How to get a copy of your immigration file (FOIA / A-file)
Your immigration history is documented in your A-file (Alien File) — the records that follow your A-number. You can get a copy for free by filing a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Which agency you ask depends on which records you need: USCIS holds your A-file and past applications, ICE holds enforcement and detention records, CBP holds travel and border history, and EOIR (the immigration court) holds your court record. And if you have a scheduled immigration court hearing, you can ask USCIS to handle your request faster through its accelerated track (Track 3). This is general information, not legal advice.
What your A-file is, and why FOIA is free
Your A-file is the series of records that document your immigration history, tied to your A-number (the “A” followed by a string of digits that DHS assigns to you). It is not held in one place: it contains records contributed by several DHS agencies — USCIS, ICE, and CBP — covering applications you filed, encounters with immigration officers, and more. You obtain these records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (or, for your own records, the Privacy Act).
A FOIA request is free. You can file one yourself, online, at no cost — you do not need a lawyer, and you should not pay a notario or anyone else to “unlock” your file. Getting a copy of your A-file is one of the most useful first steps when you want to understand your immigration history or prepare for a case.
Which agency to request from
Different records live in different agencies, so the first decision is who to ask:
| Agency | What records it holds | Where to request |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS | Your A-file and your past applications and petitions | USCIS FIRST system at first.uscis.gov |
| ICE | Enforcement, detention, and removal records | ICE FOIA (ice.gov/foia) |
| CBP | Travel history and border encounters or entries | CBP FOIA (SecureRelease portal) |
| EOIR | Your immigration court Record of Proceeding — the judge’s decisions, hearing transcripts, filings, and appeals | EOIR FOIA, online through its Public Access Link (PAL), with Form DOJ-361 (your own records) or Form EOIR-59 (someone else’s) |
A common point of confusion: your immigration court file is not at USCIS. The court system, EOIR, keeps its own records, and you request them through EOIR’s FOIA process — its online Public Access Link (PAL) is recommended — with Form DOJ-361 (Certification of Identity) for your own records or Form EOIR-59 (Certification and Release of Records) signed by the person whose records you want. EOIR does not accept the USCIS form G-639. If you only need your court record, go to EOIR; if you need the full picture of your immigration history, you may file separate requests with more than one agency.
How to file in 2026
FOIA filing methods changed in early 2026 — confirm the current method on each agency’s official FOIA page before filing. The dates below are accurate as of the date each change took effect, but agencies update their processes, so verify before you submit.
- USCIS — as of January 22, 2026. FOIA and Privacy Act requests for USCIS records must be submitted online at first.uscis.gov after you create a free USCIS account. The online system (FIRST) replaces the paper Form G-639 for most requesters; paper and email requests are generally no longer accepted. An attorney or representative sets up their own USCIS account and files as a third-party requester.
- ICE. ICE no longer accepts FOIA requests by mail or email — requests go through its online SecureRelease Portal — with an exception for detained or incarcerated individuals. File through ICE’s online FOIA process at ice.gov/foia.
- CBP. File through the SecureRelease online portal reached from the CBP FOIA page.
- EOIR (immigration court). File through EOIR’s online Public Access Link (PAL) (or by mail), with a signed Form DOJ-361 to verify your identity for your own records, or Form EOIR-59 signed by the person whose records you are requesting.
Every one of these requests is still free.
Track 3 — faster FOIA before an immigration court hearing
If you are in removal proceedings and have a scheduled immigration court hearing, USCIS may process your FOIA request on an accelerated track (often called Track 3). The legal basis is expedited processing when the requester shows an imminent loss of substantial due process rights — in plain terms, you need your file before a fast-approaching hearing. To use it:
- Ask for the accelerated track (Track 3) in your USCIS FOIA request.
- Attach proof of your upcoming hearing — a copy of a Form I-862 (Notice to Appear) or Form I-122 documenting the upcoming hearing date, a Form I-863, or a written notice of continuation of a future scheduled hearing (the documents USCIS lists).
- State clearly that you are the respondent in those proceedings.
The accelerated track does not produce records instantly — FOIA backlogs still apply — USCIS says it will prioritize your request to deliver it faster. Because Track 3 depends on having a current hearing notice, make sure you know your hearing date first: see how to check your immigration court date and case status, and what a Notice to Appear is.
Your own records vs. someone else’s records
You may request your own records on your own — that is the simplest case. To request someone else’s records, you generally need that person’s signed consent or authorization (or proof of death, or proof that you are their legal guardian). Without consent, a third-party request only returns releasable or public material, not the protected contents of another person’s file. If you are helping a family member who is detained, keep this consent rule in mind — and remember ICE’s exception that lets a detained person file by mail.
Related information
- How to get and read your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Notice to Appear (Form I-862) — the charging document that puts you in removal proceedings, and proof you can attach for Track 3
- How to check your immigration court date and case status — confirm your next hearing before filing for Track 3
- Immigration court by state — find the court that has your case
- How to change your address with USCIS, the immigration court, and ICE — keep your address current so notices reach you
- What to do if a family member is detained — locating someone in ICE custody
- USCIS forms — forms, fees, and case status
- How to find an immigration attorney — licensed lawyers and DOJ-accredited representatives
- Immigration attorney suspended or disbarred: what happens to your case (Lozano notice) — the steps USCIS lists for affected clients
There are no compensated or affiliate links on this page.
Last verified: 2026-09-24. General information, not legal advice. FOIA filing methods and agency processes changed in early 2026 and continue to change — confirm the current method on each agency’s official FOIA page before filing. For any specific situation, contact a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative — never a notario. This page has no compensated or affiliate links.