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IH-4 — Hague Convention Orphan to be Adopted in U.S.
United StatesUnited States•North America
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IH-4 — Hague Convention Orphan to be Adopted in U.S.

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–7 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $2,165

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Orphan from Hague Convention country coming to U.S. for adoption. Not yet finalized.

The IH-4 is a US immigrant visa for children from Hague Convention countries who enter the US before their adoption is finalized. Unlike the IH-3, adoption is completed in a US state court after arrival, not abroad.

Parents file Form I-800A ($920) for suitability and Form I-800 ($920) to petition for the child, using an accredited Adoption Service Provider. DS-260 costs $325. The child must be under 16 (or under 18 via sibling exception); unmarried petitioners must be at least 25. The child enters as a lawful permanent resident.

This visa is ideal for US citizen parents adopting a Hague Convention country child whose adoption will be finalized in a US state court rather than abroad.

United States

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Cost Breakdown

I-800A SuitabilityUSD $920
I-800 Convention Adoptee PetitionUSD $920
DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application ProcessingUSD $325
USCIS Immigrant Fee (Hague adoptees exempt)USD $0
TotalUSD $2,165

Processing Time

I-800A approval4–5 months
I-800 + consular2–7 months

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Child must be under 16 (or 18 sibling exception) and unmarried

Child must reside in Hague Convention country

Adoptive parent(s) must be U.S. citizens

I-800A suitability determination required

Must use accredited Adoption Service Provider

IH-4: adoption NOT completed abroad — finalized in U.S.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

I-800A with home study

I-800 with child qualification evidence

DS-260

Proof of U.S. citizenship

Child's birth certificate

Article 16 report

Legal custody decree

Medical exam results

Background check results

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Hague Convention protections against trafficking
  • Suitability determined before committing to child
  • I-800A reusable within 15 months
  • No annual visa cap
  • Child becomes citizen after adoption + N-600

Worth Knowing

  • Does NOT grant automatic citizenship upon entry (unlike IH-3)
  • Must finalize adoption in U.S. state court
  • Independent adoption not permitted under Hague
  • I-800A expires after 15 months
  • Total cost typically $20,000-$50,000+

Application Process

1

Select accredited Adoption Service Provider

2

Complete Hague-compliant home study

3

File I-800A with USCIS

4

Biometrics + background checks

5

Receive I-800A approval (15 months valid)

6

File I-800 for child classification

7

Embassy issues Article 5/17 letter

8

Obtain legal custody in child's country

9

Medical examination

10

DS-260 + consular interview

11

Enter U.S. as LPR on IH-4

12

Finalize adoption in U.S. court; file N-600

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-2054
Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant
—
N-600
Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Fill online

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