USCIS Form G-639 Guide: Accessing Your Immigration Records Easily

USCIS Form G-639, also known as the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, is a document utilized to access records held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is available for individuals to request their own immigration records or, in certain situations, the records of others.

Purpose:

• Access: To obtain USCIS records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA).
• Amendment: To seek corrections or amendments to one’s own immigration records as permitted under the PA.

Applicability:

• Any person who requires information from USCIS can use Form G-639. However, the request to access another individual’s records requires consent or proof of death.

Procedure:

1. Completion: Form G-639 must be accurately filled out with the required information.
2. Submission: It can be submitted by mail, and in cases without Form G-639, the request must comply with statutory FOIA procedures.

Key Points:

• No Fee: Generally, there is no fee for making a FOIA/PA request. However, for extensive searches or large requests, fees may apply.
• Efficiency: Although one can directly mail a FOIA request without the form, using Form G-639 can expedite the process.
• Electronic Option: USCIS also allows for online submission, which may facilitate quicker processing.

Form G-639 represents an essential tool for transparency and personal data management within the USCIS system, providing a structured method for the public to request important immigration information.

Understanding the eligibility requirements and the core objectives of Form G-639 helps applicants navigate the process of accessing immigration records from USCIS.

Eligibility Criteria

Form G-639, or the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request, can be filed by any individual seeking access to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records. They may be U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or other individuals. Specific eligibility includes:

• Individuals requesting their own immigration records.
• Representatives seeking information on behalf of another person, given they have obtained proper consent or proof of death if the subject is deceased.

Purpose of the Form

The primary purpose of Form G-639 is to allow individuals to:

• Request access to USCIS records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which provides public access to federal government records.
• Apply under the Privacy Act of 1974, for records pertaining to oneself, ensuring personal information is safeguarded but accessible to the individual it pertains to.

To accurately complete USCIS Form G-639, one must provide detailed personal information, specify the request details clearly, and attach any necessary supporting documentation.

Personal Information

Form G-639 requires the requester to fill out personal details, ensuring the identification of the individual is clear for record retrieval. Information such as the requester’s full name, date of birth, and contact information, including address and phone number, must be accurately provided. Additionally, if requesting information on behalf of another person, the requester must include their relationship to the subject of the record and proof of identity.

Request Details

In this section, the requester must outline the specific records being sought. The request should include enough detail to enable USCIS to identify the requested records. A timeframe for the records in question and any relevant file numbers or identification marks that may help USCIS locate the documents should be explicitly stated.

Supporting Documentation

One needs to attach all necessary supporting documents to substantiate the request. This could include a notarized affidavit or written consent from the individual whose records are being requested, if applicable. Any additional materials that provide context or specify the nature of the records sought will aid in the timely processing of the request.

The Form G-639 is submitted to USCIS to request records under the Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act. A precise approach in the submission process ensures timely and accurate processing of requests.

Where to Submit

Form G-639 should be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), either online or through mail, depending on the applicant’s preference and the availability of online submission at the time of filing. For mail submissions, applicants must locate the correct address designated by USCIS for FOIA/PA requests. This information is subject to change, so applicants should verify the current address on the USCIS official website or by contacting their customer service.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting Form G-639, applicants must follow specific guidelines to avoid processing delays:

• Complete the Form: All required fields must be filled accurately.
• Specific Requests: Clearly identify the records needed, preferred format, and a detailed description to reduce the response time.
• Proof of Identity: Include sufficient proof of identity, such as a notarized statement or a sworn declaration.
• Sign the Form: Unsigned requests will not be processed.
• Consent for Third-Party Requests: If requesting records about another person, written consent from that individual or proof of guardianship is required.

Applicants should retain a copy of the completed form and any correspondence for their records.

When applying for access to USCIS immigration records using Form G-639, understanding the processing time and how to check the status of the request is crucial for applicants to manage their expectations and keep track of progress.

