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Official form guide
Form G-1566: Request for Certificate of Non-Existence
USCIS Form G-1566 is a Request for Certificate of Non-Existence used by individuals to request proof that a record subject does not exist. A required document threshold is one obituary or death certificate if the person was born less than 100 years ago.
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USCIS Form G-1566 - Request for Certificate of Non-Existence
USCIS Form G-1566 is a Request for Certificate of Non-Existence used by individuals to request proof that a record subject does not exist. A required document threshold is one obituary or death certificate if the person was born less than 100 years ago.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature.
- 2Filing without attaching the required obituary/death certificate (if subject was born <100 yrs ago).
- 3Submitting a typed name instead of an original signature on Item Number 8.
- 4Not including a full English translation if foreign language information is provided.
- 5Failing to certify the accuracy of a foreign language translation.
Plain English
This form allows an individual to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for official documentation proving that a specific person's immigration record does not exist. This proof can be used in legal cases, such as litigation evidence under 8 U.S.C. 1360(d).
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific deadline; however, if the subject was born less than 100 years ago, proof of death is required for filing.
- 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 requesting proof that USCIS did not find specific immigration records for a subject of record in its custody and control.
- Do not use this form when seeking a general search of USCIS historical databases or obtaining copies of existing USCIS historical records.
- Check Form G-1041 instead when requesting a genealogy index search, or check Form G-1041A when requesting specific genealogy records.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting immigration record information (other than non-existence)
This must be requested via FOIA at https://www.uscis.gov/records/request-records-through-the-freedom-of-information-act-or-privacy-act
✓ Confirm you are not just seeking a search, but specific information.
Not stated in the official source
Requesting records transferred prior to 9/27/1906 (Naturalization)
Consult NARA Record Group 21 or contact the court where naturalization occurred.
✓ Ensure you specify this historical context in Part 1 of G-1566.
Not stated in the official source
Requesting passenger manifest lists prior to December 1982
Contact National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) at www.archives.gov/research/immigration.
✓ Note that USCIS searches its own records, so external documents must be noted or requested separately.
Not stated in the official source
Deadline or filing window
The form requires specific documentation based on age: if the subject was born less than 100 years ago, proof of death is required. If they were born 100 years ago or more, proof of death is not required for filing. Not stated in the official source regarding a final processing deadline.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Proof of Death
Obituary, death certificate, or other proof of death · Instructions p.3
Marriage Certificate/Proof of Marriage
Required if the subject is a U.S. citizen who married a foreign national between 1907-1922 · Instructions p.3
General Documentation
Supporting documents listed in the 'What Evidence Must You Submit' section of the Instructions · Instructions (various)
Proof of Identity/Status
Not explicitly detailed as a standalone requirement, but implied by requestor status · Instructions p.1 & p.3
Requestor Authorization
Necessary if the subject is alive and not requesting for self · Instructions p.1
Before you submit
- 1Confirm all evidence and supporting documents listed in the 'What Evidence Must You Submit' section are attached.
- 2Verify that the photocopy, fax, or scan provided is of the original document containing the handwritten ink signature.
- 3Check if you need to submit an original document (and be prepared for USCIS to request it).
- 4If the subject was deceased and born less than 100 years ago, confirm proof of death is included.
- 5If the subject married a foreign national between 1907-1922, confirm the marriage certificate/proof is attached.
- 6Verify that you are using the current version of Form G-1566 (dated 04/01/24).
- 7Confirm the requestor's status matches one of the five criteria listed in Part 1.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on USCIS Form G-1566, ensuring you specify the records being searched in Part 1.
- 2Gather and attach all necessary evidence; submit legible photocopies unless instructed otherwise by the Instructions.
- 3Sign the form using handwritten ink (and ensure this signature is present on the copy/scan).
- 4Determine the correct filing location using www.uscis.gov/G-1566 and mail or submit the completed package.
Known limitations
- 1The Certificate of Non-Existence will not be issued if USCIS finds the type of records requested by the requestor.
- 2USCIS searches records in its custody and control, which may include records transferred from other sources, such as naturalization records prior to September 27, 1906.
- 3If the subject was a U.S. citizen who married a foreign national between 1907-1922, proof of marriage is required for the request.
- 4Proof of death is not required if the subject of record was born 100 years ago or more.
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-1566 is dated 04/01/24, and the instructions direct users to consult www.uscis.gov/G-1566 for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 04/01/24.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee information applicable to Form G-1566.
- Mailing address — do not mail to 1615-0156; verify current filing locations at www.uscis.gov/G-1566.
- Signature — ensure the photocopy, fax, or scan is of the original document containing the handwritten ink signature.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of your completed Form G-1566 for your records, as recommended by USCIS.
- 2If you submitted evidence, be prepared to provide the originals if USCIS requests them; these will be returned after determination.
- 3The decision results in a Certificate of Non-Existence being issued only if no records are found.
- 4If records are found, the requestor will be notified, and a Certificate of Non-Existence will not be issued.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form G-1566 is to determine if immigration records exist for the subject listed on the form.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A Certificate of Non-Existence certifies that USCIS did not find the type of records identified in Part 1 of Form G-1566.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If submitting a document in a foreign language, a full English translation must be submitted with a translator's certification.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Proof of death (obituary/death certificate) is required if the subject was born less than 100 years ago and is deceased.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — If the subject married a foreign national between 1907-1922, a marriage certificate or proof of marriage is required.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — The OMB Control Number for Form G-1566 is 1615-0156.
Common confusion points
What happens if USCIS finds the records I asked for?
A Certificate of Non-Existence will not be issued, but the requestor will receive a response.
Do I need to submit evidence if the person is still alive?
Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
When do I need to provide proof of death for the subject?
Proof of death is required if the subject was born less than 100 years ago and is deceased.
Is my A-Number the same as my USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)?
No, the OAN is not the same as an A-Number. The OAN is only available if a previously filed form had a receipt number starting with IOE.
What should I write on the form if the answer to a question is zero?
Type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed by the form instructions.
If my request is in another language, what must I submit besides the form?
A full English translation must be submitted, and the translator must sign a certification verifying completeness, accuracy, competence, signature, printed name, date, and contact information.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
⚠ If something goes wrong
- USCIS may request more information or evidence from you to support your initial submission.
Questions about USCIS Form G-1566
What is USCIS Form G-1566 used for?
This form allows an individual to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for official documentation proving that a specific person's immigration record does not exist. This proof can be used in legal cases, such as litigation evidence under 8 U.S.C. 1360(d).
Who must file USCIS Form G-1566?
Individuals request Certificates of Non-Existence using Form G-1566 for various purposes.
What information does USCIS Form G-1566 require?
The form collects information about the subject of record in Part 2, and the requestor must provide their details in Part 3. Additional required data includes proof of death or marriage depending on the circumstances.
Where do I file USCIS Form G-1566?
The most current information about where to file Form G-1566 can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/G-1566. The form should not be mailed to address 1615-0156.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-1566?
The requestor named in Part 3. must provide a signature in Item Number 8. If the subject is deceased and born less than 100 years ago, an obituary or death certificate must be attached. The filer must sign in either Item Number 1. or 2., depending on whether they are the Subject of Record.
What happens if USCIS Form G-1566 is filed incorrectly?
If the request is not signed, or if the signature provided is invalid, USCIS will reject the request; a deficient signature may result in denial of the request for adjudication.
What happens if USCIS finds the records I asked for?
A Certificate of Non-Existence will not be issued, but the requestor will receive a response.
When do I need to provide proof of death for the subject?
Proof of death is required if the subject was born less than 100 years ago and is deceased.
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