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Form G-639: Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request
DHS Form G-639 is used to request access to USCIS records under FOIA or PA, and it allows for record amendments/corrections; requests must be submitted by 12/31/2027.
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USCIS Form G-639 - Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request
DHS Form G-639 is used to request access to USCIS records under FOIA or PA, and it allows for record amendments/corrections; requests must be submitted by 12/31/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to sign and date each page of Form G-639 invalidates the request's certification.
- 2Failing to type or print legibly in black ink throughout the form.
- 3Not signing and dating every page of Form G-639 when submitting it.
- 4Omitting the Subject of Record's name and A-Number on each sheet.
- 5Entering incomplete information into Part 4 (Third-Party Requestor) fields.
Plain English
This form lets a person ask the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for copies of their official records under federal law. It also allows someone to request that USCIS change or correct information about them in those records. The submission process can happen online, by mail using this form, or in writing.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The current edition of Form G-639 is valid until December 31, 2027. The source does not state a specific filing deadline for an individual request but provides the form's expiration date.
- 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 access to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA).
- Do not use Form G-639 for general Status Inquires; instead, check your case status online.
- Check Form I-824 instead when requesting consular notification of a visa petition approval.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting the return of original documents
Use this form to specifically request that USCIS send back your original papers.
✓ Check Part 3 for instructions on using Form G-639.
Seeking records before September 27, 1906
The National Archives website lists contact info for these specific old records.
✓ Ensure the date range is correct in your request.
Contact clerk of court where naturalization occurred
Obtaining proof of status for non-immigration benefits
USCIS directs filers to the specific federal agency that issues the benefit.
✓ Verify which agency holds the record before filing G-639.
Federal agency responsible for the benefit (e.g., Social Security)
Deadline or filing window
The form itself expires on December 31, 2027. While no specific filing deadline is given for a request triggered by an event, any submitted request uses this current edition (12/12/24).
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part 1 (Purpose)
Request access to USCIS records via FOIA/PA or request amendment/correction · Form G-639
Fees Limit ($25.00)
Maximum chargeable fee amount · Part 3 (Certification)
Search Rate ($10.25/quarter hour)
Clerical, professional, and/or managerial rate for search time · Part 3 (Certification)
Third Party Consent
Subject of record's consent to release or amend records · Part 8
Online Request Method
www.uscis.gov/foia (using FIRST) · Form p.1
Notarization Requirement
Signature must be notarized OR submitted under penalty of perjury · Part 3 (Certification)
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the form edition date reads 12/12/24.
- 2Verify that the request specifies whether records should be sent via U.S. mail (default) or another format.
- 3Ensure you have consented to pay fees up to $25.00 in Part 3.
- 4If a third party submits the form, confirm they completed Option 1 declaration under penalty of perjury in Part 8.
- 5Sign and date the request (if self-filing) in Part 3.
- 6If you are the subject of record, ensure your signature is notarized OR submitted under penalty of perjury.
- 7Double-check that any requested fees will not exceed $250.00 if an advance deposit might be required.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part 1 by clearly stating the purpose of your request (FOIA/PA access or amendment/correction).
- 2Fill out Part 2 with your identifying information and specify what records you are requesting.
- 3Certify in Part 3 that you consent to pay potential fees up to $25.00, then sign and date the form.
- 4If a third party files, complete Option 1 in Part 8 to declare consent from the subject of record.
- 5Submit the completed Form G-639 to USCIS (via mail or online at www.uscis.gov/foia) and retain a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Do not use Form G-639 if a question does not apply to the filer; type or print “N/A” unless directed otherwise.
- 2If a numeric response is zero or none, type or print “None” on Form G-639 unless directed otherwise.
- 3Part 4 (Third-Party Requestor) should not be completed if Item Number 1 selected is A, C, D, or F.
- 4The form does not apply to requests that are made online via www.uscis.gov/foia using FIRST without completing this specific Form G-639.
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-639 is 12/12/24, and the form is valid through 12/31/2027. The source does not specify any changes from a prior edition.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 12/12/24.
- Expiration date — confirm the form is valid through 12/31/2027.