Estimated Processing Times

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not provide a standard processing time for Form G-639, as it can widely vary depending on the complexity of the request and the current workload of the USCIS. Applicants should be prepared for the process to take several months. For more specific timelines, one can refer to the USCIS website, which occasionally updates generic processing timeframes.

Status Tracking Methods

To track the status of a Form G-639 request, applicants may use the USCIS online status tracking tool. They will need their unique 13-character identifier receipt number, which omits dashes but includes all other characters like asterisks if listed. This online system displays the most recent action taken on their request and provides information on the subsequent steps, if applicable. For any additional information or more detailed updates, contacting the USCIS Customer Service Center may be necessary.

Under the Privacy Act of 1974, individuals have the right to request amendments of their records held by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they believe that the information is inaccurate, irrelevant, outdated, or incomplete. Form G-639 serves as a tool in this amendment process.

How to Request Amendment

To initiate an amendment, an individual must:

1. Clearly identify the record in question.
2. Specify the exact nature of the amendment requested.
3. Provide a statement of reasons for the amendment.

A written request can be submitted using USCIS Form G-639 or any other written format as long as it includes sufficient detail to locate the record and clearly states the change needed.

Review Process for Amendments

Once the request for amendment is submitted, USCIS will:

• Review the request to determine the validity of the claim.
• Conduct an assessment of the information provided.
• Notify the requester of the decision and, if the amendment is approved, make the appropriate changes to the record.

In cases where the amendment is denied, USCIS will provide the individual with reasons for the refusal and information about how to appeal the decision.

When pursuing information through Form G-639, one should be aware of the avenues for appeal and legal recourse if a request is denied or unsatisfactorily fulfilled.

Filing an Appeal

If an individual’s request for records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) using Form G-639 is denied, they have the right to file an administrative appeal. The appeal must be submitted within 90 days from the date of the initial decision. The appeal should be in writing and clearly state the reasons for the disagreement with the decision.

1. Where to Send the Appeal: Send the appeal to the office that issued the initial decision.
2. What to Include: Clearly mark the letter and envelope with the words “FOIA Appeal” or “Privacy Act Appeal.”
3. Required Information: Provide:
   • Your original FOIA request number;
   • A copy of the initial denial, if possible;
   • Reasons for the appeal.

Judicial Review Options

Should the administrative appeal be unsuccessful, the requester has the right to seek judicial review. They may file a lawsuit in a United States District Court:

• When to File: The lawsuit can be filed after the exhaustion of administrative remedies, typically after the appeal decision, or if there’s no decision within the statutory time frame.
• Location: The lawsuit can be filed in the district in which they reside, have their principal place of business, in which the agency records are situated, or in the District of Columbia.

Note: The process for judicial review is dictated by FOIA and the Privacy Act, and one may need to seek legal advice to navigate this option.

When completing USCIS Form G-639 for a Freedom of Information/Privacy Act request, individuals might seek additional support to navigate the process. The following resources provide guidance and contact avenues for assistance.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries and assistance with Form G-639, individuals can contact:

• USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  • Phone: 1-800-375-5283
  • TTY for the hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833
• USCIS FOIA Contact Information
  • Email: uscis.foia@dhs.gov
  • FOIA Public Liaison: 202-272-8377
• Mail Requests
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • National Records Center, FOIA/PA Office
  • P.O. Box 648010
  • Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-6010

Helpful Websites

The USCIS and other federal websites provide comprehensive information on Form G-639 and related processes:

• USCIS Official FOIA Request Page
  • Includes detailed instructions on how to file a FOIA request and access USCIS records.
• FOIA.gov
  • Offers general information on the FOIA process across all federal agencies and access to annual reports.
• DHS FOIA Page
  • Provides information on the Department of Homeland Security’s FOIA procedures, including how to make a request.
• REGINFO.GOV
  • Supplies governmental forms like Form G-639 and information on regulatory actions.