Request Records through the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act

Alert: When you request immigration records for multiple people, even if they are related, submit a separate request for each person's record. If you submit a single request for the records of multiple people, we will reject the request and send instructions to you to submit each request separately.

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA), you can request:

• Your own immigration records;
• Someone else’s immigration records, if you have their written permission; and
• Agency policies, data, communications, and other records

How to Request and Receive Records as Quickly as Possible

Step 1: Read this entire page, to ensure you request records the right way, from the right agency.

Step 2: Confirm we have not already posted the records you need in the USCIS Electronic Reading Room.

Step 3: Try to request only the specific documents you need. We can process requests for precise records much faster than requests for an entire file. If you are requesting immigration records for multiple people, even if they are related, you must submit a separate request for each person's record.

Step 4: Make your FOIA request online to avoid mailing, paper processing, and returned mail that could make it take much longer to process your request. You can also use this service to receive records online, if you already submitted a request by mail. See the chart below.

Step 5: Check the status of your request online. We will email you to check your account when your files are ready to download.

Be able to process your request faster.

When you make your request, be as specific as possible about which documents you need. We can respond to requests for specific documents faster than for large set of records, such as entire A-Files.

Also explain if you are requesting:

• Information from your own immigration record;
• Information from another person’s immigration record;
• USCIS business, operational, or policy records;
• An amendment or correction of a record under the Privacy Act; or

Another kind of record in USCIS custody.

Prioritize your request to deliver it faster.

You must include with your request a copy of 1 of these documents, which was sent to you by the Department of Homeland Security or Department of Justice:

• Form I-862, Notice to Appear, documenting the upcoming date of the subject’s hearing before the immigration judge;
• Form I-122, Order to Show Cause, documenting the upcoming date of the subject’s hearing before the immigration judge;
• Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge; or
• A written notice of continuation of a future scheduled hearing before the immigration judge.

Process the request.

We will reject single requests that cover multiple people and notify you that you need to resubmit the requests separately.

• An A-File, whether your own or someone else’s with their permission; or
• Agency policies, data, communications, and other records.

• Place your request in line for processing;
• Confirm we received it;
• Be notified when we process it,
• Track its status; and
• Conveniently access your records online.

Online record responses are easy to:

• Access from a phone, tablet, or computer;
• Send to another person; and
• Download and print.

You can receive online responses even if:

• You did not file for immigration benefits online;
• You have a representative, because they can request your records through their USCIS online account; or
• You previously requested your records by mail, email, or fax.

• Subject line, “FOIA Disability Accommodations”;
• Your name;
• A phone number where we can reached you; and
• Your FOIA control number.

• Records of apprehension, detention, deportation, entry, exit, expedited removal, background investigations, or inspections by Customs and Border Protection;
• Form I-94 records;
• Travel industry reservation data such as a passenger name; or record (PNR)
• Voluntary return records

• Applications from U.S. citizens for U.S. passports; or
• Visa requests from noncitizens to enter the United States.

• Bond obligor requests
• Medical records while someone was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Student and Exchange Visitor Information affecting those previously or currently in F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, and I-20 status

Make Your Request Online

Our online FOIA request service is the fastest, most convenient way to request and receive records from USCIS. When you make a FOIA or PA request by mail, it delays responses to all requestors.

Attorneys and representatives can also make online FOIA requests on behalf of their clients.

Requests Using Form G-639

If you prefer to make your request by mail, download, complete, print, and sign Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request (PDF, 436.26 KB) . Form G-639 ensures we receive the correct information to fulfill your request if you make it by mail.

Mail Requests Without Form G-639

You may draft and mail a request for records that meets statutory FOIA procedures without using Form G-639. If you do this, USCIS cannot process your request as efficiently as possible. If you mail your request, you may be more likely to omit some information we need to fulfill your request, which could delay you from receiving the records you requested.

If you choose this option, your request should include:

• Your name;
• Your address or email address;
• A clear and specific description of the records you are requesting; and
• If applicable, a justification for expedited treatment.

If you are requesting records about yourself, include a statement of your identity, notarized, or signed under penalty of perjury.

If you are requesting records about someone else, include:

• The name of the person the records pertain to, also known as the subject of record;
• A statement of identity by the subject of the record, consisting of their full name, current address, and date and place of birth, signed under penalty of perjury, or notarized; and
• A third-party release statement by the subject of the record giving you permission to seek their personal records. This statement also must be notarized, or signed under penalty of perjury.

Be Specific

However you make your request, be as specific as possible about which documents you need. We can respond to requests for specific documents faster than for large set of records, such as entire A-Files.

Also explain if you are requesting:

• Information from your own immigration record;
• Information from another person’s immigration record;
• USCIS business, operational, or policy records;
• An amendment or correction of a record under the Privacy Act; or
• Another kind of record in USCIS custody.

Make a Separate Request for Each Person

If you request the immigration records of multiple people, even if they are related, submit separate Forms G-639 or separate paper letters that each meet the requirements listed above.

We will reject single forms or letters containing requests for multiple people and notify you to resubmit the requests separately.

We accept separate requests mailed in the same envelope.

Where to Mail
National Records Center (NRC)
FOIA/PA Office
P.O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010

After we receive your request, we will send you a letter of acknowledgement, process the request and send our response. You will receive any records we release by mail as files on a compact disk (CD).

Write a letter, known as an administrative appeal, and mail it to:

USCIS FOIA/PA Appeals Office
150 Space Center Loop, Suite 500
Lee's Summit, MO
64064-2139

Clearly mark both your letter and its envelope “Freedom of Information Act Appeal”.

USCIS offers a feature to assist attorneys and accredited representatives who often make FOIA requests to USCIS, and who also manage their work through third-party case management software. This feature, the USCIS FOIA Application Programing Interface (API), is available for vendors to add to their third-party software. Once the feature is added, attorneys and accredited representatives can use their own software to:

• Request immigration records;
• Check the request's status; and
• Receive a notification when we respond to a request.

To enable this feature, vendors of immigration case management software must connect to USCIS’ FOIA API by visiting the USCIS TORCH API platform website.

Note: This feature is not intended for anyone requesting their own record, or attorneys and advocates who do not use immigration case management software systems. These requestors should make their FOIA or PA request online.