Extension and Validity Periods

Adoption Process

Initial Approval Expiration

Extension of Initial Approval

Hague Adoption Process:

Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country:

• Initial Approval Expires:
  15 months from the date of fingerprint results of 1st person printed

Example:

• Approved January 1, 2008
• Valid Beginning January 1, 2008
• Expires April 1, 2009

How to Get an Extension:

• Submit request Form I-800A, Supplement 3 with updated home study. See form instructions for more information.
• No fee for first extension; each subsequent extension requires fee
• Extension Expires: 15 months from the date of fingerprint results of 1st person re-printed.

Example:

• Valid Beginning April 1, 2009
• Expires July 1, 2010

Orphan Adoption Process:

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

• Initial Approval Expires:
  18 months from the date of approval

Example:

• Approved January 1, 2008
• Valid Beginning: January 1, 2008
• Expires July 1, 2009

How to Get an Extension:

• Submit a written request for an extension of your approved I-600A to:
  National Benefits Center
  Attention:  Adoptions
  PO Box 8025
  Lee’s Summit, MO  64002
• There is no specific form to fill out; No fee required; only one extension permitted.
• Fees for fingerprinting should not be submitted with this extension request.
• Submit the request no earlier than 90 days before the expiration of the I-600A, but before the approval expires.
• Extension Expires: 18 months from the expiration date of the original Form I-600A.

Example:

• Initial Approval: January 1, 2008
• Initial Approval expired on July 1, 2009
• Valid Beginning July 1, 2009
• Expires January 1, 2011

Grandfathered Orphan Cases:

• Initial Approval Expires:
  18 months from the expiration date of the Extension of Form I-600A

Example:

• Valid Beginning January 1, 2011
• Expires July 1, 2012

How to Get an Extension:

• Submit written request for an extension of your approved Grandfathered I-600A to:
  National Benefits Center
  Attention:  Adoptions
  PO Box 8025
  Lee’s Summit, MO  64002
• There is no specific form to fill out; No fee required; only one extension permitted.
• Fees for fingerprinting should not be submitted with this extension request.
• Extension Expires: 18 months from the expiration date of the Grandfathered Form I-600A.

Example:

• Valid Beginning July 1, 2012
• Expires January 1, 2014