Form G-639, known as the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request form, serves an essential purpose in the United States immigration system. It allows individuals to access their own records held by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act.
Primary Uses:
Filing Methods:
The form requires specific information to ensure that USCIS locates the correct records, including the requester’s personal details and the nature of the request.
Key Information Required on Form G-639:
USCIS emphasizes that while Form G-639 is not mandatory for FOIA requests, its use is recommended to facilitate accurate and timely processing of the records request.
Form G-639, also known as the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) Request, can be accessed by various individuals who seek to retrieve information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The eligibility criteria for making such a request are outlined below:
The table below further clarifies who is eligible:
| Eligible Party | Documented Consent Required | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizens | No | Birth Certificate |
| Lawful Permanent Residents | No | Green Card |
| Non-Permanent Residents | Yes | Visa Records, Asylum Claims |
| Third Parties (e.g., Attorneys) | Yes | Authorized G-28 Form |
It’s also essential for requesters to provide:
Requests are subject to privacy laws and data protection regulations, ensuring that sensitive information is only disclosed to authorized parties.
Applying for information through Form G-639 requires a careful approach to ensure accurate completion and successful submission. Below is a detailed guide to help applicants navigate the process efficiently.
Before completing Form G-639, the applicant must collect all necessary personal information and supporting documents. This may include:
Once the required documentation is gathered, the applicant must:
The applicant has two options for submitting Form G-639:
Applicants should keep a copy of the submitted form and any correspondence for their records.
The processing time for Form G-639 is subject to variation based on several factors, with the average duration ranging from half a year to an entire year.
The processing time for Form G-639, the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, is influenced by multiple variables:
Historical data indicates that the average processing time for Form G-639 usually spans:
It’s important for applicants to take these timelines into account when submitting their Form G-639 and to plan accordingly, keeping in mind that these are general estimates and individual cases may vary.
When an individual submits Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, they have tools at their disposal to track the status of their request.
Applicants can monitor the progress of their G-639 FOIA Request using the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online tracking system. To check the status, they need their FOIA control number, which is provided after the submission of their request. They may visit the USCIS FOIA Request Status Check webpage and enter this number to receive real-time updates.
The status updates on the USCIS tracking system provide applicants with specific information regarding the stage of their request. Common statuses include:
Applicants should note that the processing times can vary and should refer to the USCIS website for the most current information.
After filing Form G-639 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), applicants should prepare for the possible outcomes and understand the timeline for responses following approval.
The primary outcomes following the submission of Form G-639 are either the approval of the request, leading to the release of the desired records, or a denial. Denials can occur if the requested information is exempt from disclosure under FOIA guidelines or if the request was incomplete.
Once approved, the response time for Form G-639 requests can vary. Historically, processing times have ranged from 6 months to 1 year. Response time is contingent on factors such as:
Applicants should track their requests and may contact USCIS for updates regarding their processing times.
When filing Form G-639 for a Freedom of Information/Privacy Act request, applicants can take certain steps to ensure a more efficient processing experience. Here are some key tips:
1. Complete the Form Accurately: Ensure all sections of Form G-639 are filled out correctly. Provide clear and concise information to avoid delays due to clarification requests from USCIS.
2. Be Specific:
3. Provide Consent: If requesting records for someone else, include their written consent to release the information to you.
4. Check for Available Records Online: Before filing, check the USCIS Electronic Reading Room to see if the information is already publicly available, which can save time.
5. Submit Adequate Proof of Identity: Attach proof of your identity, such as a photocopy of a government-issued ID, to prevent any identity verification delays.
6. Use Trackable Mail: Consider sending your request via certified mail to have a record of receipt by USCIS.
Organizing Documentation:
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Label supporting documents | Easy reference for USCIS officers |
| Separate and mark attachments | Faster verification and reference by USCIS |
By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can help streamline the review process and potentially reduce Form G-639 processing times.
When applying for records using Form G-639, applicants frequently encounter specific issues that can lead to processing delays. This section addresses common problems and provides clear resolutions.
Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications are a primary cause for the delay in the processing of Form G-639. Applicants must ensure that:
Applicants can experience delays and errors during the processing of Form G-639. To mitigate these issues:
When an individual needs to inquire about the status of their Form G-639, also known as the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, they have several options for contact.
USCIS Contact Center:
For general questions and case status, they can reach the USCIS Contact Center:
USCIS Online Tools:
They may check the status of their FOIA request online through the USCIS’ dedicated FOIA status check tool:
Written Correspondence:
For those who wish to communicate through mail, they can send their inquiries to the appropriate FOIA processing office, the address of which can typically be found on their receipt notice or on the USCIS website.
E-mail:
Specific questions related to FOIA requests can usually be directed to a designated FOIA email address, as provided on the agency’s website.
It is essential for the requester to include their full name, FOIA control number, the date of their initial request, and any other relevant information to facilitate their inquiry when contacting USCIS for updates.
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