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Form G-1041: Genealogy Index Search Request
USCIS Form G-1041 is a Genealogy Index Search Request used to search USCIS historical databases for records of ancestors. The form must be submitted by individuals seeking genealogical or family history records and expires on 02/28/2027.
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USCIS Form G-1041 - Genealogy Index Search Request
USCIS Form G-1041 is a Genealogy Index Search Request used to search USCIS historical databases for records of ancestors. The form must be submitted by individuals seeking genealogical or family history records and expires on 02/28/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit a stamped or typewritten name instead of an original signature on Form G-1041.
- 2Failing to provide the immigrant's full name (last, first, and middle) in Part 1.
- 3Submitting a stamped or typewritten name instead of an original signature.
- 4Not including all required evidence along with the completed Form G-1041.
- 5Filling out fields that do not apply by leaving them blank instead of typing 'N/A'.
Plain English
This form allows an individual to request that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) search its historical records for information about a specific ancestor. The purpose is to determine if any USCIS records exist, capturing the file number or other identifiers if they do. This process helps researchers gather proof of past immigration history.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form itself does not specify a filing deadline; however, it must be submitted before its expiration date of 02/28/2027. USCIS will check the request for completeness upon acceptance.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a researcher seeks records of ancestors for genealogical or family history purposes.
- Do not use Form G-1041 to request records of naturalization prior to September 27, 1906.
- Check Form G-1041A instead when requesting copies of USCIS historical records.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting living person information
This information must be requested from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at www.uscis.gov/about-us/freedom-information-and-privacy-act-foia/how-file-foia-privacy-act-request/ how-file-foiapa-request
✓ Confirm this is not a general index search.
Requesting deportation records or other non-listed items
Use this form for any record not specifically mentioned in Form G-1041 or unavailable through another USCIS program.
✓ Verify the specific record type first.
Need to certify that a naturalization record does not exist
While G-1041 is used for search, this note clarifies it can be used specifically for Certification of Nonexistence of a Naturalization Record.
✓ Ensure the request specifies nonexistence.
Requesting sea, land, or air manifest lists prior to December 1982
These documents require contact with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
✓ Do not submit G-1041 if this is the only record type needed.
Deadline or filing window
The form is valid until 02/28/2027. There is no specific trigger date mentioned for filing, but the request must be submitted before this expiration date. USCIS will review the completeness of the submission upon receipt.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Immigrant’s full name
Last, first, and middle name · Part 1 (Section 1.a)
Alias names or variant spellings
Any known variations of the immigrant's name · Part 1 (Section 1.b)
Requestor’s Full Name
The complete name of the person making the request · Part 1 (Section 1.c)
Date of Signature
Current date in mm/dd/yyyy format · Part 1 (Section 6.b)
Mailing Address
Complete street address, city/town, and state/zip for delivery · Part 1 (Section 2.d & 5)
Required Evidence
All evidence requested in the Instructions must be submitted with the request · Not stated on form itself (Instructions p.3)
Before you submit
- 1Type or print all information using black ink.
- 2Ensure the Requestor's Full Name is typed or printed in Part 1, Section 1.c.
- 3Verify that the Date of Signature (Part 1, Section 6.b) matches today’s date.
- 4Check if any alias names or variant spellings are listed in Part 1, Section 1.b.
- 5Confirm all required evidence mentioned in the Instructions is attached to the submission.
- 6Ensure the form is properly signed by the requestor (or guardian/parent if under 14).
- 7If applicable, fill out numeric fields with 'None' if the response is zero.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part 1 of USCIS Form G-1041 by filling in all required information about the requestor and immigrant.
- 2Attach all evidence requested in the Instructions to support the search request.
- 3Properly sign the form; if under age 14, have a parent or legal guardian sign on your behalf.
- 4Mail or submit the completed Form G-1041 to the USCIS Records Operations Branch.
Known limitations
- 1Form G-1041 should not be used to request records of naturalization that occurred prior to September 27, 1906; these should be consulted at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Record Group 21.
- 2The form is not for requesting sea, land, or air passenger manifest lists recording arrivals before December 1982; contact NARA for those documents.
- 3Form G-1041 should not be used to request a Certification of Nonexistence of a Naturalization Record.
- 4Information related to living persons must be requested using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) instead of Form G-1041, unless it is an index search.
