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USCISRepresentation & Business (G Series)

Official form guide

Form G-1041A: Genealogy Records Request

Form G-1041A is a Genealogy Records Request used to ask USCIS for copies of an ancestor's immigration or naturalization records. File it when you need official documents for family history or legal proof of lineage.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form G-1041A - Genealogy Records Request

Form G-1041A is a Genealogy Records Request used to ask USCIS for copies of an ancestor's immigration or naturalization records. File it when you need official documents for family history or legal proof of lineage.

The form captures the requester’s contact info, the relative’s name, birth date, A‑Number (if known), and the specific record type being requested.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the ancestor’s name can send your request to the wrong file and waste weeks.
  • 2Misspelled ancestor name
  • 3Incorrect or missing A‑Number
  • 4Wrong fee amount or payment method
  • 5Using an outdated form edition

Plain English

You fill out G-1041A to get copies of an older relative’s immigration file from USCIS. It’s a paper request, not a petition, and you’ll receive scanned or paper copies of the records you ask for.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: File the request as soon as you know which ancestor’s file you need; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several weeks to 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

petitionofficialfamilypaperknown

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What this form is for

  • Use G-1041A when you need copies of a relative’s immigration or naturalization record.
  • Do not use it for requests about living persons’ records; use FOIA instead.
  • If you need a certified copy for legal use, check Form G-1145 for electronic notification.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Request for living person's records

FOIA covers living individuals and more document types

✓ Verify the subject’s privacy status before filing

Form G-639 (FOIA)

Need a certified copy for court

G-1145 adds electronic receipt notice

✓ Ensure the court accepts uncertified copies if you skip G-1145

Form G-1145 (e‑notification) + G-1041A

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline for a genealogy records request, but USCIS processing can take 6‑12 weeks. Submit early if you need the records for a time‑sensitive purpose such as a visa application or court filing.

  • —Fee amount | Fixed $30 | Total fee | Verify fee matches current schedule

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Requester ID

Government‑issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport) · Driver’s license, passport copy

⚠ Blurry scan or expired ID✕ High
2

Ancestor name

Exact legal name as on immigration record · Birth certificate, passport

⚠ Misspelling or missing middle name✕ Medium
3

A‑Number (if known)

USCIS A‑Number · Prior USCIS notices, naturalization certificate

⚠ Wrong digit or omitted number✕ High
4

Relationship proof (optional)

Birth certificates linking you to ancestor · Family tree, marriage certificate

⚠ No supporting doc supplied✕ Low

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form G-1041A.
  2. 2Print legibly or type all fields.
  3. 3Sign the form in the requester signature block.
  4. 4Attach a clear copy of a government‑issued photo ID.
  5. 5Include the correct fee in the amount and payment form specified.
  6. 6Provide any known A‑Number or case number.
  7. 7Double‑check the mailing address against the form instructions.
  8. 8Make a photocopy of the entire packet for your records.
  9. 9Seal the envelope securely and use a trackable mailing service.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the PDF from USCIS.gov.
  2. 2Read the instructions cover page fully.
  3. 3Complete all required fields; leave optional fields blank if not applicable.
  4. 4Attach supporting documents and fee.
  5. 5Place everything in a single envelope.
  6. 6Mail to the Genealogy Records Unit address.
  7. 7Retain the tracking number and delivery confirmation.

Known limitations

  1. 1USCIS only releases records older than 100 years for genealogy requests.
  2. 2If the ancestor’s file is sealed or contains classified information, USCIS will not release it.
  3. 3The form does not guarantee a certified copy; request a certified copy separately if needed.
  4. 4Processing times are estimates; USCIS may delay due to high volume.

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

USCIS lists the form as “Active” on its website. The latest edition date is shown on the PDF header. Processing times vary and are not posted on the form page.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the PDF shows the current year (e.g., 2024).
  • Fee – confirm the amount listed in the instructions matches the fee schedule.
  • Mailing address – use the address printed in the form’s instructions, not a generic USCIS address.
  • Signature line – ensure the requester signs in the designated box.
  • Payment method – check if a check, money order, or credit card payment is required.

Form Preview

Form G-1041A page 1

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Form G-1041A page 2

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Quick Facts

Anyone who needs a relative’s USCIS immigration or naturalization record can file this form.
The form captures the requester’s contact info, the relative’s name, birth date, A‑Number (if known), and the specific record type being requested.
File the request as soon as you know which ancestor’s file you need; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several weeks to months.
Mail the completed form, payment, and supporting documents to the USCIS Genealogy Records Unit at the address listed on the form’s instructions.
Errors in names, dates, or A‑Numbers can cause USCIS to return the request or send the wrong file, delaying your research.
1. Download the latest G-1041A PDF from USCIS.gov. 2. Fill in all required fields legibly. 3. Attach a copy of your ID, a check or money order for the fee, and any known A‑Number or case number. 4. Mail the packet to the address in the instructions and keep a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the mailing receipt and tracking number.
  2. 2Mark the expected response window on your calendar.
  3. 3If no response after 12 weeks, call USCIS Customer Service with your receipt number.
  4. 4When records arrive, compare names, dates, and A‑Numbers to your request.
  5. 5Store the received copies in a secure, backed‑up location.
  6. 6If records are incomplete, consider filing a FOIA request for additional material.

Sources

  • SRCForm G-1041A PDF header shows edition date 2024.
  • SRCUSCIS website lists fee $30 for genealogy requests.
  • SRCInstructions specify mailing address for Genealogy Records Unit.
  • SRCForm instructions note that records older than 100 years are eligible.
  • SRCUSCIS FAQ mentions that sealed or classified files are not released.
  • SRCNo deadline is stated in the official form instructions.

Common confusion points

Ancestor vs. requester name

Users think they must list both; only the ancestor’s name is required in the record request section

→ Verify which field is which

Fee amount

Some sites list $20; USCIS currently charges $30

→ Check the fee table on the form PDF

Mailing address

The address on the form’s cover page differs from the address on the instructions page

→ Use the address in the instructions

A‑Number requirement

Not always known, but leaving it blank can cause delays

→ Include “Unknown” if you truly have no number

Certified copy vs. regular copy

G-1041A provides regular copies; certified copies need a separate request

→ Clarify purpose before filing

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Gather ancestor’s birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any known USCIS notices.

Current

G-1041A

After

Receive records, then file Form G-325A if you need to update your own immigration record.

Often used with

Form G-1145 if you want electronic receipt notification.

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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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