Extension and Validity Periods

Once you've submitted your child's Form I-600 or Form I-800 petition, there's no need for ongoing extensions or filing new Form I-600As or Form I-800As. In the orphan process, you have the option to skip filing Form I-600A and instead request a suitability determination concurrently with your child's Form I-600 (referred to as concurrent or combination filing).

For detailed information on suitability approval extensions and validity periods in both the orphan and Hague processes, please refer to the tables provided below. If you're interested in understanding the ongoing duty of disclosure and suitability-related changes throughout the intercountry adoption process, visit our Updated Home Studies and Significant Changes page.

Orphan Adoption Process Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition

• Initial Approval
  • Approval Extension
    • Initial Approval Expires:
      • 18 months from the date of approval
      • Example: If your Form I-600A was approved on Jan. 1, 2019, the approval would expire on July 1, 2020.
    • How to Request an Extension:
      • Submit the following to the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) before your Form I-600A approval expires (but no earlier than 90 days before it expires):
        • A written request
        • Your updated home study
        • Your original home study
        • Any other home study updates
      • There are no fees for an extension or your first biometrics update request.
      • When possible, we will use the biometrics collected with your initial Form I-600A when updating your biometrics.
      • If your extension is approved, you will receive an approval notice.
      • You may only request one extension. If you desire additional validity time after your first extension expires, you must file a new Form I-600A with filing and biometrics fees and an updated home study.
      • If you fail to request an extension before your Form I-600A approval expires, you must file a new Form I-600A with fees, or a Form I-600 concurrent (or combination) filing if you wish to continue with the orphan adoption process.
      • Refer to the Form I-600A instructions for further details.
    • Extension Expires:
      • 18 months from the expiration date of the original Form I-600A.
      • Example: If your Form I-600A was initially approved on Jan. 1, 2019, and you received an extension starting July 1, 2020, your extension would expire on Jan. 1, 2022.