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USCISRepresentation & Business (G Series)

Official form guide

Form G-639: Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request

Form G-639 is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act request used to obtain copies of records USCIS holds about you. File it when you need personal immigration files, case history, or to correct inaccurate information.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form G-639 - Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request

Form G-639 is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act request used to obtain copies of records USCIS holds about you. File it when you need personal immigration files, case history, or to correct inaccurate information.

It captures the requester’s identity, the specific records sought, the purpose of the request, and contact information for delivery.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in your A‑Number can stall the entire request.
  • 2Incorrect A‑Number or name
  • 3Missing signature or date
  • 4Using an outdated form edition
  • 5Failing to attach required ID copy

Plain English

If you want to see what USCIS has on file—like applications, notices, or interview notes—you fill out this form. It’s a written request that tells the agency which records you’re after and why. The agency then reviews the request and sends the documents, unless an exemption applies.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: File anytime you need your immigration file; 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

exemptionidentityobtain

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What this form is for

  • Use G-639 for any FOIA or Privacy Act request to USCIS.
  • Do not use it for requests to other agencies (e.g., DEA, DHS).
  • If you need a certified copy of a specific immigration decision, consider Form I-821D (if applicable).

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need a certified copy of a decision

Provides certified copy, faster for decisions only

✓ Verify if the decision is already public

Form I-821D (Request for a Copy of a Decision)

Requesting records from a non‑USCIS agency

Each agency has its own form/process

✓ Check agency website before using G-639

FOIA request to that agency directly

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline to submit a G-639 request, but USCIS recommends filing as soon as you need the records because processing can take 30‑90 days or longer. If you need the information for a pending application, submit early to avoid missing any response deadlines.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Requester name & A‑Number

Government‑issued ID (passport, driver’s license) · Personal documents

⚠ Misspelling or transposed digits✕ High
2

Record description

List of forms, case numbers, dates · Prior USCIS notices

⚠ Vague description (“all my files”)✕ Medium
3

Signature

Hand‑signed (or digital) form · Original form copy

⚠ Missing or unsigned✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form G-639.
  2. 2Verify A‑Number and full legal name match USCIS records.
  3. 3Clearly list each document or case you want.
  4. 4Attach a clear copy of a government ID.
  5. 5Include a fee waiver request if you cannot pay.
  6. 6Sign and date the form.
  7. 7Choose the correct submission method (mail or online).
  8. 8Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
  9. 9Write the correct USCIS mailing address on the envelope.
  10. 10If mailing, use a trackable service.
  11. 11If filing online, confirm upload receipt.
  12. 12Check the USCIS FOIA status page after 2 weeks.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current G-639 PDF from USCIS.gov.
  2. 2Print and fill out the form in black ink or complete it online.
  3. 3Gather a copy of your government ID and any fee‑waiver documentation.
  4. 4Package the form, ID copy, and fee‑waiver (if any) in a single envelope.
  5. 5Mail to the National Records Center address or upload via the USCIS FOIA portal.
  6. 6Save the mailing receipt or electronic confirmation number.
  7. 7Monitor the request status through the USCIS FOIA online tracker.

Known limitations

  1. 1USCIS may redact information exempt under FOIA.
  2. 2Processing time estimates are not guaranteed.
  3. 3Only records in USCIS custody are releasable; external documents are excluded.
  4. 4Electronic submission requires a USCIS online account.

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 updates the form edition annually; verify the edition date on the PDF header before filing. Processing times are posted on the USCIS FOIA webpage and vary by request size.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the PDF shows the current year (e.g., 2024).
  • Fee – no filing fee for standard FOIA requests; fee waiver possible for low‑income applicants.
  • Mailing address – use the National Records Center address listed on the form.
  • Electronic portal URL – verify the USCIS online FOIA portal link is active.
  • Signature line – ensure it is signed in ink or digitally if filing online.

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Quick Facts

The requester (you, a legal representative, or an authorized third party) files the form.
It captures the requester’s identity, the specific records sought, the purpose of the request, and contact information for delivery.
File anytime you need your immigration file; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take several weeks to months.
Submit the completed form by mail to the USCIS National Records Center (FOIA/PA Office) or electronically via the USCIS online FOIA portal.
Errors in name, A‑Number, or record description can cause delays, misdelivery, or denial of the request.
1. Download the latest G-639 PDF from USCIS.gov. 2. Fill in personal data, specify the exact records (e.g., “Form I‑485 packet, case number XYZ”). 3. Sign and date the form; include a copy of a government ID if you are the requester. 4. Attach any required fee waiver request (if applicable). 5. Mail or upload the form with the correct address or portal link.

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After you file

  1. 1Record the receipt number or tracking ID.
  2. 2Set a calendar reminder to check status after 30 days.
  3. 3If no response, file a FOIA inquiry using the USCIS online portal.
  4. 4When records arrive, compare them to your request list.
  5. 5Securely store the received documents.
  6. 6If records are incomplete, note the missing items for a follow‑up request.
  7. 7Update your personal file with the new copies.

Sources

  • SRCUSCIS Form G-639 PDF header shows edition date (2024).
  • SRCUSCIS website lists mailing address for FOIA requests.
  • SRCFOIA fee policy on USCIS site confirms no standard fee.
  • SRCOnline FOIA portal URL confirmed on USCIS.gov.
  • SRCSignature requirement stated in form instructions.
  • SRCID copy requirement noted in G-639 instructions.
  • SRCProcessing time ranges published on USCIS FOIA page.
  • SRCFee waiver criteria described on USCIS fee waiver page.

Common confusion points

FOIA vs. Privacy Act – both are covered by G-639; the form combines them.

Fee waiver eligibility – many think all requests are free; only low‑income applicants qualify.

Electronic vs. mail submission – the portal requires a USCIS account, which some overlook.

What counts as a “record” – includes all USCIS files, not just the final decision.

Processing time – varies widely; applicants often expect a fixed deadline.

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Gather personal identification documents.

Current

G-639

After

FOIA status inquiry form if no response.

Often used with

USCIS online account (for portal filing).

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

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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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