United States•North AmericaIH-3 — Hague Convention Orphan Adopted Abroad
At a Glance
6 months – 2 years
USD $1,245
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
Orphan from Hague Convention country adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen.
The IH-3 is an immigrant visa for a child fully adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen through the Hague Convention process. The adoption is finalized in the child's country of origin before U.S. entry, reflecting a complete parent-child relationship under the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000.
The child enters as a lawful permanent resident. Those under 18 in a U.S. citizen parent's custody acquire citizenship automatically at port of entry under INA §320; USCIS mails a citizenship certificate at no charge. An approved Form I-800A and Article 5/17 Embassy clearance are required before adoption is finalized.
This visa is ideal for U.S. citizens who have fully finalized a Hague Convention adoption abroad and need an immigrant visa for the child before U.S. entry.
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Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Child must be under 18 and unmarried
Child must be habitually resident in a Hague Adoption Convention country
Child must be determined adoptable by the country of origin's Central Authority
Article 16 report issued by the child's country of origin
Full adoption finalized abroad before visa issuance
Adoptive parent(s) must be US citizens
Article 5/17 letter from US Embassy/Consulate received BEFORE finalizing adoption
Must use a US-accredited or approved Adoption Service Provider (ASP)
Approved Form I-800A (home study, background checks, financial review)
All Hague Convention procedural safeguards satisfied (no trafficking, financial inducement)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Child's original birth certificate (or secondary evidence with explanation and certified English translation)
Evidence child has no living parents or that sole/surviving parent irrevocably released the child
Evidence of full adoption finalized abroad
Article 16 report from country of origin
Home study (completed by approved provider)
Biometrics/fingerprints for all household members 18+
Child's passport or other travel document
DS-260 (filed online via CEAC)
DS-1981 (vaccination exemption form, if applicable)
Medical examination results
Certified English translations of all foreign-language documents
Financial documentation and background check results for adoptive parents
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Child is admitted directly as a lawful permanent resident (LPR)
- IH-3 holders under 18 in legal and physical custody of a US citizen parent automatically acquire US citizenship upon entry under INA §320
- Certificate of Citizenship mailed automatically for children under 14; no additional fee
- USCIS immigrant fee ($235) is waived for IH-3 visa holders
- No annual visa cap — immediate relative category has unlimited availability
- LPR status provides full work authorization without a separate EAD
- Child gains access to all US citizen/LPR benefits and protections
Worth Knowing
- Child must come from a Hague Adoption Convention country; non-Convention adoptions use IR-3/IR-4 instead
- Article 5/17 letter from US Embassy/Consulate must be obtained BEFORE the adoption is finalized abroad — adopting first voids qualification
- Must use a US Department of State–accredited Adoption Service Provider throughout the process
- Total adoption process typically takes years depending on the country of origin
- As of January 21 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 pauses immigrant visa issuance for nationals of certain countries; adoption visas may qualify for National Interest Exception
- USCIS home study and background checks cover all household members 18+
- I-800A approval is valid for 15 months from fingerprint clearance notification; extensions available
- Children aged 14–17 must schedule an oath ceremony at a USCIS field office to receive Certificate of Citizenship
Application Process
Select a US Department of State–accredited Adoption Service Provider (ASP)
File Form I-800A with USCIS to establish suitability to adopt (includes home study and biometrics)
Apply to the country of origin's Central Authority; receive Article 16 child referral
File Form I-800 with USCIS to petition for the specific child; obtain provisional approval and Article 5/17 letter from Embassy/Consulate BEFORE finalizing adoption
Finalize adoption (or guardianship) in the child's country of origin
Obtain child's birth certificate and passport, file DS-260 online, attend consular immigrant visa interview, receive IH-3 visa
Application Forms
| I-800A Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country | Fill online |
| I-800 Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative | Fill online |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application | Fill online |
| DS-1981 Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigrant Vaccination Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child | — |
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- Adopted Child Visa
United Kingdom
- Family Accompaniment Residency (Residencia Temporal de Acompañante)
El Salvador
Living in United States
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