If you have decided to adopt a child from a Hague Convention country, you begin the adoption process by filing Form I-800A with the USCIS. This form is used by the USCIS to determine whether you are eligible to adopt a child from a Hague Convention country. Since this is the first step, it is important not to accept placement of a child or to contact the child or his or her guardians until your form is approved and you have the authorization for such contact. If the child you plan to adopt does not live in a Hague Convention country, you will need to file Form I-600A (Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition), instead.