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Form G-1041: Genealogy Index Search Request
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-1041 is used to request a search of USCIS historical databases for genealogical research. Researchers seeking ancestors’ records file it, and they must consent to pay up to $80 for search costs.
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USCIS Form G-1041 - Genealogy Index Search Request
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-1041 is used to request a search of USCIS historical databases for genealogical research. Researchers seeking ancestors’ records file it, and they must consent to pay up to $80 for search costs.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Using a stamped or typed signature will cause USCIS to reject Form G-1041.
- 2Submitting the form without a handwritten signature leads to rejection.
- 3Failing to include the immigrant’s full legal name (last, first, middle) prevents the index search.
- 4Typing “N/A” for required fields instead of the word “None” when appropriate can cause denial.
- 5Omitting the consent to pay up to $80 results in the request being incomplete.
Plain English
Form G-1041 lets you ask USCIS to look through its historical records for an ancestor and report any file numbers it finds. You provide the immigrant’s full name and your contact details, sign the form, and submit it as instructed.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 you are a researcher, historian, or social scientist seeking USCIS historical index information for ancestors or identified individuals.
- Do not use it when requesting naturalization records before 09/27/1906, passenger manifests before 12/1982, certifications of nonexistence, information on living persons, or deportation records.
- Check Form G-1041A instead when you need copies of USCIS historical records.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need actual copies of records
Index search only provides identifiers; copies require a separate request
✓ Verify you have the correct form for record copies
Requesting records not covered by G-1041 (e.g., deportation)
G-1041 does not handle these record types; FOIA request needed
✓ Confirm record type is eligible for G-639
Determining exact fee amount
Fee details are listed on G-1055, not on G-1041
✓ Ensure you reference the current fee schedule
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Requestor's Full Name
Legal name as on ID · Driver's license, passport
Requestor's Signature
Handwritten signature on form · Directly on the form
Date of Signature
Current date (mm/dd/yyyy) · Calendar or computer date
Requestor's Daytime Telephone Number
Phone number · Phone bill or contact list
Immigrant’s Full Name
Ancestor's birth certificate or similar record · Family records
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form edition date reads 04/01/24
- 2Complete all required fields in Part 1 using black ink
- 3Enter the immigrant’s full name with last, first, and middle
- 4Sign the form by hand; do not use a stamp or typed signature
- 5Include the consent statement to pay up to $80
- 6Attach supporting documents that identify the immigrant
- 7Ensure the requestor’s phone, email, and mailing address are complete
- 8Enter the date of signature in mm/dd/yyyy format
- 9Submit the request to the USCIS Records Operations Branch as directed online
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form G-1041 edition
- 2Complete all required fields in black ink, including immigrant and requestor information
- 3Sign the form by hand and include the consent to pay up to $80
- 4Submit the completed form electronically through the USCIS Records Operations Branch portal
- 5Retain a copy of the submitted form and confirmation receipt as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Does not cover naturalization records before September 27, 1906
- 2Excludes passenger manifest lists prior to December 1982
- 3Cannot request information on living persons; FOIA must be used instead
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 form edition date is 04/01/24 and the instructions direct users to the USCIS website for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 04/01/24 appears on the form
- Fee — confirm consent to pay up to $80 and refer to Form G-1055 for exact amount
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Signature — confirm a handwritten signature is provided; stamped or typed name not accepted
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the signed copy of Form G-1041 for your records
- 2Monitor email or mail for USCIS acknowledgment of receipt
- 3Respond promptly if USCIS requests additional information or originals
- 4Store any returned originals securely after USCIS returns them
- 5If the request is denied, review the denial notice for correction steps
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose: request a search of USCIS historical databases
- SRCInstructions p.1 — who should use: researcher seeking ancestors’ records; historian or social scientist
- SRCInstructions p.1 — do not use for naturalization records before 09/27/1906; passenger manifests before 12/1982; certification of nonexistence; living persons; deportation records
- SRCInstructions p.1 — for copies of historical records, use Form G-1041A
- SRCInstructions p.1 — for other records not in G-1041, use Form G-639
- SRCForm p.1 — consent to pay up to $80
- SRCInstructions p.2 — signatures must be handwritten; stamped or typewritten not accepted; parent/guardian may sign for minors
- SRCInstructions p.3 — submit to the USCIS Records Operations Branch; website provides current filing info
- SRCInstructions p.4 — do not mail completed Form G-1041 to the address listed for burden comments
- SRCInstructions p.2 — latest Adobe Reader recommended; can request mailed form via phone
Common confusion points
Do I need to pay a fee?
Form mentions consent to pay up to $80 but fee details are on another form.
→ Check Form G-1055 for the exact fee amount
Can I request naturalization records from 1900?
G-1041 excludes records before 09/27/1906.
→ Verify the record date is after 09/27/1906
Is a stamped signature acceptable?
Instructions state stamped or typewritten signatures are not accepted.
→ Provide a handwritten signature
Where do I mail the form?
Source says do not mail to the listed address; filing is online.
→ Submit through the USCIS Records Operations Branch website
Can I request deportation records?
G-1041 does not handle deportation records.
→ Use Form G-639 for deportation record requests
Do I need to include the immigrant’s middle name?
Form asks for last, first, and middle.
→ Enter middle name if known; if unknown, leave the field blank but still include it
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form G-1041
What is USCIS Form G-1041 used for?
Form G-1041 lets you ask USCIS to look through its historical records for an ancestor and report any file numbers it finds. You provide the immigrant’s full name and your contact details, sign the form, and submit it as instructed.
Who must file USCIS Form G-1041?
Researchers seeking records of their ancestors for genealogical or family-history purposes must file USCIS Form G-1041.
What information does USCIS Form G-1041 require?
The form collects the immigrant’s full name (last, first, middle) and the requestor’s contact information, plus a handwritten signature and consent to pay up to $80 for any search costs.
Where do I file USCIS Form G-1041?
Submit the request to the USCIS Records Operations Branch via the website www.uscis.gov/G-1041 or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the current filing address. Do not mail the form to the address listed in the burden statement.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-1041?
Complete Part 1 with your name, address, telephone, and email, then enter the immigrant’s full name. Sign the form by hand and consent to pay up to $80 for any search, duplication, or review fees. Submit the signed form electronically through the website or by calling the National Customer Service Center for mailing instructions.
What happens if USCIS Form G-1041 is filed incorrectly?
If required evidence is missing or the signature is not handwritten, USCIS may reject or deny the request.
Do I need to pay a fee?
Form mentions consent to pay up to $80 but fee details are on another form. Check Form G-1055 for the exact fee amount
Can I request naturalization records from 1900?
G-1041 excludes records before 09/27/1906. Verify the record date is after 09/27/1906
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