Record Requests Frequently Asked Questions

The USCIS Genealogy Program can only fulfill record requests that include a valid file number. View our list of file types for sample file numbers. If you do not have a file number, or if you are unsure whether or not USCIS maintains a record of your ancestor, you should make an index search request prior to making a record request. Any USCIS file numbers included in your index search results can be used to make a record request with your Case ID.

If you believe you have a valid file number, you may choose to forgo the index search and request a record without a Case ID. Please note that the USCIS Genealogy Program will not provide refunds for a record request without a Case ID that includes an invalid citation and/or results in a “No Records” response.

Important: A single immigrant may have several USCIS records. For example, an immigrant who entered the U.S. in 1924 and naturalized in 1930 may have both a Visa File and a C-File. Researchers who wish to know about all of an immigrant’s USCIS records should file an index search request. An index search returns citations for all of an immigrant’s records, while a record request without a Case ID will return only the specific file(s) requested.

To make a record request you will need to identify the correct record series and provide the immigrant’s:

• File number (view our list of file types for sample file numbers);
• Name;
• Date of birth (actual or estimated); and
• Country of birth.

If the immigrant was born less than 100 years ago, you will also need to provide proof of his/her death. Acceptable forms of proof of death include:

• A photocopy of a death certificate;
• A printed obituary, funeral program, or photograph of his/her gravestone;
• Bible, church, or other religious records;
• A U.S. Social Security Death Index record (individual record only, no lists);
• Records related to the payment of death benefits; and
• Other documents demonstrating that the immigrant is deceased.

Please submit copies of these records with your request. Do not submit original documents as these documents will not be returned.

Also note that you are required to submit the record request fee at the time you make your request.

Four different types of file numbers relate to the five series of agency records available from USCIS:

1. Certificate Numbers (C-numbers) relate to (Naturalization) Certificate Files (C-Files);
2. Visa Numbers identify Visa Files;
3. Registry file numbers refer to Registry Files; and
4. Alien Registration Numbers (A-Numbers) match Alien Registration Forms AR-2 and Alien Files (A-Files); in certain cases, the same number will identify both types of record.

View our list of file types for sample file numbers.

Important: File Numbers can be confusing. Accordingly, the Genealogy Program suggests you submit an index search request before completing your Form G-1041A, Genealogy Records Request.

Due to the aging of microfilm, the quality of each document will vary. However, our specialists will do their best to provide you with the best possible copy available of each document. The quality of the documents may also be affected if the records must go through Freedom of Information Act processing.

You may not have received the records you requested for one or more of the following reasons:

1. We are still waiting for the file to arrive from another USCIS office or storage facility;
2. The records you requested contain information about a third party whose privacy must be protected under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552;
3. The file contains classified documents and/or information that the Office of Security and Integrity must review for declassification before the release of the file;
4. You provided an incorrect record citation number (such as a file number) when you submitted your records request; we sent you an interim letter requesting the correct information; or we converted your record request to a search request; or
5. Our systems reflect that the file number provided relates to another subject. In this instance if we provided the information based on a previous index search request the USCIS Genealogy Program will issue you a refund in the amount of the file.

You can help speed our response to your record request by providing proof of death for any other persons you expect will be identified in a file. If all individuals identified in the file are proven deceased, the file can be released without processing under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Other persons most commonly found in the records are the immigrant subject's children, spouse, and/or siblings. Acceptable documentary proof includes any of the following:

• A copy of a death certificate;
• A printed obituary, funeral program, or photograph of the immigrant’s gravestone;
• Bible, church, or other religious death records;
• A U.S. Social Security Death Index record (individual record only, no lists);
• Records related to the payment of death benefits; and
• Other documents demonstrating that the individual is deceased.

The Genealogy Program most often finds other persons ("third parties") named and identified in the following files:

• C-Files from 1906 to 1956;
• A-Files below 8 million from 1944 to 1951 ;
• Registry Files from 1929 to 1944; and
• Visa Files from 1924 to 1944.

No - The Genealogy Program cannot provide certified copies. A record request can provide a photocopy of a naturalization record only.

• The Consulate of Italy and Germany in Washington, D.C., advised us that applicants for dual citizenship are not required to provide certified copies of naturalization certificates obtained from USCIS. Rather, the applicant must present the photocopy of the naturalization certificate along with the USCIS Genealogy Program response letter and mailing envelope.

If you need only a copy of the naturalization certificate (not certified) to satisfy requirements for your foreign application for dual citizenship, you may submit a Form G-1041A, Records Request for the naturalization certificate only. Doing so can eliminate any additional processing delay resulting from information about the immigrant's children that may require review under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. To request only the certificate, write "Dual Citz-Natz Certificate Only" on your Form G-1041A or type this information in the "Optional Information Section" of your online request.