Instructions For Genealogy Records Request (Form G-1041a) printable pdf download

USCIS

Instructions for Genealogy Records Request

Form G-1041A

Department of Homeland Security

OMB No. 1615-0096

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Expires 05/31/2019

What Is the Purpose of Form G-1041A?

You should use Form G-1041A to obtain copies of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) historical records.

If you do not have a valid USCIS File Number to complete this request, submit an index search of USCIS historical

records using Form G-1041, Genealogy Index Search Request.

Who Should Use Form G-1041A?

You should use this request if you are a:

1. Researcher requesting a copy of a USCIS historical record by file number (see descriptions of USCIS historical

records in the How Are Historical Records and Files Identified section of these Instructions);

2. Researcher who has received file numbers resulting from the G-1041; or

3. Researcher seeking records for genealogical or family history purposes or heir location, and who can provide a precise

historical record series file number and can identify the immigrant by name and/or other information.

If the immigrant’s date of birth is less than 100 years before today’s date, you must attach documentary proof of death to

this request. Examples of acceptable documentary proof of death include:

1. Death certificate (uncertified copy);

2. Printed obituaries, funeral programs, or photographs of gravestones;

3. Bible, church, or other religious records;

4. U.S. Social Security Death Index records (individual records only, not lists);

5. Records relating to the payment of death benefits; and

6. Other documents demonstrating that the immigrant of the request is deceased.

Submit a copy of one of these items with this request. Do not include original records because USCIS will not return

such documents.

When Should Form G-1041A Not Be Used?

You should not use Form G-1041A to request:

1. Records of naturalization prior to September 27, 1906. Consult Federal court records stored at the National Archives

and Records Administration (NARA) Record Group 21, at

groups/021.html

or contact the clerk of the court where the naturalization occurred;

2. Sea, land, or air manifest lists prior to December 1982. For these lists, contact NARA at

immigration/;

3. The return of original documents. For such documents, use Form G-884, Request for the Return of Original

Documents;

4. Certified Copies of USCIS Historical records. This office can only provide photocopies;

5. Deportation records; or

Form G-1041A Instructions 12/23/16 N

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Instructions For Genealogy Records Request (Form G-1041a)