
How To Request Visa Records
- HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED A DENIAL ON YOUR VISA REQUEST AT THE CONSULATE? HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY YOUR VISA REQUEST WAS...
- Determine where the records you are seeking are kept.. Visa applications and any other documents submitted by the...
- Draft your request.. There are no special forms required for making a request for visa records. ...
Full Answer
How do I get a copy of my visa Records?
You may also wish to visit the Office of Visa Services. Draft your request. There are no special forms required for making a request for visa records. When submitting a request, please include 1) a notarized statement or a statement signed under penalty of perjury stating that you are the person that you say you are and 2) your signature.
What forms do I need to make a request for visa?
There are no special forms required for making a request for visa records. When submitting a request, please include 1) a notarized statement or a statement signed under penalty of perjury stating that you are the person that you say you are and 2) your signature.
How does the Department of State keep records of visa applications?
The Department of State maintains the following visa records: Correspondence previously sent to or given to the applicant by the post Civil documents presented by the applicant Visa applications and any other documents submitted by the applicant to the Department in the form in which they were submitted.
Where can I find records on immigration and Visa matters?
While all records on visa and immigration matters were supposed to be filed in the files maintained by the office responsible for visa matters, a very small amount of documentation is found among the main series of the Department of State central files for the 1910-1963 period. Lists of Papers ("Purport Lists") Regarding Immigration, 1910-1939.

How do I find my visa history?
United States: Contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 for immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Abroad: Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you filed your application.
How long are visa records kept?
Paper DS-156 records are maintained for eleven years from the date of last action.
Can I request my immigration records?
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA), you can request: Immigration records, whether your own or someone else's with their permission; and. Agency policies, data, communications, and other records.
Can you look up someone's visa?
To find out a person's immigration status, you can either use the E-Verify website or submit a FOIA request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The method that is most appropriate for you will depend on your reason for needing this information.
How can I find my international travel history?
Steps to check your U.S. travel history onlineStep 1: Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection homepage. ... Step 2: Select the "Need a History of Your Arrivals & Departures?" option. ... Step 3: Provide your consent. ... Step 4: Input your personal information. ... Step 5: View your travel history. ... Step 6: Review the information.More items...•
How do I download my visa?
Applicants just need to log on to www.evisa.gov.tr , provide the requested information, (after the application is approved) make online payment and download their e-Visa. The whole process takes no more than 10 minutes.
How can I check my immigration status by name?
How to Check Immigration Status by Name Instead of Receipt NumberGet on the phone with the USCIS national customer service center. Their toll-free number is 1-800-375-5283.Send an email to the appropriate USCIS service center based on the state you reside. ... Set up a meeting with an immigration officer.
What is G 639 used for?
Use Form G-639 to obtain access to U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records as allowed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at 5 U.S.C. 552 and the Privacy Act of 1974 (PA) at 5 U.S.C. 552a. With certain exceptions, FOIA provides access to Federal agency records.
How do I prove someone was deported?
You can obtain your deportation documents from the immigration court where your case was heard. You may also request the release of your immigration record under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)....Deportation DocumentsComplete an online form. ... Complete a paper form. ... Write to USCIS.
How can I check someone's legal status?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) websites can show you how to find out if someone is a U.S. citizen. Other DHS agencies that maintain immigration records include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
Can we track visa status online?
Yes, you can check visa status online. You need to use your passport number or the reference number and visa application number available on the invoice/ receipt issued by consulates or any outsourcing visa application center.
How far back do immigration records go?
Locating Immigration Records The National Archives has immigration records for arrivals to the United States from foreign ports between approximately 1820 and December 1982 (with gaps). The records are arranged by port or airport of arrival.
How long does UK Embassy keep records?
They keep them permanently on record, although in most cases an exclusion order for the UK for immigration offences is usually 3 years. After 3 years you can re-apply, but the circumstances of the previous exclusion order will heavily affect any new decision.
How can I get my old U.S. visa application?
In order to do so, go into the Consular Electronic Application Center website and select the Embassy or Consulate at which you are applying. Hit “Option C-Retrieve Application” on the Getting Started page and enter your application ID number. From there you will be able to view and print your confirmation page.
How long does Canada Embassy keep records?
If you google Canada Immigration Records retention, you will get a PDF file which shows the retention period for various documents. For example Immigration applications are retained for 63 years after the last time they were active. Renunciation of PR status is 75 years.
Where were the immigrant visas kept?
The immigrant visas and associated documentation accumulated by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) between July 1, 1924, and March 31, 1944, were maintained by the central office in Washington, DC in the Visa Files .
Where is the National Archives located?
Contact the National Archives at College Park, MD ( [email protected]) for more information.
What was the role of consuls in the immigration system?
Under the Immigration Act of 1924, which continued the quota system for immigrants to the United States established in 1921, consuls were responsible for denying visas to applicants inadmissible under that system. Visa activities in the Department of State have been handled by an organization responsible for that function since 1918.
What period of time did case files on individuals exist?
