United States•North AmericaIR-4 — Orphan to be Adopted in the U.S.
At a Glance
3 months – 1.5 years
Varies by processing route
USD $1,365–$2,285
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in United States
Overview
Orphan coming to the U.S. to be adopted by a U.S. citizen. Adoption not yet finalized abroad.
The IR-4 is a US immigrant visa for orphaned children whose adoption by a US citizen was not fully finalized abroad, or where neither adoptive parent observed the child before adoption proceedings. It uses Form I-600 and applies only to children from non-Hague Convention countries.
The child must be under 16 at petition (under 18 if a sibling of a child already adopted). Unmarried petitioners must be at least 25. The child enters as a Lawful Permanent Resident; the adoption must be finalized in a US state court after arrival. Citizenship follows automatically under INA §320.
This visa is ideal for US citizens adopting from non-Hague countries where the adoption cannot be completed abroad, and who plan to finalize the process in US courts.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| USCIS petition only (I-600) | 3–6 months |
| End-to-end (petition + consular processing) | 6 months – 1.5 years |
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen
If unmarried, petitioner must be at least 25 years old when filing I-600
Child must be under 16 at time of petition (or under 18 if sibling of child adopted by same parents)
Child must qualify as an orphan under INA §101(b)(1)(F): no parents, or sole/surviving parent unable to care for child who has irrevocably released child for emigration and adoption
Child must not be habitually resident in a Hague Convention country (those use IH-4/Form I-800)
Approved home study completed by accredited agency/provider
IR-4 applies when adoption was not finalized abroad or petitioner did not see and observe child prior to adoption proceedings
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Child's original birth certificate (or written explanation plus secondary age/identity evidence if unavailable)
Evidence of orphan status: death certificates, abandonment documentation, court orders
Evidence sole/surviving parent is unable to care for child and has irrevocably released child for emigration and adoption
Proof of legal custody or guardianship obtained in child's country
Approved home study with original signature
Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
Marriage certificate if married; proof all prior marriages were legally terminated
Proof of spouse's identity if spouse is not a U.S. resident (if applicable)
Certified English translations of all foreign-language documents
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No annual numerical cap — immediate relative category with no visa bulletin wait
- Child enters the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder)
- Path to U.S. citizenship after U.S. adoption finalization and CCA requirements met
- Exempt from the USCIS Immigrant Fee ($235) normally due after visa issuance
- Permanent work authorization and residency rights as LPR
Worth Knowing
- IR-4 requires adoption finalization in U.S. state court after entry — citizenship is not automatic upon arrival (unlike IR-3)
- Citizenship requires N-600 application after U.S. adoption is finalized
- Only applicable for children from non-Hague Convention countries; Hague countries use IH-4 via Form I-800
- Child must be under 16 at time of petition filing (limited window)
- Home study is mandatory and adds significant time and cost
- Total end-to-end process typically takes 12–24+ months
- As of January 1, 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 may restrict entry for nationals of certain designated countries — national interest exceptions may apply
Application Process
Optionally file Form I-600A (Advance Processing) with USCIS, including home study and biometrics
Adopt or obtain legal custody/guardianship of the child in their country of residence
File Form I-600 (Petition to Classify Orphan as Immediate Relative) with USCIS with all supporting documents
USCIS or consular officer completes Form I-604 field investigation to verify orphan status
Submit DS-260 immigrant visa application online via CEAC
Pay consular fees ($325 visa application + $120 affidavit of support review)
Attend visa interview with child at U.S. Embassy or Consulate in child's country
Receive IR-4 visa; child travels to the U.S. and is admitted as a Lawful Permanent Resident
Finalize adoption in U.S. state court after child's arrival
Apply for Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship) after adoption finalized and CCA requirements met
Application Forms
Go to application portal| I-600A Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition | Fill online |
| I-600 Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative | Fill online |
| I-604 Determination on Child for Adoption (completed by USCIS/State Dept overseas officer) | — |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in United States
Family visas in other countries
- Adopted Child Visa
United Kingdom
- Orphan Relative Visa
Australia
- Temporary Resident Visa - Family Unity
Mexico
Living in United States
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