Embassy of the United States

IMMIGRANT VISAS

Orphans

Petition filed in the U.S.

Visa Processing

When the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have approved the I-600 petition they notify the Immigrant Visa Unit of the Embassy or appropriate consulate by cable. The approved petition is sent to the National Visa Center and then sent to the Immigrant Visa Unit of the Embassy or appropriate consulate.

When the relevant Immigrant Visa Unit receives the cable/petition the Immigrant Visa Unit mails the petitioner or adoption agency a notification of approval along with a document pack. The document packet is called "Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants - Packet 3". The petitioner or adoption agency should read these instructions very carefully before proceeding.

The pack contains the following: Form DS-230-Part I, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration - Biographic Data; Form DS-2001, Applicant's Declaration of Qualification for Immigrant Visa Interview; Form I-864, Affidavit of Support; and a document checklist.

Note: The petitioner or adoption agency is advised that the orphan should obtain a passport in advance of the visa interview. A visa cannot be issued to an orphan without a passport.

How to proceed

The petitioner or adoption agency should follow the instructions given in "Packet 3". Here is a summary:

1. Complete and sign forms DS-230-Part I and DS-2001
2. Return the completed and signed forms DS-230-Part I and DS-2001 to the Embassy or appropriate consulate immediately
3. Assemble the relevant documents as indicated by the document list in "Packet 3", including the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support completed by the petitioner (if applicable) and recent photographs
4. Complete and sign the "Applicant's Statement"

Further Instructions & Information:

• To speed up visa processing, the petitioner or adoption agency can contact the Embassy or appropriate consulate and obtain a visa interview appointment letter, further instructions, and general advice on the visa application process
• Do not mail any of the relevant documents to the Embassy or a consulate. You are required to submit the relevant documents at the time of the visa interview
• For orphans with a full and final adoption overseas where both adopting parents see the child prior to or during the adoption and where no state re-adoption requirements must be met, the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support is not required. The petitioner should instead complete Form I-864W, Intending Immigrant I-864 Exemption

What happens next?

After the Immigrant Visa Unit receives the forms from the petitioner or adoption agency they will be processed by a consular officer. Once this is completed, the petitioner or adoption agency will be advised about the mandatory medical examination and the appointment for the visa interview. They will also be provided with another document pack, "Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants - Packet 4". The petitioner or adoption agency should read these instructions very carefully before proceeding.

The petitioner and Form I-864, Affidavit of Support

The person bringing an orphan to live permanently in the U.S., the petitioner, must accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the orphan. The petitioner accepts this responsibility and becomes the orphan's sponsor by completing and signing a document called an affidavit of support. This legally enforceable responsibility lasts until the orphan becomes a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years).