[olive123]

Just wondering if anyone out there has I171H approval and if so did you just get the approval letter back, or did you get back all the other documents you sent to USCIS (home study,etc.)?

[DPline]

You will only get the 171H. They will not return all the other documents to you.

[sak9645]

You don't get your other documents back. HOWEVER, after you complete your adoption, you can file a form for the return of documents. It will give you access to almost everything in the USCIS files, including the "sealed envelope" of documents that is given to you by the U.S. Embassy overseas, and that you had over to Customs and Immigration upon entering the U.S.

Sharon

[DPline]

I did file the G884 after my children were home and I did get back the sealed envelope that was turned over to Immigration when we entered the US. We did not however receive any of the information we submitted with our I600A application. I have never tried submitting a G884 in my or my husband's name (the ones I filed were in my children's names) to see if that paperwork would come back. Interesting thought. I wonder if it would work?

[sleepytexan]

Hi,

Yes you will just get 2 copies of a 1-page letter. Your home study will not be returned.

Best,

LL

[adopt2007]

Hi!

We have filed I-600A with all relevant docs including the home study. Initially we received a letter from INS (Mar 24 2008) stating they received the application for I-600A.

later we received I-797 form on which the Case Type mentioned is I-600 instead of I-600A.

is this a problem or a normal procedure? Has anyone received I-797 with the case type I-600A?

Thanks

[DPline]

Some states issue a 171H and some issue a I797. Same thing, different numbers. (No idea why!)

The I600A is the form you file to get general pre-approval to adopt internationally. The I600 is filed later in the process in the name of the specific child you are adopting.

All totally normal!

[adopt2007]

Thans Debbie for the quick response. Actually the question is not between I797 or 171H.

We need approval for the I-600A. That is what we filed for. Now the I-797, reflects the case Type I-600 instead of I600A. We havent YET filed for I-600.

I understand the difference between 600A and 600 and hence, we are looking to get the I-600A approval first, followed by I600 filing.

Do you think USCIS will give us the approval for I-600A based on the I-797 we received?

[jeannecr]

Adopt2007, just read the top of your letter. Does it say "notice of favorable determination" etc.? If so, then it is your I-600A approval. It lets you know they will be waiting for you to file an I-600 later. I-797 is the same as I-171h. If in doubt, you can fax a copy to your placement agency for a second opinion.

[MN_Mom]

That is good to know that we could possibly get all of the information from our file back! I will have to note this for when we get to this point.

Thanks!