Fingerprints - The Rest of the Story

One of the very first things you should do as you begin your adoption agency is to request the I-600A and related forms from the INS. Below are images of both sides of the I-600A (these may take a few seconds to load), and some suggestions for how to fill out some of the more confusing sections, especially on side 2.

Please Note: The INS would like to see your social security number(s) on the I-600A

The INS would like your social security numbers on the I-600A. Unfortunately, currently, they have not indicated a spot for them. If you are filing now, please squeeze them in somewhere, and identify what they are - whose social security number is whose. You might also consider including a separate sheet with your names and social security numbers, but write it on the form as well. This could help avoid some delays down the road.

Downloading I-600/ I-600A forms: Although INS will permit you to download these forms directly from the INS website, some local INS offices were rejecting the forms because they were NOT on the appropriate colored paper. This problem was brought to the attention of the INS and INS has confirmed that they will issue notification to ALL local offices that
they are to accept these downloaded forms.

NOTE: Many of representatives from the local offices confirmed that the greatest priority is placed on orphan petitions. They had further input that the colored forms HELP them to realize that this particular document should be a priority and should be processed immediately. Without seeing the color of the paper, it could easily get mixed in with everything else coming through their office.

HELPFUL HINT: To help insure the expediting of the I600/ I600A, after you download the form - take the form to Kinkos or any other copy store and have it photocopied onto the appropriate color ( I-600A salmon color paper - I600 light blue color paper)

IF YOUR LOCAL OFFICE DOES NOT ACCEPT THE DOWNLOADED FORMS - PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN WRITING.

Side 1, as mentioned above, is pretty self explanatory. It is important for couples to decide early on who will travel to bring their child home. If only one parent will travel, or if there is a possibility that one spouse will not be able to travel, the petitioner should be the traveling spouse. He/she must be a U.S. citizen.

Side 2, on the other hand, has some questions you may not know how to answer. Here are our suggested responses:

10	Name and address of organization or individual assisting you in locating or identifying an orphan	Name: World Child, Inc Address: Falls Church, VA Assuming you are a World Child client, you can enter WC's name and address here. If you have not yet chosen an agency, enter "Unknown"
11	Do you plan to travel abroad to locate or adopt a child?	Check the "Yes" box if you plan to travel. Check "No" if you are not planning to travel to China (for example, if only your spouse may go).
12	Does your spouse, if any, plan to travel abroad to locate or adopt a child?	Same as above, check the appropriate box. For China, one of you must travel. There are no escorts.
13a	Your date of intended departure	Unknown at this time
13b	Your spouse's date of intended departure	Unknown at this time
13c	City, province	Unknown at this time
14	Will the child come to the United States ...	Check "Yes" even if you're not sure your state has any.
15	If the answer to 14 is "no" ...	Check "Yes" (even though the answer to 14 is not "No")
16	Where do you wish to file your orphan petition?	The American Consulate at Guangzhou, China
17	Do you plan to adopt more than one child?	Most of you will answer "No". If you do answer "Yes", the most you can adopt from China at one time is 2. Your homestudy must approve you for twins or 2 children, and you must file 2 INS approvals and send 2 cables.