Retrieving old Green Card through the USCIS website
If you’re applying for a visa to China through Oasis China Visa Services and need proof of your parents’ immigration status at the time of your birth, finding these documents can seem like a daunting task—especially if they’re decades old. Thankfully, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides tools to make retrieving your immigration records straightforward. Here’s how to navigate the process step by step.
What You Can Request Under FOIA and the Privacy Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA) allow you to request specific records from USCIS, including:
- Your own immigration records: Such as green cards, naturalization certificates, or other A-File documents.
- Someone else’s immigration records: If you have their written permission.
- Agency information: Including policies, communications, or data that USCIS has generated.
These options ensure you can access vital records for visa applications or other personal and legal needs.
How to Request Records on the USCIS Website
Go to the USCIS FOIA Request Page
Start by visiting the USCIS website’s dedicated FOIA and Privacy Act page here.
Decide What You’re Requesting
- For personal immigration records, select the option to request your own records.
- For records belonging to someone else (e.g., your parents), make sure you have their written consent before proceeding.
- For policies or other non-personal records, follow the appropriate guidelines on the USCIS site.
Create an Online Account
Using the USCIS Account makes tracking your request easier and allows you to download your records directly once they’re available.
Complete the FOIA Request Form
Fill out Form G-639, providing as much information as possible to help USCIS locate the records. Key details include full names, date of birth, country of origin, and any prior immigration case numbers.
Submit Your Request
You can submit the form online through your USCIS account or send it by mail. Online submissions tend to be faster.
Monitor Your Request
Once submitted, you’ll receive a case number. Use it to check the status of your request online. Most requests are processed within a few weeks, but timelines may vary.
Tips for Faster Processing
- Be Thorough: Include all relevant details to help USCIS locate your records quickly.
- Go Digital: Submitting your request online reduces processing time.
- Follow Up: If there’s a delay, contact USCIS customer service for updates.
Ready to Get Started?
Retrieving immigration documents may seem overwhelming, but with the right tools and steps, it’s a manageable process. By using USCIS’s FOIA and Privacy Act services, you’ll have the records you need in no time.
For more details, visit the official USCIS website here.
At Oasis China Visa Services, we’re here to guide you through every step of your visa application journey. If you have questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
