Updates from USCIS on Intercountry Adoption

On April 5th, 2017, the USCIS International Operations Liaison met with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) to discuss issues regarding inter-country adoption. These topics included, but were not limited to processing of I-130, I-600, I-800, and I-800A, REFs, and sibling exceptions.

What was covered at the meeting?

Following the meeting, AILA published a question and answer summary (AILA Doc. No. 17061633). A few of the questions and answers are paraphrased below.

Q: Will a child who entered the US on an IR-4 visa but who is not readopted become a US citizen if the requirements are met before he or she turns 18?

A: This scenario is complicated and case specific. Please contact us if you have individual questions.

Q: Which adoption-related petitions are handled by a separate division at the NBC facility in Overland Park, Kansas?

A: These include Forms I-600, Forms I-1800, and Forms I-130 when the relationship is based on adoption and the petition is filed alongside a Form I-485. Forms I-130 filed without an I-485 are handled separately at one of the four USCIS service centers rather than the NBC.

Q: Can USCIS provide contact information for adoption related I-130 cases?

A: Providing a line or email dedicated to this cause would overlap with the mission of the NCSC which is already suited for this purpose. Individuals may inquire about case status by contacting the NCSC at 1-800-375-5283.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding inter-country adoption or the I-130 process.