August 16, 2024
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA), you can request:
- Your own immigration records;
- Someone else’s immigration records, if you have their written permission; and
- Agency policies, data, communications, and other records
How to Request and Receive Records as Quickly as Possible
Step 1: Read this entire page, to ensure you request records the right way, from the right agency.
Step 2: Confirm we have not already posted the records you need in the USCIS Electronic Reading Room.
Step 3: Try to request only the specific documents you need. We can process requests for precise records much faster than requests for an entire file. If you are requesting immigration records for multiple people, even if they are related, you must submit a separate request for each person’s record.
Step 4: Make your FOIA request online to avoid mailing, paper processing, and returned mail that could make it take much longer to process your request. You can also use this service to receive records online, if you already submitted a request by mail. See the chart below.
Step 5: Check the status of your request online. We will email you to check your account when your files are ready to download.
