Earlier this week, USCIS announced that it had published new versions of two immigration forms: Form I-600, the Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative and Form I-600A, the Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. The new date at the bottom of both of these forms is 12/30/09; after 60 days, previous versions of the forms will not be accepted.

From April 1, 2010 to June 2, 2010, USCIS will continue to accept previous forms. However, after June 2, 2010, USCIS will only accept the current versions of the forms. Petitions using older forms will be rejected by USCIS. The rejected form, supporting evidence and filing fees will be returned to the petitioner, along with a copy of the current version of the form.

U.S. residents wishing to adopt a child from an international location should continue to submit Forms I-600 and I-600A, along with all supporting documentation and filing fees to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox for initial processing.

U.S. residents living abroad may also submit their forms and documentation to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Alternatively, they may file their Form I-600A at the overseas USCIS office that has jurisdiction over their overseas location of residence. They may file their Form I-600 at the overseas U.S. Embassy, consulate or office with jurisdiction to accept the petition; however, they must already have an approved and valid Form I-600A and must be physically present at the time of filing in the country of the adoptive child.