5 Ways To Fill Out Form Dv-120 Correctly

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The DV-120 form, also known as the Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, is a crucial document for adoptive parents who want to bring their adopted child to the United States. Filling out this form correctly is essential to avoid delays or even rejection of the petition. In this article, we will guide you through the process of filling out the DV-120 form correctly, highlighting the five key steps to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Understanding the DV-120 Form

The DV-120 form is used by U.S. citizens who have adopted a child abroad and want to bring them to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. The form is used to classify the adopted child as an immediate relative, which allows them to immigrate to the United States without having to wait for a visa number to become available.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before filling out the DV-120 form, you will need to gather several required documents, including:

• A copy of the child's birth certificate
• A copy of the adoption decree
• A copy of the child's passport
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of your relationship to the child (such as a statement from the adoption agency)

What to Do if You Don't Have All the Required Documents

If you don't have all the required documents, you may still be able to file the petition. However, you will need to provide an explanation for the missing documents and provide alternative evidence to support your petition.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form Correctly

The DV-120 form consists of several sections, including:

• Section 1: Petitioner Information
• Section 2: Adopted Child Information
• Section 3: Adoption Information
• Section 4: Supporting Documents

When filling out the form, make sure to:

• Use black ink and print clearly
• Answer all questions completely and accurately
• Sign the form in the presence of a notary public
• Include all required supporting documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes to avoid when filling out the DV-120 form include:

• Leaving blank spaces or unanswered questions
• Providing incomplete or inaccurate information
• Failing to sign the form in the presence of a notary public
• Failing to include all required supporting documents

Step 3: Submit the Form and Supporting Documents

Once you have completed the DV-120 form and gathered all the required supporting documents, you will need to submit them to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Make sure to submit the form and supporting documents to the correct address
• Use a secure and trackable delivery method
• Keep a copy of the form and supporting documents for your records

Step 4: Wait for USCIS to Process the Petition

After submitting the petition, you will need to wait for USCIS to process it. This can take several months, depending on the workload of the USCIS office.

• Check the status of your petition online or by contacting USCIS
• Be prepared to provide additional information or evidence if requested
• Keep in mind that processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case

Step 5: Attend an Interview (If Required)

In some cases, USCIS may require you to attend an interview as part of the petition process. This is usually the case if there are questions or concerns about the adoption or the petition.

• Be prepared to answer questions about the adoption and the petition
• Bring all required documents and evidence with you to the interview
• Be honest and cooperative during the interview

By following these five steps, you can ensure that your DV-120 form is filled out correctly and that your petition is processed smoothly. Remember to gather all required documents, fill out the form correctly, submit the form and supporting documents, wait for USCIS to process the petition, and attend an interview if required.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of filling out the DV-120 form correctly. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.