Getting your immigration records
Under the Freedom of Information Act you can request your own file. It is free, and it is the way to find out what the government already has on record about you.
Which agency holds what
This is the part people get wrong — requesting from the wrong agency costs months and comes back empty.
What you can ask for
Immigration Records
General immigration history and records
A-File (Alien File)
Complete alien registration file maintained by USCIS
Visa Records
Visa application and issuance records
Travel Records
I-94 arrival/departure records and travel history
Other
Other immigration-related records
How a request moves
- 1
Draft
- 2
Submitted
- 3
Acknowledged
- 4
Processing
- 5
Completed
Questions
What is a FOIA request?
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request allows you to access federal government records. You can request your own immigration records or other government documents that are not classified or exempt from disclosure.
How do I file a FOIA request with USCIS?
You can file online through the USCIS FOIA portal at https://first.uscis.gov, by mail to the USCIS National Records Center, or by fax. Online filing is recommended as it allows you to track your request status.
What is an A-File (Alien File)?
An A-File is a comprehensive record maintained by USCIS containing your complete immigration history, including applications, petitions, supporting documents, correspondence, and decision notices. It is the most complete record of your interactions with immigration agencies.
How long does a FOIA request take?
Processing times vary by agency and complexity. USCIS typically takes 3-6 months, ICE 6-12 months, CBP 3-9 months, and DOS 6-18 months. Complex requests or those requiring review of many records may take longer.
Is there a fee for FOIA requests?
FOIA requests for your own records are generally free if you are requesting them for personal use. If duplication fees exceed a certain threshold, you may be charged. You can request a fee waiver when submitting your request.
Can I check the status of my FOIA request?
Yes. If you filed online through the USCIS FIRST portal, you can check your status there. You can also call the USCIS National Records Center at 1-800-375-5283 or email uscis.foia@uscis.dhs.gov with your tracking number.
What if my FOIA request is denied?
If your request is fully or partially denied, you have the right to file an administrative appeal within 90 days. The appeal is reviewed by a different office. If the appeal is also denied, you may file a lawsuit in federal court.
Why would I need my immigration records?
Common reasons include: preparing for a citizenship interview, verifying your immigration history for applications, responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE), preparing for immigration court, or obtaining records for an attorney.
Can I request someone else's records?
You can request records of a deceased person with proof of death, or records of another person with their written consent. Third-party requests without consent are subject to privacy exemptions under FOIA Exemption 6 and the Privacy Act.
What information do I need to file a FOIA request?
You will need your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, A-number (if known), and a description of the records you are seeking. Providing more details helps the agency locate your records faster.
A FOIA request is free and asking for your own records does not affect a pending case. Track requests on the agency's own site — USCIS assigns a control number you can check.