How to Request Copies of Immigration Forms

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services provides free immigration forms through its website and at local offices. The forms are free to everyone so do not pay for an immigration form. Scam artists have developed websites that "sell" immigration forms. If requesting a copy of an immigration form that already has been submitted to the USCIS, then a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is appropriate.

Instructions

Immigration Forms

1. Access uscis.gov and click on the immigration forms header. You will be connected to a listing of immigration forms that you can download as well as detailed information about filing instructions and fees. Find the applicable form number, click on the corresponding title, and scroll to the bottom of the page for PDF version of the form.

2. File an FOIA request to obtain a copy of an applicant's immigration file. No charge is made unless the file costs more than $14 to copy. Go to uscis.gov, click on immigration forms, and find Form G-639. Click on "Freedom of Information Act." Scroll down the page to download free instructions and forms. Print the form. The G-639 cannot be filed electronically.

3. Mail the FOIA request to the National Record Center in Lee's Summit, Missouri if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen. Unless an additional request to expedite the FOIA (along with evidence of the need) is sent with the form, then current processing times apply.

4. Complete all of the questions on the Form G-639. If you do not know the answer or the question does not apply, then state unknown or N/A. Otherwise, you risk processing delays or a returned form. If the information is being sent to a person that is not the applicant, then section 3, Consent to Release Information, must be completed.

5. Specify the information you need in Section 4 of Form G-639. For instance, if you want copies of immigration forms that have been submitted, then specify that you need a copy of the entire immigration file. Be aware that some areas on a form may be blocked out, such as notes that USCIS has made on a file.

Tips & Warnings

• Whenever sending anything related to an immigration case, make copies of what is being sent. Even though the FOIA might be sent to a P.O. Box, send it using registered mail so that you know when it was delivered. Add a cover letter that highlight what is being sent (e.g., FOIA Request for John Smith, Alien #) and make sure that the cover letter is signed and includes the registered mail number below the signature.

References

• USCIS
• FOIA