IR-3 / IR-4 Adopted Child

Overview

IR-3 (Hague Convention adopted child) and IR-4 (orphan adopted child) categories provide green cards to internationally adopted children of U.S. citizens. IR-3 applies to Hague Convention country adoptions; IR-4 applies to non-Hague orphan adoptions. Both involve complex multi-step processes coordinating USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and the child's home country.

Eligibility Requirements

U.S. citizen petitioner (married couples or single, age requirements vary); meet adoption agency and home study requirements; child must qualify as orphan (IR-4) or adopted under Hague (IR- 3); child under 16 (or under 18 with sibling under 16); and meet country-specific adoption requirements.

Application Process

Step 1: Home study and approval (Form I-600A or I-800A). Step 2: Adoption matching with child. Step 3: File I-600 (orphan) or I-800 (Hague). Step 4: Visa processing at U.S. consulate. Step 5: Child enters U.S. and obtains green card.

Required Documentation

Adoption documentation per home country; home study; financial documentation; background checks; child's medical and orphan status documentation; and Hague Convention compliance (where applicable).

Government Filing Fees

I-600/I-800 filing fees; visa fees; adoption agency fees; home study fees.

Processing Timeline

Total process typically 12–36 months depending on country and case complexity.

Why Choose Our Firm

International adoption is highly specialized — we coordinate with adoption agencies and home country authorities, prepare USCIS filings, and counsel on post-adoption immigration steps including N-600 Certificate of Citizenship.