Home » Guide to Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request
A Complete Guide To
Form G-639 Overview For:
Purpose | Correct Uses | Online Filing | Instructions | Where to File | Processing Times | Get Help | FOIA FAQs
Form G-639 and FOIA Explained
What is Form G-639 used for?
Individuals may file Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, to obtain access to USCIS immigration records. You can make the request for yourself or, in certain situations, can file a request for another person's immigration records.
The Freedom of Information Act, also known simply as FOIA, is an American law that requires the full or partial disclosure of information and documents controlled by the United States government upon request. In the case of immigration records, you may request a copy of what the government has in it’s files. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency that possesses the information.
Filing a FOIA request (Form G-639) is an excellent way to understand what USCIS knows about you. That’s why immigration attorneys regularly use a FOIA request to gather information about their clients. Attorneys want to get all available information so that they can provide informed advice. The FOIA request is also a great way to get information about your family genealogy. You can gather actual records filed by a family member that immigrated to the United States many years ago.
An alien file, commonly known as an A-file, is the collection of documents that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains for foreign-born individuals who have arrived in the United States as immigrants or nonimmigrants. The file typically contains all of the official files related to immigration status, citizenship, or relief, and includes both documents submitted by the non-citizen as well as any investigations, statements, correspondence, and memoranda created by the agencies. It also may include other identifying documents, such as birth certificates.
U.S. citizens and non-citizens can request access to an alien file through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. USCIS facilitates FOIA requests with Form G-639, Freedom of Information Act Request. Filing the G-639 form is an excellent way to access your A-file and understand what USCIS knows about you. You may also file Form G-639 on behalf of child or another individual, provided that you are the parent/legal guardian or have signed permission from the individual.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, is United States law that requires the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government upon request. The act defines agency records subject to disclosure, outlines mandatory disclosure procedures, and includes nine exemptions that define categories of information not subject to disclosure. The intent of the act is to make U.S. government agencies' functions more transparent so that the American public can more easily identify problems in government functioning and put pressure on Congress, agency officials, and the president to address them. In the case of immigration records, it enables persons to request copies of certain alien files (immigration records).
Proper Ways to Use a FOIA Request
What can I request with G-639?
Correct Uses of Form G-639 for Immigration Records
An individual may use Form G-639 to:
- Request his or her own immigration records
- Request immigration records of another person (with that person's consent)
- Correct or amend these records
For most requests, USCIS will provide copies of these records at no cost to you. (Requests that require significant hours and photocopying will incur fees.)
Incorrect Uses of Form G-639 for Immigration Records
You should not file Form G-639 for any of the following reasons:
- To determine the status of a pending application. Instead, call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
- For consular notification of a visa petition approval. Instead, use Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition.
- To request the return of original documents. Instead, use Form G-884, Request for Return of Original Documents.
- To request records of naturalization prior to September 27, 1906. Instead, write the clerk of court where the naturalization occurred.
- To request information on USCIS manifest arrivals prior to December 1982. Instead, write the National Archives.
- To obtain proof of status (i.e. Social Security benefit, Selective Service requirement).
G-639 Online Filing
Can I file Form G-639 online?
The USCIS online FOIA request service is a fast and convenient way to request and receive records from USCIS. You'll also be able to check the status of your case online after you've filed. Your ability to be specific about the documents needed is critical for your search. USCIS will inform you if you've made the request incorrectly.
For people who want to make sure they are preparing the form correctly, CitizenPath offers an affordable service created by immigration attorneys. CitizenPath’s FOIA Request Package makes the form easy and gives you alerts if there’s a problem. You’ll also receive detailed filing instructions so you know exactly which supporting documents to submit with your form.
Or, you can download a copy of the Form G-639 PDF from the USCIS website. Occasionally, USCIS publishes new editions of the form. Make sure you are using an edition which USCIS accepts. Although you may use black ink to fill in your Form G-639 by hand, it’s preferable to file a typed form. This helps prevent mistakes and may improve intake speed.
