Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request – USCIS Guide (2024)

What is a Form G-639?

Form G-639 is an Immigration Request for Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request form used to request records maintained by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is used to request information from USCIS related to a person’s immigration status, including petitions, visas, green cards, and other records.

Who is Eligible for Form G-639?

Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, is an application for records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is available to anyone who wishes to request records or information from USCIS. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and non-citizens who are in the United States with a valid immigration status.

What is the Latest Form G-639 Edition?

The latest edition of Form G-639 is the June 11, 2020 edition.

What are the Required Documents for Form G-639?

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status – Original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).

2. Evidence of Subject’s Name Change (if applicable) – Original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

3. Proof of Current Address – Photocopy of a recent utility bill or other official correspondence that shows a current address.

4. Proof of Relationship (if applicable) – Original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, adoption papers, or birth certificate showing biological relationship to the subject.

5. Evidence of Military Service (if applicable) – Original or certified copy of a DD-214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).

6. Evidence of Alien Registration Number (if applicable) – Photocopy of Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card).

7. Fee – Check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” in the amount specified on the form G-639 instructions page.

How to Submit Form G-639?

1. Prepare your Form G-639: Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request.

2. Include the name, address, telephone number, and fax number of the person requesting the information and any other necessary information requested on the form.

3. Sign and date the form.

4. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees. Make payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security or USCIS for the exact amount.

5. Mail the completed form with payment to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

FOIA/PA Office – Room 1008

20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington DC 20529-2060

What are the Filing Tips for Form G-639?

1. Gather the necessary documents: The form requires you to submit evidence to support your request. It is important to have all necessary paperwork available before filing.

2. Be sure to fill out the form accurately: The form must be filled out completely and accurately. Incomplete forms may delay processing or lead to denial of the request.

3. Make sure to sign and date the form: The form must be signed and dated in order for the request to be processed.

4. Include payment for filing fee: A fee may be required to file the form. Be sure to include payment with your request if applicable.

5. Mail or fax the form to the correct address: Depending on where you are filing, you may need to mail or fax your request to a specific address or fax number. Check the instructions for more information.

6. Keep a copy of the filed form for your records: Once you have filed, keep a copy for your records. This will help with any follow-up that may be needed in the future.

Are There Special Instructions for Form G-639?

Yes. If you are filling out Form G-639, you should read the instructions thoroughly. In particular, you must include any documents that are identified as necessary in the form instructions, or your request may be denied. You should also fill out each section completely and accurately, sign and date the form, and keep a copy of the form and any documents submitted for your records.

What is the Form G-639 Fee?

Form G-639 is a fee-based request form used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain records from other government agencies. The records can include copies of immigration documents, case files, and other records related to immigration matters. To submit Form G-639, applicants must pay a fee in the amount of $445 for each request.

Can I Apply for Form G-639 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction for Form G-639 if you meet certain requirements. The Form G-639 fee waiver or reduction request is available to applicants who demonstrate that their financial situation makes them unable to pay the full fee for the form. To be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction, applicants must meet certain criteria. The criteria vary from case to case. Therefore, applicants should review the instructions on the Form G-639 to determine if they are eligible for a fee waiver or reduction.

What is the Form G-639 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form G-639 can vary depending on the complexity of the request and the backlog of cases with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, processing times range from 6 months to 1 year.

Form G-639 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Form G-639?
Form G-639 is an official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used to make a Freedom of Information/Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) request for records about an individual. It is used to request records from all USCIS offices, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components, and other federal agencies that may have records about an individual.

2. What records can I get using Form G-639?
You can use Form G-639 to request any records that the USCIS, DHS, or other federal agency may have about an individual such as their immigration history, naturalization records, or details of a visa application.

3. How long will it take to receive a response after filing Form G-639?
The USCIS typically responds to FOIA/PA requests within 20 business days of receipt. The processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of records. In some cases, USCIS may be able to provide a response within 10 business days.

4. Is there a fee associated with filing Form G-639?
Yes, there is a fee associated with filing Form G-639. USCIS may charge for services including search, review, and duplication fees. The fee amount depends on the type and complexity of the request.

Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request – USCIS Guide (2024)
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