Filed the I-600A with Charleston, SC CIS

One of the last remaining portions of the dossier paperchase is the I-600A, a federal form petitioning the government in advance to adopt an orphan. The children in China that are placed for adoption are already classified as "orphans" and we have to begin the tedious task of being approved by the US government and obtaining a visa for her. This form is sent to your state's Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) department for approval to adopt internationally. This form itself is easy enough to fill out but the background check, accompanying FBI fingerprinting and wait time are unusually brutal. We must consider the timing of this petition carefully in that it expires quickly. We expect to have to wait out the acceptance and approval of this process for 30-90 days. Sometime in here, we will receive an appointment to be fingerprinted. Ken and Tricia will also be fingerprinted since they are mentioned in our home study and over the age of 18. Once all checks are completed, we will receive the coveted I-171H - an original document stating we are cleared for international adoption by the US government and the FBI. This is one of the few original documents that you must hand carry to China. The copies of the I-171H are filed with GWCA, the CIS and the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China and each photocopy must contain a notarial statement as well. The I-171H has an 18-month expiration date and we do not anticipate having to redo any of this process (hope, hope, hope)!!