Request Records through the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act
Records You Can Request from USCIS
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you can request:
- Your immigration record;
- Another person’s immigration record; or
- Non-A-file information such as USCIS policies, data, or communications.
To Receive Your Records as Efficiently as Possible
- Visit the USCIS Electronic Reading Room to confirm we have not already posted the records you need.
- Make your request with the right agency by reviewing the sections below. We do not have all immigration records.
- Request only the records you need, as we can return precise requests faster.
How to Request Records from USCIS
To request | You should |
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| Request records to instantly:
Online records are easy to:
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| Visit the Check Request Status page, scroll down, and enter your FOIA control number |
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| NOTE: Requesting records by mail will increase your processing time. To request records by mail, you will need to:
You will also:
Or you may request and receive your records more quickly using our online FOIA system. |
| Email FOIAPAQuestions@uscis.dhs.gov with:
We will contact you to assist. |
How We Process Your FOIA Request
The more precise you make your request, the more efficiently we can return the records you need.
If you request | We consider this a |
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Specific documents from an immigration file (A-file) | Simple request, so it is likely to move quickly. |
| Complex request, so our review will likely take a significant amount of time. If you request “the application and all supporting documents,” our review will require more time than a request for a specific document. |
An A-file as soon as possible, because you have a scheduled hearing with an immigration judge. | Priority request, but you must include a copy of one of the following forms, issued by the Department of Homeland Security or Department of Justice, with your request:
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Disputing a FOIA Request
If you wish to dispute a USCIS FOIA request, please visit the website of the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS). OGIS offers mediation between FOIA requestors and federal agencies.
How to Request Immigration Records from Other Federal Agencies
USCIS does not have all immigration records, so be sure to make your request to the right agency.
To request | You should consult |
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Importer Trade Activity (ITRAC) | |
Applications from U.S. citizens for U.S. passports Visa requests from non-citizens to enter the U.S. | U.S. Department of State |
| U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) |