You can receive more specifics if you are waiting for news on your immigration or visa application and it’s taking too long. One of those is a request for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA allows you to ask government departments (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and they can keep you updated on your case.
This tutorial will show you how to submit a FOIA request with USCIS and what happens during the process.
What Can You Ask For Through A FOIA Request?
- You may request all kinds of records from USCIS under FOIA and the Privacy Act, such as:
- Your own immigration papers, papers, petitions, and notifications.
- Immigration Records for someone else, but only if they write you permission.
- Policies, letters, etc.: USCIS.
Important Notice: Some travel and detention records may require you to apply to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the U.S. Department of State, not USCIS. Be sure to read USCIS’s FOIA webpage and which agency you should approach depending on the record you need.
How To File a FOIA Request?
— There’s no better place to submit a FOIA request to USCIS than online. Making your request online saves time and mistakes during processing.
The way to submit your FOIA request:
- Register using your USCIS account: You can use your current USCIS account to make the request. If you don’t already have one, create one.
- Request your FOIA: Peruse the instructions on the USCIS online portal. This will allow you to:
- Submit your FOIA request instantly.
- Keep track of your request status.
- You will get a fast reply from USCIS.
- Download your requested records anytime.
How To Make Your FOIA Request More Faster
Here are some quick-fix tips to get the ball rolling:
- Visit the Electronic Reading Room: you may already find some records you are requesting in the ERG. Check their website to determine if they have your records on file already.
- Request only the documents you need: It will save time and reduce your delays if you can simplify your request by asking only for the documents you need.
What Happens After You File a FOIA Request?
After you request, USCIS will send you an email when your records are ready. If you have any queries or wish to be kept informed, you can reach out to the USCIS FOIA team at:
- Email: foiapaquestions@uscis.dhs.gov
- Fax: 802-860-6908 or 816-350-5785
Appeals and Disputes
You can appeal if you are not happy with the way USCIS processed your request. Here’s how to do it:
- Send a letter with the subject “Freedom of Information Act Appeal”.
- Send the letter to:
- USCIS FOIA/PA Appeals Office
- 150 Space Center Loop, Suite 500.
- Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-2139
You can also make a FOIA request to get updates on your immigration case. You can monitor how it goes and never be stuck with it if you make the request online. If you require more assistance, Law and Visas can guide you through the FOIA process and get the answers you require.
