Instructions For Form G-639 - Freedom Of Information Act/privacy Act Request printable pdf download

Instructions for

Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

USCIS

Form G-639

Department of Homeland Security

OMB No. 1615-0102

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Expires 04/30/2020

What Is the Purpose of Form G-639?

Use this request to obtain access to U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records as allowed by the

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at 5 U.S.C. 552 and the Privacy Act of 1974 (PA) at 5 U.S.C. 552a.

With certain exceptions, FOIA provides access to Federal agency records. PA permits U.S. citizens or lawful permanent

residents to:

(1) Gain access to information pertaining to themselves in Federal agency records;

(2) Have a copy made of all or any part thereof;

(3) Correct or amend such records; and

(4) Permit individuals to make requests concerning what records pertaining to themselves are collected,

maintained, used, or disseminated.

PA also prohibits disclosure of any person’s records without his or her written consent, except under certain circumstances

as prescribed by PA.

When May I Use Form G-639?

You may use this request to obtain access to agency records. You may also use this request to consent to

another individual accessing agency records pertaining to you.

Do not use Form G-639 for the following requests:

1. For status inquires. Contact the USCIS office where the application, petition, or request was filed or call our National

Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283, or check the Case Status Online:

https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/

landing.do. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833;

2. For consular notification of a visa petition approval. Use Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved

Application or Petition;

3. To request the return of original documents. Use Form G-884, Request for Return of Original Documents;

4. To request records of naturalization before to September 27, 1906. Contact the clerk of court where the naturalization

occurred;

5. To request information on USCIS manifest arrivals before December 1982. Contact the National Archives; and

6. To obtain proof of status (for example, Social Security benefit, Selective Service requirement).

NOTE: Form G-639 is not required to make a FOIA/PA request; however, you must make all FOIA/PA requests in

writing and in accordance with the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements under the FOIA and PA. For

information about filing an electronic FOIA/PA request, please visit the USCIS FOIA website at:

https://

privacy-act.

Form G-639 Instructions 04/17/17 N

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Instructions For Form G-639 - Freedom Of Information Act/privacy Act Request