It is the policy of the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - the former INS - that FBI fingerprint-based clearances for adoptive parents expire after 15 months. This policy will take effect on May 31, 2003. USCIS recommends that prospective adoptive parents who plan to travel abroad to file an I-600 Orphan Petition within 30 days of the expiration of their fingerprint check validity be re-fingerprinted prior to departing the United States. If you do not know the date of your fingerprint clearance you should check with the USCIS office where you submitted your fingerprint cards. The fingerprint requirement applies to all adult members of the household. For families who are unable to complete the re-fingerprinting process USCIS may waive the requirement if they depart the United States on or before May 31, 2003. The Department of State is conferring with USCIS to try to ensure that changes in the process do not inconvenience American families or their children. We will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Prospective adoptive parents also should consult the USCIS Web site at http://www.uscis.govfor future announcements, or for specific information on fingerprinting see Special Fingerprint Instructions for Form I-600, "Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative (Orphan Petition) " at http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/finger/fc22i600.htm.