About Index Search Requests
This page provides an overview of the Index Search Service.
What is an Index Search Request?
An Index Search Request is a request for USCIS to search its historical indices for file citations related to particular individual. Upon completion of the search the requester is provided with all of the matching file citations related to the subject of the request or, alternately, notified that no matching records could be found. Results from an Index Search Request may be used to request files from the USCIS Genealogy Program. The fee for an Index Search Request is $20.00.
Why an Index Search Service?
The USCIS Genealogy Program cannot determine if the agency maintains a record related to a specific individual until it performs a search of its historical records indices. The Index Search Service allows USCIS to provide the public with timely access to the indices’ genealogically valuable information while at the same time preserving the privacy of the living persons whose records are also listed in the indices. While described as “historical,” the indices include information dated as recently as 1975. Providing open access to such personal information about living persons would constitute a violation of the Privacy Act that governs the release of federal records.
What is in the Indices?
USCIS’s historical records indices contain roughly 48 million entries referring to several genealogically valuable record series (see the Historical Records Series link for more information about the records). While the indices do contain entries for some individuals born earlier than 1850, the majority of the entries refer to individuals born since ca. 1875.
Do I need to request an Index Search?
The USCIS Genealogy program can only fulfill record requests that include a valid file number, and most researchers will need an Index Search to identify the file number(s). 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 [prior Search Request] 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 Request 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 an Index Search Request?
To make an Index Search Request you will need to provide at least your immigrant ancestor’s name, date of birth (actual or estimated), and country of birth. You will also be asked to provide other information, such as date of arrival in the US and places of residence, which are not required but are often essential for locating the correct index entries. If your ancestor 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 Index Search Request fee at the time you make your request.
