e-mail
Wading through the murky waters of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) can be confusing. With your agency’s help and the support of other parents who have been there and done that, it will seem much less overwhelming and panic inducing. Although the forms have names made up of letters and numbers that sound similar, most are pretty simplistic documents that are fairly easy to fill out. When we were in the process of adopting Ella, our agency walked us line by line through each USCIS document to be sure that they were filled out correctly the first time. If your agency hasn’t offered this assistance, be sure to ask for the help.
Here are definitions and descriptions of the most common USCIS forms you will need to complete as you adopt from Viet Nam:
I-600A Petition – Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition: The I-600A is the first document that you will submit tto USCIS. The fee is $670 plus an additional $80 for every adult over 18 years old living in your home for fingerprinting. In some states, you need to submit your completed home study with your I-600A, other states will begin processing your I-600A without your home study. Your completed I-600A form, home study and fingerprint results will be investigated to see if the US will allow you to become an adoptive parent. Once your I-600A is accepted and approved, you will receive your I-171H form informing you of your accepted status.
I-600 Petition – Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative: The I-600 is completed once you have accepted your referral because you must include your child’s Vietnamese name on this form. It’s purpose is to ensure that your child is truly eligible for international adoption and will be granted a visa to come into the US. Some agencies file this before you travel, others file while you are in Viet Nam.
I-171H (or I-797) – Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Petitions for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition: The I-171H is like the holy grail for adoptive parents. It is the document you will receive after your I-600A Petition has been accepted and forwarded to Viet Nam. It’s basically your approval letter.
G-28 – Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative: Completing the G-28 will allow your agency to act on your behalf in matters concerning USCIS
You can access the USCIS website and download forms here. They supply directions for completing the forms, but I would recommend checking with your agency before completing them and sending them in.
More Reading:
Vietnamese Adoption Dossier Glossary
A Viet Nam Adoption Glossary
For information/instructions on how to subscribe FREE to your favorite AdoptionBlogs, please visit this link.