- Fee — confirm that search and processing fees are not applicable for Privacy Act requests.
- Signature — if you are the subject of record, ensure your signature is notarized OR submitted under penalty of perjury.
- Fees limit — verify that the maximum chargeable fee amount cited in Part 3 is $25.00.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form G-639.
- 2Expect correspondence and released records to be sent via U.S. mail unless another format is specified on Form G-639.
- 3If no format is specified, responsive records will be sent on a CD-ROM.
- 4If filing online via FIRST (at www.uscis.gov/foia), records can be downloaded without special equipment other than an internet-connected device.
- 5The request constitutes agreement to pay fees chargeable up to $25.00, in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Regulations.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form G-639 is to request access to USCIS records under FOIA or PA, and it has an OMB No. of 1615-0102.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The filing deadline for Form G-639 is 12/31/2027.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If a question does not apply, the filer should type or print “N/A” unless otherwise directed.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — A-Numbers from CBP or ICE must be typed or printed in the spaces provided on Form G-639 if the subject of record has them.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — USCIS will contact the filer with instructions regarding fees, and requests constitute an agreement to pay up to $25.00.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Search time charges are $4.00 (clerical) / $7.00 (professional) / $10.25 (managerial) per quarter hour, with duplication at $.10 per copy.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — The Notarized Affidavit requires the Subject of Record to sign and date before a notary public provides instructions.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — Mail completed Form G-639 to: Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy... Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009.
Common confusion points
What is the deadline for filing Form G-639?
The form has an expiration date of 12/31/2027.
→ Check the top right corner of your Form G-639.
Do I need to pay fees when I submit this form?
No, USCIS will contact the filer with instructions if fees are required; do not send payment at the time of request.
→ Review Part 3 on Form G-639 for fee details.
What is the standard delivery method for my records?
Records responsive to the request will be sent via U.S. mail unless a different format is specified by the filer.
→ Check Item Number 1 or other sections where you specify format.
When should I fill out Part 4 (Third-Party Requestor)?
Complete Part 4 if you are requesting records on behalf of someone else, but do not complete it if you selected Item A, C, D, or F in Item Number 1.
→ Check the instructions for completing Part 3 and Part 4.
What is the standard fee rate structure?
Clerical searches cost $4.00 per quarter hour; professional searches cost $7.00 per quarter hour; managerial searches cost $10.25 per quarter hour, with duplication at $.10 per copy.
→ Review Part 3 on Form G-639 for specific rates.
When must I sign and date the Notarized Affidavit?
Do not sign and date until a notary public provides instructions to the filer.
→ Look at Section 6 (Signature of Subject of Record) in Part 4.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you need extra space in Part 4 (Third-Party Requestor), use the space provided in Part 5 (Additional Information).
Questions about USCIS Form G-639
What is USCIS Form G-639 used for?
This form lets a person ask the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for copies of their official records under federal law. It also allows someone to request that USCIS change or correct information about them in those records. The submission process can happen online, by mail using this form, or in writing.
Who must file USCIS Form G-639?
Any individual or entity may use Form G-639 to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) request with USCIS.
What information does USCIS Form G-639 require?
The form collects information across several parts; Part 4 gathers Third-Party Requestor details, while Part 3 captures the Requestor's consent and agreement to pay potential fees.
When is USCIS Form G-639 due?
The current edition of Form G-639 is valid until December 31, 2027. The source does not state a specific filing deadline for an individual request but provides the form's expiration date.
Where do I file USCIS Form G-639?
This form can be submitted by mail via U.S. mail or online at www.uscis.gov/foia. If using this form, all correspondence and released records will go through the U.S. mail unless another format is specified.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-639?
The requestor must type or print legibly in black ink and answer all questions fully. If using Part 4, the third-party details are entered before signing in Part 3. Finally, the Requestor signs and dates each sheet to certify the information.
What happens if USCIS Form G-639 is filed incorrectly?
If the information in Form G-639 is incomplete, untrue, or incorrect, it is certified under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America.
What is the deadline for filing Form G-639?
The form has an expiration date of 12/31/2027. Check the top right corner of your Form G-639.
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