FOIA REQUEST (FORM G-639 OR ONLINE)

COVER LETTER AND RECORDS SPECIFICATION

Filing Overview

• Requester: [NAME], A#: [A-NUMBER] (if any)
• Component: [USCIS/ICE/CBP/OBIM/EOIR] (EOIR uses separate process)
• Delivery method: [Online portal / Mail / Email if allowed]
• Purpose: [Case prep/MTR/consular/AOS/asylum/immigration history verification]

Packet Order (mail) / Submission (online)

1) Cover letter (this document) describing records sought and basis for verification of identity.
2) Form G-639 (if mailing) or portal form fields; include notarized/bio signature if required.
3) Identity proof: passport/ID, front/back of EAD/green card (if any).
4) Consent/representation: G-28 (if attorney), privacy waiver if requesting another's records with consent.
5) Supporting details: aliases, DOB, country of birth, prior A-numbers, known receipt numbers, entry/exit data.
6) Preferred format (PDF), contact info, and delivery method (portal/email/mail).

Sample Cover Letter

text
Date: [DATE]

FOIA Officer
[COMPONENT ADDRESS OR PORTAL]

RE: FOIA Request for Records of [NAME, A#]

Dear FOIA Officer:

Please process this FOIA request for the above-referenced individual. The requester seeks a copy of the complete A-file and all records held by [COMPONENT], including but not limited to applications, petitions, receipt notices, decisions, I-213s, NTAs, interview notes, RFEs/NOIDs, entry/exit records, and any removal proceedings documents. Identifiers and supporting documents are enclosed.

Please provide records in PDF format via the online portal/email if available. If fees are anticipated above the statutory threshold, please contact the undersigned before proceeding.

Sincerely,
[NAME/ATTORNEY]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE] | [EMAIL]

Practice Notes

• Use the correct component: USCIS for A-files/benefits, CBP for travel/entry, ICE for detention/enforcement, OBIM for biometrics; EOIR uses separate EOIR-33/online portal.
• Include all known identifiers to avoid delays; use notarized signature if mailing.
• Track control number and expected timelines; follow up with status requests if delayed.
• For urgent litigation/relief, note expedited processing grounds (life/death/urgency) with justification.
• Redactions are common; request Vaughn index only if litigating.