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Form G-639: Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-639 is used to request access to USCIS records under the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act and to seek amendment of those records. Requestors may be charged fees up to $25.00.
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USCIS Form G-639 - Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-639 is used to request access to USCIS records under the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act and to seek amendment of those records. Requestors may be charged fees up to $25.00.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form G‑639 to request return of original documents will be rejected.
- 2Requesting a Certificate of Non-Existence with Form G‑639, which is not permitted.
- 3Requesting naturalization records dated before September 27 1906 using this form.
- 4Requesting USCIS manifest arrivals before December 1982 on Form G‑639.
- 5Failing to sign and date the requestor’s certification block (Part 3).
Plain English
Form G-639 lets you ask USCIS for copies of your immigration files or to correct them. You can submit it online, by mail, or on paper. USCIS will send any records they release to you, usually on a CD-ROM unless you choose another format.
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 need to request access to USCIS records under the Freedom of Information Act or the Privacy Act, or to seek amendment or correction of those records.
- Do not use it when you are requesting the return of original documents, a certificate of non‑existence, naturalization records dated before September 27, 1906, USCIS manifest arrivals before December 1982, or proof of status for non‑immigration benefits.
- Check Form G-884 instead when you need to request the return of original documents.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting return of original documents
G‑639 cannot process returns; G‑884 is designated for that purpose
✓ Confirm you need original documents returned
Need to retrieve original immigration documents after filing
Same as above; G‑884 handles original document returns
✓ Verify you have the original documents in hand
Seeking the physical copy of a document you previously submitted
G‑639 is for record access, not original document return; G‑884 is appropriate
✓ Ensure the request is for originals, not copies
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Requestor name and contact information
Personal identification (e.g., driver’s license) · Requestor section of Form G-639
Subject of Record’s name and A‑Number
Alien Registration Number document (if any) · Subject information section
Certification of Request and Consent to Pay Fees
Signature and date · Part 3 of Form G-639
Third‑Party Affidavit of Identity (if applicable)
Notarized affidavit · Part 4 of Form G-639
Additional Information (Part 5)
Detailed description of records sought · Part 5 of Form G-639
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form edition reads 12/12/24.
- 2Fill requestor name, address, and phone number in Part 1.
- 3Enter the Subject of Record’s full name and A‑Number (if any) in Part 2.
- 4Describe the records requested clearly in Part 5.
- 5Sign and date each page where required.
- 6Include a notarized affidavit if you are a third‑party requestor.
- 7Do not attach any payment; wait for fee instructions if charged.
How to file this form
- 1Print the latest Form G‑639 edition.
- 2Complete all required fields in Parts 1‑5 using black ink.
- 3Attach a notarized affidavit if using the third‑party option.
- 4Assemble the pages in order and sign each sheet.
- 5Submit the completed form as instructed (online via www.uscis.gov/foia or by mail to the USCIS filing address).
- 6Retain a copy of the mailed envelope or online confirmation receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Not for return of original documents.
- 2Not for certificates of non‑existence.
- 3Not for naturalization records dated before September 27, 1906.
- 4Not for USCIS manifest arrivals before December 1982.
- 5Not for proof of status for non‑immigration benefits.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form G-639 is the edition dated 12/12/24 and is valid until 12/31/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows Edition 12/12/24.
- Fee — confirm you agree to pay potential fees up to $25.00.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Signature — confirm you sign and date each sheet as required.
- Expiration date — confirm the form expires on 12/31/2027.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments.
- 2Monitor mail for USCIS correspondence sent via U.S. mail.
- 3Expect a potential fee notice before any charges are applied.
- 4If records are sent on CD‑ROM, ensure you have a computer with an optical drive to view them.
- 5If you requested online delivery, check your USCIS online account for downloadable records.
- 6Contact the USCIS Contact Center if you do not receive a response within the statutory time frame.
- 7Store any received records securely for future reference.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — edition date 12/12/24 and expiration 12/31/2027.
- SRCForm p.1 — purpose to request access under FOIA and PA and to seek amendment or correction.
- SRCForm p.2 — do not use for return of original documents; use Form G-884.
- SRCForm p.2 — do not use for certificate of non‑existence, naturalization records before 9/27/1906, manifest arrivals before 12/1982, or proof of status for non‑immigration benefits.
- SRCForm p.7 — fee consent up to $25.00 and detailed fee rates.
- SRCForm p.9 — notarized affidavit required for third‑party requestors.
- SRCForm p.11 — do not mail completed Form G-639 to the listed address.
Common confusion points
Do I need to pay a fee now?
The form mentions fees but says not to send payment.
→ Verify that you have not included any payment and wait for a USCIS fee notice.
What format will I receive records in?
The form says default is CD‑ROM unless another format is requested.
→ Confirm you have indicated your preferred format or are prepared for CD‑ROM.
Do I need a notarized affidavit for myself?
Notarized affidavit is only for third‑party requestors.
→ Ensure you are the requestor, not a third‑party, before skipping the affidavit.
Can I request naturalization records older than 1906?
The form lists this as not allowed.
→ Verify the record date; if before Sep 27 1906, contact the clerk of court instead.
Is Form G‑884 needed for original documents?
The form explicitly redirects to G‑884 for that purpose.
→ Check that you are using Form G‑884 when requesting original documents.
Where do I mail the completed form?
Page 11 says do not mail to that address, but no mailing address is provided.
→ Look up the correct USCIS filing address on the agency website before mailing.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form G-639
What is USCIS Form G-639 used for?
Form G-639 lets you ask USCIS for copies of your immigration files or to correct them. You can submit it online, by mail, or on paper. USCIS will send any records they release to you, usually on a CD-ROM unless you choose another format.
Who must file USCIS Form G-639?
Any person who wants to obtain or amend USCIS records under the FOIA or the Privacy Act may file USCIS Form G-639.
What information does USCIS Form G-639 require?
The form gathers the requestor’s contact details, the subject’s name and A‑Number, a description of the records sought, and a certification with consent to pay any applicable fees (Part 3). If a third‑party is requesting, Part 4 collects the third‑party’s information and notarized affidavit.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-639?
Type or print legibly in black ink and answer every question fully. Use Part 5 for any extra information. Sign and date the requestor’s certification in Part 3, and if a third‑party is involved, complete Part 4 and provide a notarized affidavit. Submit the completed form as instructed.
What happens if USCIS Form G-639 is filed incorrectly?
Using Form G-639 for prohibited requests—such as a return of original documents—will result in the request being denied.
Do I need to pay a fee now?
The form mentions fees but says not to send payment. Verify that you have not included any payment and wait for a USCIS fee notice.
What format will I receive records in?
The form says default is CD‑ROM unless another format is requested. Confirm you have indicated your preferred format or are prepared for CD‑ROM.
Do I need a notarized affidavit for myself?
Notarized affidavit is only for third‑party requestors. Ensure you are the requestor, not a third‑party, before skipping the affidavit.
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