1. DHS Application Stage

The immigration process begins by filing Form I-600A “Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition” with the DHS (For general information about the role of DHS in overseas adoptions please see http://www.uscis.gov).

The I-600A requires a background and criminal check. The background check is done in the form of a home study. The home study must be completed by an individual/agency licensed to perform home studies in the States or a person licensed to do so in another country. If a licensed home study provider either not located in the States and/or not licensed in the United States completes a home study, the home study must be reviewed and certified by an agency licensed in the United States. The criminal check includes a fingerprint check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). There is a USD $525 filing fee. Please contact your adoption agency and/or your local DHS office for more details.

Once the DHS approves your petition, they will notify you by sending DHS Form I-171h, “Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition” (the ACIVU does not receive the I-171h). The I-171h or “advance processing approval” is valid for eighteen months.