About Record Requests

This page will provide you with a general description of the USCIS Genealogy Program's record request process.

What is Record Request?

A Genealogy Record Request is a request for USCIS to retrieve a specific record or file related to a particular individual.  The requester identifies the file by number, and the Genealogy program will locate, retrieve, review, duplicate, and return to the requester a copy of that record.  The requester may have obtained the USCIS file number through a previous Genealogy Index Search Request or from another source.  The Record Request fee for a microfilmed file is $20.  The fee for a hard copy (paper) file is $35.

What is in the Records?

File content varies by the file series and according to the life story of each immigrant.  Click on “Historical Records Series” at right to learn about the content of each series of records.

Should I submit Record Request?

The USCIS Genealogy program can only fulfill record requests that include a valid file number. For a list of file types and valid citations follow the links in the right hand column of this page. 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 Records Request. Any USCIS file numbers included your Index Search results can be used to make a Records Request with Case ID.

If you believe you have a valid file number, you may choose to forgo the Index Search and request a Record Request without Case ID. For examples of valid file citations follow the “Sample File Numbers” link in the right hand column of this page. Please note that the USCIS Genealogy Program will not provide refunds for Record Requests without Case ID that include an invalid citation and/or result in a “No Records” response.

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

What information do I need to make a Record Request?

To make a Record Request you will need to identify the correct file series and provide: the file number, your immigrant ancestor’s 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. Please note that you are required to submit the $20 or $35 Record Request fee at the time you make your request.