Form I-600A is used for adjudication of the applicant(s) as prospective adoptive parents. Filing Form I-600A is effective in hastening the process relating to the qualifications of the prospective adoptive parents of an alien child.

Form I-600A should be used by a United States citizen who plans to adopt a foreign-born child but does not have a specific child in mind. Form I-600A is a means of “Advance Processing” enabling United States citizens to adjudicate the qualifications of the prospective parents. Form I-600A may also be used were the child is identified and the prospective adoptive parent(s) are traveling to the country where the child is located. The processing of Form I-600A must be completed before application is made to bring the child to the United States.

In order to be eligible for Form I-600A advance processing, at least one of the married spouses must be a United States citizen. The other spouse must be in lawful immigration status if residing in the United States. An application for Form I-600A advance processing may also be filed by an unmarried United States citizen who is at least 24 years of age provided that he or she will be at least 25 years of age at the time he or she files an orphan petition on behalf of a child.