it does
Asks USCIS to classify the child as a Convention adoptee.
Where
By mail to the USCIS Dallas lockbox (Attn: Adoption I-800).
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 you and your approvalYour suitability determination.
What it asks
- Names and addresses (the family name and physical address are required)
- Your approved I-800A details
Evidence to gather
- I-800A approval notice
Tip: The I-800A approval must be valid when you file.
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2About the child and the adoptionWhere the child comes from and the process followed.
What it asks
- Child’s name and birth details
- Convention country and central authority involved
- Adoption or custody steps
Evidence to gather
- Article 16 report
- Birth and adoption documents
Tip: Optional Supplement 1 lets USCIS share case information with your adoption service provider.
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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
- Filing without the I-800A approval or Article 16 report
- 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. Confirm Hague steps with your adoption service provider.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-800 (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.