Form G-639 Instructions
How do I fill out G-639?
If you're not filing online at USCIS, CitizenPath's easy-to-use website helps you prepare the request quickly and accurately. Our online service provides step-by-step G-639 instructions to make it easy. We even give you a money-back guarantee that USCIS will act on your request.
If you prefer to fill out the Form G-639 PDF, you can download instructions from USCIS or follow this summary of directions.
General Guidance
- Type or print answers in black ink only.
- Enter “N/A” if an answer is not applicable and "NONE" if your answer is zero.
- Foreign language documents must be accompanied by a full English certified translation.
- Submit photocopies for all supporting documents unless an original document is specifically required.
Part 1
- For Type of Request, indicate if you will be "requesting" information through the Freedom of Information Act or "amending" information through the Privacy Act (PA).
Part 2
- For Requestor Information, answer if you are submitting Form G-639 for yourself of another person. If you are filing for yourself, you are the Subject of Record and you should skip the balance of questions in Part 2.
- For Representative Role to the Subject of Record, indicate your relationship with the Subject of Record.
Part 3
- For Description of Records Requested, explain why you are making the request. When you prepare a FOIA request, be as specific as possible about which documents you need. USCIS is able to respond more quickly to requests for specific documents compared to a large set of records, such as entire A-Files.
- For the balance of Part 3, provide as much information as possible regarding the Subject of Record. This information helps USCIS personnel search their records to find the information you need.
Parts 4 and 5
- For Verification of Identity and Subject of Record Consent, provide detailed information regarding the Subject's identity and contact information.
- For Signature of the Subject Record, you will sign if you're filing Form G-639 for yourself. If the request is for another person, that individual will need to sign. Note the checkbox for cases when the Subject of Record is deceased. The Subject of Record must sign the form using a sworn declaration or have it notarized. For a more extensive explanation for signing, see our FOIA FAQs.
- For Processing Information, indicate if any of the circ*mstances apply to your request. If you can provide adequate evidence of the situation, USCIS will likely expedite your request.
This is an abbreviated list of Form G-639 instructions. Download USCIS instructions or use CitizenPath’s service to prepare the form. CitizenPath provides filing instructions customized to your situation. You’ll get detailed G-639 instructions that explain which supporting documents to submit, how to organize, and where to mail.
Filing Address for a USCIS FOIA Request
Where to mail Form G-639?
USCIS accepts FOIA requests online and by mail (Form G-639). They do not want requestors to submit the form in-person at USCIS offices. Instead, they receive and process all requests at the USCIS National Benefits Center. Individuals using a FOIA request to locate arrival/departure records can also file Form G-639 to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If you're mailing a G-639 FOIA request to USCIS, send it to:
National Records Center (NRC)
FOIA/PA Office
P.O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010
If you're mailing a G-639 FOIA request to CBP, send it to:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
FOIA Office
90 K Street, NE
Washington, DC 20229
G-639 Processing Time
How long does an immigration FOIA request take?
USCIS can take from a few weeks to a few months to respond to a Form G-639 FOIA request. The processing time depends on the nature of the request plus several other factors. Simple requests for specific documents are generally fulfilled more quickly. Requests for large sets of documents or an entire alien file will often take several months. In certain cases when you have scheduled hearing with an immigration judge or other specific extraordinary circ*mstances, you may request expedited processing.
USCIS uses a three-track, first-in/first-out (FIFO) processing system. This system is one of the most significant factors that affects Form G-639 processing time. Your FOIA request will be assigned to a track based on several criteria.
- Track 1 is for less complex cases in which a requester needs only one or only a few specific documents from the file.
- Track 2 is for more complex cases. A complete copy of a file, requests from the news media, or special interest groups are examples of Track 2 cases. If USCIS receives a request for specific documents which implies most of the file (for instance, “the asylum application and all supporting documents,”) they will assign the request to the complex track.
