How to Request Copies of Naturalization Records From the Federal Government
Naturalization refers to the process when foreigners become U.S. citizens. The process is initiated by filling the Application for Naturalization, N-400. After a few weeks, applicants receive biometrics appointments (get fingerprinted and photographed). The next step involves a background check that reviews factors, such as arrivals, departures and criminal history. Applicants then receive interviews and if successful, complete oath ceremonies.
Always keep a copy of everything that you send to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you cannot obtain a copy from your attorney, there are a few ways to request a copy from the federal government.
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Instructions
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Schedule an InfoPass appointment (infopass.uscis.gov) if your naturalization application is pending. You also can set up an InfoPass appointment at a local USCIS field office if your case was recently adjudicated (approved but waiting for oath ceremony).
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Request a copy during your naturalization interview. USCIS officers are federal employees and will inform you immediately whether you passed or failed the citizenship test. You might be able to obtain a copy of your application, but USCIS will mail you a letter describing your results.
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Submit an application to replace a Naturalization document, Form N-565, if you are interested in only the certificate that establishes naturalization. The form requests basic information, such as when you became a U.S. citizen as well as your Alien or A number.
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Complete a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Form G-639 and specify the naturalization record as item of interest. A FOIA request is generally free but a nominal fee is assessed if the record contains many pages. Unless you specify the information that you want, you will receive every record from USCIS.
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Tips & Warnings
FOIA records are not always complete. Some sections (comments written by a USCIS official) will be blackened out. The federal government also does not disclose information that threatens national security.
Your request might take several months to process. Send the request by certified mail so you have evidence it was received.
