Revised Home Studies and Significant Changes

Attention: As of September 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Immigration Legal Resource Center et al., v. Wolf, et al., 20-cv-05883-JWS, has preliminarily enjoined DHS from implementing or enforcing any part of the USCIS Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements rule (PDF).

You are required to update your home study under the following circumstances:

1. Significant Change in Household:
   • A notable alteration in your household (as defined below).
2. Change in Child Characteristics:
   • A change in the number or characteristics (such as age, gender, nationality, special needs, disability, and/or impairment) of the child(ren) you intend to adopt or have adopted, not previously assessed in the home study.
3. State Pre-Adoption Requirements:
   • A change necessitating the home study preparer to address state pre-adoption requirements or meet the requirements of a new state if:
     • The child will be coming to the U.S. for adoption, and
     • Your home study does not cover these requirements.
4. Extension Request for Form I-600A or Form I-800A Approval:
   • When you request an extension of your Form I-600A or Form I-800A approval.
5. Change of Adoption Country:
   • If you request a change of country and your home study did not recommend you for adoption from the new country.
6. Expired Home Study:
   • When you submit your home study to USCIS, and more than 6 months have passed since the home study preparer signed and dated it.

Definition: Significant Change in Household A substantial alteration in the composition, structure, or dynamics of your household that may impact the suitability for adoption.

Note: Please refer to the latest guidance for any updates or changes in the legal landscape.