- Track 3 is an accelerated track for cases involving individuals who are to appear before an immigration judge. In order to receive Track 3 priority processing, you must include one of several documents required with the FOIA request.
After you submit your request, USCIS will generally mail a letter of acknowledgement within 20 business days (about a month). FOIA requests are becoming more common; thus, it often takes longer. The letter confirms receipt and includes a FOIA control number. Whether you made your request online or by mail, you'll be able to check the status of the request online. You will need the FOIA control number included in your receipt message.
How CitizenPath Helps You
Can I get help preparing Form G-639?
There is no fee to file this form online at USCIS. However, they also do not provide support to make sure your request is done right.
CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request. Designed by immigration lawyers, the FOIA Request Package helps you eliminate the common errors that create delays and dead-ends. When preparing your request, you can reach out to our team to confirm it's done correctly. You'll also get customized filing instructions based on your situation. It's a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. And we've got your back -- CitizenPath provides live customer support and provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS provide your requested files (if available). Get started >>
STEP | Check Eligibility | |
We're going to ask you a few questions to make sure you're eligible and preparing the correct form. | ||
STEP | Prepare Form G-639 | |
Our software will guide you through the G-639 FOIA request using simple step-by-step instructions. | ||
STEP | Download, Print and File | |
Once you're completely satisfied, you’ll be able to print your G-639 and customized filing instructions. | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you may file Form G-639 to request an immigration file for your relative who is now deceased. When making the request, you'll need to provide evidence of the person's death in the form a death certificate.
For records that are more than 100 years old, you'll likely need to request the records through the USCIS Genealogy Program.
In most cases, there is no cost for an immigration FOIA request with Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request. Generally, USCIS will not charge a fee if the request is very simple. On the other hand, complex requests for an entire immigration file with hundreds of pages may result in a fee.
- Do not include any fee when you file Form G-639. You will be asked to consent to pay a maximum of $25; however, do not pay when filing.
- Except for commercial requesters, the first 100 pages of reproduction and the first two hours of search time will be provided without charge. Thereafter, for requests processed under the Privacy Act, there may be a fee of 10 cents per page for photocopy duplication. Other costs for searches and duplication will be charged at the actual direct cost.
- Fees will only be charged if the aggregate amount of fees for searches, copy, and/or review is more than $14. No fees are required until you are notified by USCIS during the processing of your request.
If you can keep your request very limited in scope, it’s unlikely that there will be any cost for an immigration FOIA request.
When you file Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act (FOIA) Request, USCIS requires that the Subject of Record consents to sharing information. The Subject of Record must sign the form using a sworn declaration or have it notarized. The two options for signing the G-639 request include:
- Notarized Affidavit - A Notarized Affidavit is a type of verified statement made by the subject and witnessed by a notary public. It’s a sworn statement of fact that has legal consequences if ever found to be untrue.
- Sworn Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury - A Sworn Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury is a similar promise. It’s a sworn statement of fact. By signing this statement, you are swearing its truth and acknowledge that you have potentially perjured yourself if the statement is untrue. Most people choose to sign Form G-639 with a sworn declaration as it doesn’t require the additional time and expense of obtaining a notarized affidavit.
In some cases, the Subject of Record cannot sign for themselves. In these situations the Requester can sign, but there may be additional requirements.
If submitting a FOIA request on behalf of a child, the parent or legal guardian may sign. He or she will need to submit proof of parentage or guardianship. Examples of acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Adoption decree
- Similar document naming the requester as the legal parent
If you are requesting information about a deceased Subject of Record, the Requester may sign and submit proof that the person is deceased. Examples of proof can include:
- Death certificate
- Obituary
- Funeral memorial
- Photograph of headstone
After you submit your request, USCIS will generally mail a letter of acknowledgement within 20 business days (about a month). The letter confirms receipt and includes a FOIA control number. Whether you made your request online or by mail, you'll be able to check the status of the request online. You will need the FOIA control number included in your receipt message.
