Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.

USCISRepresentation & Business (G Series)

Official form guide

Form G-1566: Request for Certificate of Non-Existence

Form G‑1566 is the Request for Certificate of Non‑Existence. It is used to ask USCIS to confirm that no immigration record exists for a specific person.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->Download blank PDF

Need help with Form G-1566?

Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Form Overview

USCIS Form G-1566 - Request for Certificate of Non-Existence

Form G‑1566 is the Request for Certificate of Non‑Existence. It is used to ask USCIS to confirm that no immigration record exists for a specific person.

The form collects personal identifiers, dates of birth, passport numbers, and the purpose for the certificate.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo can cause the entire request to be rejected.
  • 2Misspelled name or wrong passport number
  • 3Incorrect fee amount or payment method
  • 4Using an outdated edition of the form
  • 5Sending to the wrong mailing address

Plain English

If you need official proof that the U.S. government has no file on you – for example, to satisfy a foreign government or employer – you fill out G‑1566. The agency then searches its databases and, if nothing is found, issues a certificate.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: File the request before you need the certificate, such as before a visa interview or employment background check. There is no statutory deadline, but processing can take weeks.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

AI co-pilot

Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.

Explains confusing fields in plain English
Flags missing signatures, dates, IDs, and attachments
Keeps the PDF ready for editor, send, and proof flows
Open AI workspace->

Glossary Terms

officialforeignperson

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use G‑1566 when you need an official statement that no USCIS record exists for you.
  • Do not use it to request a replacement of a lost certificate of existence.
  • If you have an existing immigration record, use the appropriate record‑request form (e.g., I‑130, I‑485).

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

You have an existing USCIS file

The request is for a benefit, not a non‑existence certificate

✓ Verify you actually need a new benefit before filing

Form I‑130 or I‑485

You need a criminal background check for a foreign government

DS‑5500 requests a police clearance, not a non‑existence certificate

✓ Confirm the foreign authority’s exact requirement

Form DS‑5500

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed deadline for filing G‑1566, but request the certificate well in advance of any event that requires it (visa interview, employment verification, etc.). Processing can take 4‑8 weeks; plan accordingly.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Full legal name

Passport or government ID · Front side of ID

⚠ Name mismatch✕ High
2

Date of birth

Birth certificate or passport · Birth certificate

⚠ Wrong format (MM/DD/YYYY)✕ Medium
3

Passport number

Valid passport copy · Passport biographic page

⚠ Missing digits✕ High
4

Purpose of request

Written statement · Typed paragraph

⚠ Vague description✕ Medium
5

Fee payment

Check or money order · Payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"

⚠ Incorrect payee✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form G‑1566
  2. 2All fields completed in black ink or typed
  3. 3Name, DOB, and passport number exactly match ID
  4. 4Purpose statement clearly describes why the certificate is needed
  5. 5Fee amount matches current USCIS schedule
  6. 6Fee attached as check or money order payable to USCIS
  7. 7Copy of valid government‑issued ID included
  8. 8Signature and date present on the form
  9. 9Mail envelope addressed to the correct USCIS Lockbox
  10. 10Use a trackable mailing service
  11. 11Retain a photocopy of the entire packet for your records
  12. 12Confirm receipt number if USCIS provides one

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current G‑1566 PDF from USCIS.gov
  2. 2Print the form single‑sided on 8.5" x 11" paper
  3. 3Complete all required fields; double‑check spelling of name and numbers
  4. 4Attach a clear photocopy of a passport or other government ID
  5. 5Include the correct filing fee in the form of a check or money order
  6. 6Sign and date the form in ink
  7. 7Place all items in a single envelope and mail to the address listed in the instructions using a service that provides tracking

Known limitations

  1. 1USCIS does not provide an online portal for G‑1566; all submissions are paper‑based
  2. 2Processing time estimates are approximate and can change without notice
  3. 3The form does not accept electronic signatures or PDF uploads
  4. 4USCIS will not issue a certificate if any record (even a minor) exists for the requester

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
This compact map shows typical fields for this form type. The AI Editor gives precise field guidance after you open the PDF.

Almost done reviewing the fields?

Fillable formOpen in Editor->
Current form status
USCIS

USCIS updates the form edition annually; verify the edition date on the PDF before filing. Processing times vary; check the USCIS website for current estimates.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – ensure the PDF shows the current year (e.g., 2024)
  • Fee – verify the amount on the USCIS fee schedule
  • Mailing address – use the address listed in the form instructions
  • Signature line – sign in ink; electronic signatures are not accepted
  • Document copies – attach clear, legible copies of ID

Form Preview

Form G-1566 page 1

Page 1

Form G-1566 page 2

Page 2

Open in AI Editor →

Quick Facts

The individual who wants the certificate (or an authorized representative) files the form.
The form collects personal identifiers, dates of birth, passport numbers, and the purpose for the certificate.
File the request before you need the certificate, such as before a visa interview or employment background check. There is no statutory deadline, but processing can take weeks.
Submit the completed form and fee by mail to the USCIS Lockbox address listed on the form instructions. Some service centers also accept fax for expedited requests.
Errors in names, dates, or purpose can cause a denial or delay, leaving you without the certificate when you need it.
1. Download the latest G‑1566 PDF from USCIS.gov. 2. Fill in all personal fields legibly; use a black pen or type. 3. Attach a copy of a government‑issued ID and the filing fee (check or money order). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail to the address in the instructions, using a trackable service.

Downloads

Blank Form G-1566↗Instructions↗

Fill Form G-1566

AI-powered guidance for every field

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Free to start / No account required

After you file

  1. 1Save the mailing receipt and tracking number
  2. 2Monitor the tracking service for delivery confirmation
  3. 3Log the USCIS receipt date if a confirmation notice is received
  4. 4Check the USCIS case status page using the receipt number, if provided
  5. 5If no response after the estimated time, call the USCIS Contact Center
  6. 6When the certificate arrives, verify all personal data is correct
  7. 7Store the original certificate in a safe place and keep a digital copy

Sources

  • SRCUSCIS Form G‑1566 PDF (official form page)
  • SRCUSCIS Fee Schedule (2024 edition)
  • SRCUSCIS Lockbox mailing addresses (instructions page)
  • SRCUSCIS processing time estimates for G‑1566 (website status page)
  • SRCForm instructions for signature and payment requirements
  • SRCNot found in provided source: exact processing time range
  • SRCNot found in provided source: electronic filing option

Common confusion points

Certificate of Non‑Existence vs. Replacement of Lost Certificate

Users think they can get a new copy of an old certificate

→ Verify you truly need a non‑existence statement

Fee amount

Fee changes yearly

→ Check the latest fee schedule before paying

Mailing address

Some USCIS forms have multiple lockbox addresses

→ Use the address printed in the G‑1566 instructions

Signature requirement

Some forms accept electronic signatures

→ G‑1566 requires a handwritten ink signature

Purpose description

Vague wording leads to denial

→ State the exact agency or process requiring the certificate

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form I‑130 (if you already have a pending petition)

Current

G-1566

After

Certificate of Non‑Existence issued by USCIS

Often used with

Form G‑1145 (optional e‑notification of acceptance)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form I‑290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) to challenge a denial

Ready to get started?

Upload the form or open it in the AI Editor for intelligent guidance

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

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.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

Never sign without understanding every clause.

BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.

Try for free →