This is the only period for which case files on individuals exist. Furthermore, in the 1914-23 and 1924-32 blocks, only precedent cases, files containing policy documentation, and cases on significant individuals are preserved. See Section V: Records of Other Agencies, for information about alternative sources of documentation on individuals.
What documents are needed for an electronic visa?
Identity documents. You need to provide the following documents with your electronic visa record application: A current passport, or a passport expired less than three years ago. If you do not have a current passport and you have a valid passport exemption you must provide a birth certificate.
How long do you have to have a photo taken before applying for a visa in Australia?
This should be a recent photograph, taken no longer than 6 months before you apply. Current documents showing your identity, such as a Medicare card, concession card or bank/credit card. At least 3 documents that show you have resided in Australia continuously since you first arrived.
What resolution do you scan documents in?
Scan your original documents in colour at high resolution (600dpi) and attach these to your online application.
Do you have to enter address in full?
If you live in a unit or townhouse, you may need to enter the address in full to ensure the correct address displays. For example:
Does Centrelink require proof of residency?
Centrelink have asked you to provide them with evidence of your Commencement of Identity, visa or residency status .
Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIA)
Use our online FOIA system to request your own immigration record, another person’s immigration record, or non-A-File information such as policies, data, or communications.
Electronic Reading Room
Our Electronic Reading Room helps you search for information identified under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Genealogy
Find and request historical immigration and naturalization records of deceased immigrants.
What is required to request personal records?
When submitting a request, please include 1) a notarized statement or a statement signed under penalty of perjury stating that you are the person that you say you are and 2) your signature.
What is written consent for a request for records?
Written consent from the individual whose records are being requested. Please provide a signed, notarized statement from the individual (s), authorizing the Department of State to release information to you. If you provide authorization, your request will be processed with the greatest possible access. If you do not or are unable to provide authorization, your request will be processed, but release of records will be severely restricted to protect the privacy of another individual.
What is the Privacy Act?
Privacy Act. If you are seeking records only about yourself, you may wish to request the information under the Privacy Act. Records retrieved in the processing of a request made under the Privacy Act will be processed under both the Privacy Act and the FOIA to ensure the greatest possible disclosure of those records.
What happens if you submit a request that lacks sufficient information to enable us to process?
If you submit a request that lacks sufficient information to enable us to process, you will be notified of what further information we need. In order to ensure the Department has everything we need to process your request, please review the Checklist for Personal Records.
How much do you have to pay for FOIA?
State the maximum amount of fees that you are willing to pay. By making a FOIA request, you shall be considered to have agreed to pay all applicable fees up to $25, unless otherwise noted.
Can you notarize a document if it is not possible?
If notarization is not possible, the individual ( s) whose records are being requested may give authorization under penalty of perjury. The penalty of perjury statement must be mailed or faxed to us with a current date and a signature.
Can you request someone else's personal information?
If you are requesting someone else’s personal information or requesting personal information on someone else’s behalf, please try to provide written consent from the individual whose records are being requested. The Department of State can and will process requests for someone else’s records without their written consent, but release of records will be severely limited to protect the privacy of the subject individuals.
How to request a FOIA?
After you create a FOIAonline account you can submit a FOIA request directly to CBP. When submitting a FOIA request on records that pertain to you, please provide your full name, address, and date of birth. If you are requesting records on behalf of someone else, you need a signed G-28 form (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative), or some other form of signed consent that will allow CBP to release the records to a 3rd party. Once your request is submitted you will receive an acknowledgment and a FOIA tracking number. After your FOIA request is acknowledged you can track the status of your request at any time. Please note that the FOIA process is not intended to be a mechanism for asking questions of CBP. FOIA requests are intended to provide access to CBP records.
What is the phone number for CBP?
CBP Info Center or call. (877) CBP-5511 (227-5511) for U.S. Callers or (202) 325-8000 for International callers.
Does CBP have records of apprehensions?
Note: CBP does not have complete records of apprehensions by Border Patrol made before 2000. Records of apprehensions by Border Patrol made before 2000 may be available in the A-File maintained by USCIS. Note: CBP does not have records on the entry and exit of persons arriving or departing the U.S. before 1982.
Can CBP process FOIA?
During the national COVID-19 response, CBP is unable to process new paper FOIA request s or deliver records by mail. Get your response faster, keep our workforce safe, and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by making your FOIA request online.
Does CBP have records of departures?
Note: CBP does not have records on the entry and exit of persons arriving or departing the U.S. before 1982.
Who processes A-files?
Make your request with the right agency by reviewing the sections below. Records contained in the A-file are processed by USCIS.
Can you request a copy of a FOIA?
The records received from your FOIA request may not conform to applicable standards for use by persons with disabilities per Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. You may request a reasonable modification for an accessible copy of your requested documents, if needed. If you choose to make a request for an accessible copy of a released document, then you will be contacted by a representative from our office to address your request. Please Note: A Section 508 compliant accessible copy of a document may be altered to meet disclosure requirements but will contain the same information.
