Fill out G-639 (Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request) online
Form G-639 is used to request records from USCIS under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Privacy Act. It allows individuals to obtain copies of their own immigration records or, with proper authorization, records relating to another person.
How to fill out G-639 (Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request)
Identify the records you are requesting
Specify whether this is a FOIA request, a Privacy Act request, or both. Describe the records you are seeking as specifically as possible, including form numbers, receipt numbers, and dates if known.
Enter the subject information
Provide the full legal name, A-Number, date of birth, and country of birth of the person whose records are being requested. Include any other names used and the person's current address.
Provide requester information and authorization
If requesting your own records, provide your identity verification. If requesting records about someone else, include a signed consent or authorization from that person, or cite the legal basis for disclosure.
Sign and submit
Sign the form under penalty of perjury (or have your signature notarized). Mail or fax the completed form to the USCIS FOIA/PA office. Keep a copy for your records.
About G-639 (Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request)
Who needs this form
Individuals seeking copies of their own USCIS immigration records, attorneys requesting client records, or anyone making a FOIA request for USCIS records. It is commonly used to obtain copies of approved petitions, applications, and supporting documents from immigration files.
Where to submit
Mail or fax the completed form to the USCIS FOIA/PA office at the address listed in the form instructions. There is no filing fee for FOIA/Privacy Act requests, though duplication fees may apply for large requests.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not providing enough identifying information (A-Number, full name, date of birth) to locate the records
- Requesting records about another person without including proper consent or authorization
- Not signing the form or including the required identity verification (notarized signature or declaration under penalty of perjury)
- Expecting a fast turnaround without understanding that FOIA requests can take several months to process
Frequently asked questions
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How long does it take to receive records from a G-639 request?
Processing times vary widely depending on the complexity of the request and the USCIS FOIA backlog. Simple requests may be processed in a few weeks, while more complex requests can take several months or longer. USCIS processes requests on a first-in, first-out basis. You can check the status of your request by contacting the USCIS FOIA office with your tracking number.
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