How To Get Your Immigration File Through An FOIA Request

Are you interested in obtaining a copy of your immigration file? You are not the only one. U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services responds to many thousand requests each year for immigration records. The agency receives almost 600 records requests every day.

The Freedom of Information Act, commonly referred to simply as FOIA, allows Americans and other non-citizens access to their immigration records. Some people search for information only out of curiosity. You can hire the best agency for Australian immigration from https://www.mygration.com.au/.

For genealogy purposes, however, older records can be obtained through the USCIS Genealogy Program.

Make an FOIA request

FOIA requests should be submitted in writing. To complete your request, you can file Form G-639 Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Demand. The form and instructions for filing are available at USCIS.gov. 

These are just a few examples of how to phrase your request.

  • I would like to receive any I-485 applications with my name on them.
  • I would like to receive all I-130 petitions I have filed for John Doe.
  • I would like to receive any and all copies of my Chinese birth certificate

Identify the purpose for filing Form G-639

While it is not necessary to state the purpose of your request, this information will help USCIS locate the records needed to respond to your request. 

 

 

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