Requesting Records

The USCIS Genealogy Program is authorized to make five series of the agency’s historical records available to requesters.  Other agency records may be available from the USCIS Freedom of Information (FOIA) Program, or may have transferred to the National Archives.

Requests are accepted online as well as through the mail. Please read our Records Frequently Asked Questions and Common Errors section before submitting a request. Answers can also be found in our "Help" section.

To request a record or file you MUST provide a file number.

Records Available From the Genealogy Program

• Overview of all five available historical records

Details on Available Series

• Certificate Files, September 27, 1906 - March 31, 1956
  • C-Files Image Gallery
• Alien Registration Forms on Microfilm, 1940 - 1944 - As of May 17, 2024, AR2’s are only available through NARA. The Genealogy Program will continue processing requests for AR-2’s for requests received prior to May 17, 2024.
  • A-R2 Forms Image Gallery
• Visa Files, July 1, 1924 - March 31, 1944
  • Visa Files Image Gallery
• Registry Files, March 2, 1929 - March 31, 1944
  • Registry Files Image Gallery
• A-Files Numbered Below 8 Million 
  • A-Files Image Gallery