- 5Deportation records should be requested using Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form G-1041 is dated 04/01/24, and the instructions state that users should use the latest version available.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 04/01/24.
- OMB Number — confirm 1615-0096.
- Expiration date — confirm 02/28/2027.
- Filing Fee information — reference Form G-1055 for specific details.
- Signature requirement — ensure the request is properly signed (stamped or typewritten names are not accepted).
- Under age of 14 — confirm parent or legal guardian signs on behalf of the requester.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Sign the request properly; USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of an original signature.
- 2Keep a copy of the submitted Form G-1041 for personal records.
- 3If filing on behalf of someone under 14 years old, the parent or legal guardian may sign the request.
- 4If signing for a mentally incompetent person, a legal guardian must sign the request.
- 5USCIS will check the request for completeness upon acceptance; failure to complete it fully means no basis is established for eligibility and the request may be rejected or denied.
- 6Be prepared that USCIS may request more information or evidence to support the index search after submission.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form G-1041 is to request a search of USCIS historical databases.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Researchers seeking records of ancestors use Form G-1041 for genealogical or family history purposes.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Do not use Form G-1041 to request naturalization records prior to September 27, 1906.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — All requests must be submitted to the USCIS Records Operations Branch at www.uscis.gov/unassigned/faq/how-do-i-get-certification-non-existence-record-or-no-naturalization-record-deceased-immigrant.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — To initiate a search, required information includes the immigrant’s full name (last, first, and middle).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — The National Customer Service Center phone number for filing inquiries is 1-800-375-5283.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Comments regarding the public reporting burden should be sent to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009.
Common confusion points
Who should use Form G-1041?
A researcher seeking records of ancestors for genealogical or family history purposes, or a historian/social scientist can use this form.
→ Ensure you fit one of these two categories.
What is the difference between G-1041 and G-1041A?
Form G-1041 is used to request an index search of historical databases; Form G-1041A is used specifically to obtain copies of USCIS historical records.
→ Check the purpose section on Page 1.
What if my immigrant's name isn't listed exactly?
If the provided name does not match, USCIS will return no matching records unless you provide alternative names, spellings, and aliases for searching.
→ Provide full name (last, first, middle) plus any known variations.
Do I need to include original documents with my request?
No; submit a copy of the required supporting document(s), as USCIS will not return original records.
→ Submit copies only, unless specifically asked otherwise by USCIS later.
Where should I mail the completed Form G-1041?
Do not send the form to the address listed for comments (5900 Capital Gateway Drive); use the website or call the National Customer Service Center for current filing locations.
→ Verify the mailing address on www.uscis.gov/G-1041.
What if I need records of a living person?
You should request this information via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) instead of using Form G-1041.
→ Confirm the subject is deceased before submitting G-1041.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Questions about USCIS Form G-1041
What is USCIS Form G-1041 used for?
This form allows an individual to request that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) search its historical records for information about a specific ancestor. The purpose is to determine if any USCIS records exist, capturing the file number or other identifiers if they do. This process helps researchers gather proof of past immigration history.
Who must file USCIS Form G-1041?
A researcher seeking records of their ancestors for genealogical or family history purposes must use Form G-1041. The form is also used by those requesting information related to living persons or deportation records.
What information does USCIS Form G-1041 require?
The form collects the immigrant’s full name (last, first, and middle) in Part 1, along with the requestor's personal contact details such as their mailing address and email. The Requestor's Signature section also confirms consent to pay costs up to $80.
When is USCIS Form G-1041 due?
The form itself does not specify a filing deadline; however, it must be submitted before its expiration date of 02/28/2027. USCIS will check the request for completeness upon acceptance.
Where do I file USCIS Form G-1041?
Requests can be filed by visiting www.uscis.gov/G-1041 or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY users, the number is 1-800-767-1833.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-1041?
First, the requestor must fill in Part 1 with their personal information and the immigrant's details. Next, the requestor must provide their signature, certifying consent to pay costs up to $80. Finally, the completed form must be properly signed before submission.
What happens if USCIS Form G-1041 is filed incorrectly?
If Form G-1041 is not completely filled out upon initial acceptance by USCIS, the requestor will not establish a basis for eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny the request. Failure to submit required evidence can also lead to rejection or denial.
Who should use Form G-1041?
A researcher seeking records of ancestors for genealogical or family history purposes, or a historian/social scientist can use this form. Ensure you fit one of these two categories.
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