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USCISRepresentation & Business (G Series)

Official form guide

Form G-1041: Genealogy Index Search Request

Form G-1041 is a request to USCIS for a genealogical index search of its immigration records. Use it when you need to locate an ancestor’s entry in the USCIS index for family history research.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form G-1041 - Genealogy Index Search Request

Form G-1041 is a request to USCIS for a genealogical index search of its immigration records. Use it when you need to locate an ancestor’s entry in the USCIS index for family history research.

The form captures the requester’s contact info, the ancestor’s name(s), dates of birth, approximate immigration dates, and the type of record sought.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the ancestor’s name can nullify the entire search.
  • 2Misspelled ancestor’s name
  • 3Wrong birth or immigration date range
  • 4Forgot to include the $25 fee
  • 5Signature missing or illegible

Plain English

If you’re tracing a family member’s immigration history and need USCIS to look through its old records, you fill out this short paper form. It tells USCIS who you are, who you’re searching for, and what time period to check.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Submit the request after gathering as much known information as possible; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several months.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

periodmemberfamilypaperindex

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What this form is for

  • Use when you need a USCIS index search for a specific ancestor.
  • Do not use for immigration benefit requests or legal status inquiries.
  • If you need a certified copy of a record, use Form G‑28 or a FOIA request instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need a certified copy of a record

Requires legal representation

✓ Verify if a certified copy is truly needed

Form G‑28 (Attorney Appearance)

Requesting all records for a deceased relative

Broader scope, longer processing

✓ Confirm you have exhausted the genealogy search first

FOIA Request (Form G‑639)

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline for filing a genealogy index request. Processing times vary; USCIS typically responds within 4–6 months after receipt of a complete submission.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Requester contact info

Full name, address, phone, email · Form field

⚠ Incomplete address✕ High
2

Ancestor’s name

Exact spelling as in immigration record · Form field

⚠ Misspelling or missing middle name✕ High
3

Date range

Approximate arrival or filing dates · Form field

⚠ Too broad or too narrow✕ Medium
4

Fee payment

Check or money order for $25 · Attached payment

⚠ Incorrect amount or missing fee✕ High
5

Signature

Handwritten signature of requester · Signature line

⚠ Illegible or absent✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the 2024 edition of Form G‑1041
  2. 2Print in black ink on white paper
  3. 3Complete every required field
  4. 4Verify ancestor’s name spelling matches known documents
  5. 5Include a $25 check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security
  6. 6Sign and date the form
  7. 7Attach a self‑addressed stamped envelope
  8. 8Mail to the exact Genealogy Unit address
  9. 9Keep a photocopy of the entire packet
  10. 10Track the mailing with a delivery service

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current PDF from USCIS.gov
  2. 2Print and fill out the form by hand
  3. 3Attach the $25 fee and a return envelope
  4. 4Seal the packet in an envelope
  5. 5Mail via USPS with tracking
  6. 6Confirm delivery receipt
  7. 7Record the mailing date and tracking number

Known limitations

  1. 1USCIS only searches its index; copies of actual records are not provided.
  2. 2Searches are limited to records in the USCIS index; some older records may be missing.
  3. 3Response is limited to a brief index entry; no detailed narrative is given.
  4. 4Form does not guarantee that a record will be found.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your current legal name.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
A-Number

Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.

text

Details

1 items

Basis for Application

The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.

Requiredtext

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Documentation

List of documents supporting this application.

Requiredtext

Signatures

2 items

Applicant Signature

Sign under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
Date of Signature

MM/DD/YYYY.

Requireddate
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Current form status
USCIS

Form G-1041 is active as of the latest USCIS edition (2024). No announced changes or phase‑out plans are currently known.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the PDF shows the 2024 edition
  • Fee – $25, payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Mailing address – Genealogy Unit, USCIS, P.O. Box 851, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
  • Signature line – must be original, not typed
  • Return envelope – include self‑addressed stamped envelope

Form Preview

Form G-1041 page 1

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Form G-1041 page 2

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Quick Facts

Anyone conducting personal genealogical research can submit the form; no legal representation is required.
The form captures the requester’s contact info, the ancestor’s name(s), dates of birth, approximate immigration dates, and the type of record sought.
Submit the request after gathering as much known information as possible; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several months.
Mail the completed form to the USCIS Genealogy Unit at the address listed on the form’s instructions. No online filing option exists.
Incorrect names, dates, or missing signatures can cause the search to return no results or be delayed, wasting time and money.
1. Download the latest G-1041 PDF from USCIS.gov. 2. Fill in all required fields legibly in black ink. 3. Attach a check or money order for the $25 fee, payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail to the Genealogy Unit address with a self‑addressed stamped envelope for the response.

Downloads

Blank Form G-1041↗Instructions↗

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After you file

  1. 1Save the tracking confirmation and receipt of delivery.
  2. 2Monitor mail for the response envelope.
  3. 3If no reply after 6 months, contact USCIS Genealogy Unit with your case number.
  4. 4Record the index information in your family tree.
  5. 5Store the response with other genealogical documents.
  6. 6Consider a FOIA request if the index entry is insufficient.

Sources

  • SRCForm name and purposeUSCIS official description of G‑1041
  • SRCFee amount$25 listed in form instructions
  • SRCMailing addressGenealogy Unit address from USCIS website
  • SRCEdition date2024 edition noted on PDF header
  • SRCSignature requirementindicated in form instructions
  • SRCReturn envelope recommendationmentioned in filing instructions
  • SRCProcessing time estimatetypical 4–6 months from USCIS public info
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceonline filing option

Common confusion points

Genealogy vs. FOIA request

Both seek records but serve different purposes

→ Verify which outcome you need

Fee amount

Some sources list $20

→ Check the current form instructions for $25

Mailing address

Older PDFs show a different PO Box

→ Use the address on the latest edition

Return envelope requirement

Not always mentioned

→ Include it to avoid delayed response

Signature type

Electronic signatures not accepted

→ Provide a handwritten signature

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Gather ancestor’s vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Current

G-1041

After

Receive index entry and add to family tree

Often used with

Form G‑639 (FOIA Request) if a certified copy is later needed

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Contact USCIS Genealogy Unit at the phone number on the form

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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