I got favorable decision from INS on my adoption petition, but I am still waiting for my agent to find a child for me. Is this approval valid for a certain period?

Yes. You have to use it within one year of the date of completion of all advance processing in a case with a favorable decision. In your case, you have to use the approval within one year from the date shown on Form I-171H, Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. You have to file a new adoption petition after the approval expires if you later decide that you want to petition for an orphan. In that case, a new fee is required.

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