Who this is for
- People who want a copy of their own immigration file, often called an A-file, for a new application or a court case
- Family historians and relatives researching an ancestor who immigrated or naturalized
- Genealogy requests generally cover people who are deceased; records about living people usually go through FOIA
- Attorneys reviewing a client's past applications, entries or removal history, with the client's written consent
- People who need older naturalization or registration records to prove a family member's citizenship
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| G-1041 | Genealogy Index Search Request | Asks USCIS to search its indexes to find out whether historical records exist for a deceased person and to return file numbers. |
| G-1041A | Genealogy Records Request | Asks for copies of specific historical files once you have a file number, either from an index search or your own research. |
| G-639 | Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request | An optional paper form for FOIA requests; most people can instead file online through the USCIS FIRST system. |
Step by step
- Decide which route fitsFor your own records or those of a living person who consents, use FOIA. For historical records of someone who has died, use the Genealogy Program.
- Collect identifying detailsGather full names and spellings, dates and places of birth, arrival details and any known file numbers, such as an A-number or certificate number.
- File a FOIA request for your own fileSubmit online through USCIS FIRST or by mail, with proof of identity and, if asking about someone else, their signed consent. Other agencies, such as immigration court, ICE or CBP, keep separate records and take separate requests.
- Or start a genealogy index searchFile Form G-1041 with proof that the person is deceased when required. USCIS replies with any file numbers it finds.
- Request the genealogy recordsUse Form G-1041A with the file numbers to order copies of the records.
- Check the National Archives if neededIf USCIS says a file has been transferred, request it from the National Archives using its own process.
Documents usually requested
- Full name of the person, including other names and spellings used
- Date and country of birth
- A-number, receipt number or certificate number if known
- Proof of identity for your own FOIA request
- Signed consent from the record subject if the request is about another living person
- Proof of death for genealogy requests, such as a death certificate or obituary, when required
- Any family documents mentioning arrival, naturalization or a ship or port of entry
How long it takes
FOIA and genealogy requests are handled in queues, and timing depends on the size of the file, how many records are requested and current backlogs. USCIS shows request status online for both programs.
Government filing fees
Genealogy index searches and record requests each carry a fee set by USCIS, listed on the fee schedule at uscis.gov/g-1055. FOIA requests follow separate fee rules, and many personal requests have little or no cost; check the USCIS FOIA page for current details.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the Genealogy Program for records of a living person, which generally must go through FOIA
- Not including proof of death or consent when required, which can delay or close the request
- Asking only USCIS when the records are actually held by immigration court, ICE or CBP
- Leaving out alternate name spellings or birth dates that could help find the file
- Waiting until a filing deadline is near to request records that may take a long time to arrive
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a copy of my own immigration file?
You can usually request your own file by submitting a FOIA request to USCIS, most often online through the USCIS FIRST system. You will need to prove your identity. If you also had cases in immigration court or with border or enforcement agencies, those records usually need separate requests.
What is an A-file?
An A-file, or Alien File, is the main file the government keeps for a non-citizen, identified by an A-number. It can include applications, approval notices, entry records, photos and other documents. Many attorneys review it before filing a new case.
Can I get immigration records about my great-grandparent?
Often yes, through the USCIS Genealogy Program, which covers certain historical files of people who have died, such as older naturalization and alien registration records. You usually start with an index search on Form G-1041 and then request copies with Form G-1041A. Some older files are now kept at the National Archives.
Do I need to do an index search first?
Not always. If you already know the file number, you can usually go straight to a records request on Form G-1041A. If you do not, the index search helps find whether a file exists and what its number is.
Why would an attorney want my FOIA records?
Your past file shows exactly what the government has on record, such as entries, past applications and any prior removal. An attorney can use it to avoid inconsistencies and spot issues before filing something new.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.