Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Form G-639

Who May File Form G-639?

Prior to filing any petitions or applications with USCIS or U.S. Embassy abroad, it could be useful to request a copy of your immigration file. Any foreign national, U.S. citizen, or green card holder is within his or her rights to do so.

Adjustment of Status – For individuals filing a Form I-485 to Adjust to Permanent Resident Status or to Register Permanent Residence, USCIS requires you to submit a copy of your official stamped passport to prove your last lawful entry into the United States. USCIS may require additional documentation after the initial filing of your Form I-485. You should only submit a FOIA request for documents for which you do not have access.

Naturalization – For individuals filing a U.S. Citizenship Application Form N-400 to obtain U.S. citizenship (naturalization), USCIS requires your entry/exit information to/from the United States for the past five years. This information can be obtained by reviewing the entry/exit stamps in your passport. USCIS may require additional documentation after the initial filing of your Form N-400. You should only submit a FOIA request for documents for which you do not have access.

HOW to FILL THE Form G-639?

Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Expedite Requests

Requests to have your Form G-639 expedited, or processed ahead of other previously received requests, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To seek expedited processing, you must submit a typed or printed statement explaining in detail the basis for requesting expedited processing, and your statement must include a certification that this information is complete, true, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.

Requests will be given expedited treatment whenever it is determined that they involve:

1. Circumstances in which the lack of expedited treatment could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual;
2. An urgency to inform the public about an actual or alleged Federal government activity, if made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information;
3. The loss of substantial due process rights; or
4. A matter of widespread and exceptional media interest in which there exists possible questions about the government’s integrity which affect public confidence. Requests for expedited processing based upon this category must be submitted to the Senior Director of FOIA Operations, the Privacy Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Lane SW STOP -0655, Washington, DC 20598-0655.

Form G-639 filing instructions

Filing Fee: The fee charged for a FOIA/Privacy Act Request may vary. See the G-639 instructions (PDF) for more information. Please do not remit any fees payment at the time of your request. After receipt of your FOIA request, USCIS will contact you if any fees are required.

Where To File? 

National Records Center (NRC)
FOIA/PA Office
P.O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010

Fax: 816-350-5785
Email: uscis.foia@uscis.dhs.gov

Don’t forget to sign your form!  We will reject and return any unsigned form.