What is this service?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lets you request access to certain records kept by federal agencies.
A FOIA request can provide information about immigration petitions, entries and exits, border inspections, detentions, and Immigration Court proceedings, depending on which agency holds the records.
The information may be incomplete, partially redacted, or subject to legal disclosure exemptions.
Types of immigration records
May include applications, petitions, decisions, notices, and other documents kept in your USCIS immigration file.
May include available travel history, inspections, encounters with officers, and certain CBP apprehension or detention records.
May include available custody, detention, supervision, and administrative action records from ICE.
Lets you request records related to proceedings before immigration judges or the Board of Immigration Appeals.
In certain cases, you request the Record of Proceedings (ROP) directly, without using FOIA.
EOIR FOIA or ROP request: they are not the same
The Department of Justice treats an EOIR FOIA request and a direct request for the Record of Proceedings (ROP) as different procedures.
Depending on your situation, one or the other may apply. Before preparing the request, we review which one fits your case.
When can a FOIA request be useful?
- When you need copies of earlier immigration documents.
- When you want to check decisions or notices in your file.
- When you need to review available travel records.
- When you want documents related to border encounters.
- When you need immigration detention records.
- When you want copies of documents from EOIR proceedings.
A FOIA request does not guarantee that every record will be found and does not, by itself, determine eligibility for another immigration benefit.
Can I request another person's records?
In certain circumstances, yes.
To get another person's protected personal records, you normally need valid authorization from that person or another applicable legal basis.
The identity and consent documents vary by agency.
What does our service include?
- Administrative identification of the right agency.
- Preparation of the applicable FOIA or ROP request.
- Organizing the information and documents needed.
- Administrative help with the authorized submission.
- Recording the tracking number.
- Following up on the status of the request, within the scope of your contract.
- Delivering the response and records received to you.
Main documents
- Full name and any previous names.
- Date and place of birth.
- Valid ID and certification of identity, according to the agency's requirements.
- A-Number, if you have one.
- Immigration receipt numbers, if available.
- Approximate dates of entries or immigration encounters.
- Immigration Court information, if applicable.
- Valid authorization to request another person's records, when applicable.
We will ask for this information after you hire us. Please do not send documents or sensitive data (Social Security number, A-Number, passport, dates of birth) through the form on this page.
How long does a FOIA request take?
Processing time depends on the agency, the number of requests, the complexity of the file, and any verifications needed.
A request can take weeks or months, and some take longer. We cannot guarantee timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Do USCIS and CBP have the same file?
Not necessarily. Each agency keeps different kinds of records.
Can I file several FOIA requests?
Yes. When you need documents from different agencies, separate requests may be required.
Does the CBP FOIA show all my entries and exits?
Not necessarily. Records may be incomplete or unavailable.
Can I request Immigration Court documents?
Yes. Depending on the situation, a direct ROP request or an EOIR FOIA request may apply.
Does a FOIA request affect my immigration status?
Requesting records does not, by itself, grant or change any immigration status.
Does a FOIA request stop a deportation or a hearing?
No. A records request does not automatically stop proceedings, hearings, or immigration deadlines.
Costs
Our fees
Government fees
There is generally no initial fee to file a FOIA request.
Some requests may involve search, duplication, or other charges under each agency's rules. If there is any charge, we will let you know.
You can request your records directly from the government agency. Our $80 fee is for Ge Chanfon Services' document preparation and administrative assistance services.
How to get started
- Fill out the request form.
- Receive the service information, the contract, and the questionnaire by email.
- Review and sign the contract before making any payment. Then send the required documents so we can begin preparing your forms.
Ge Chanfon Services LLC provides document preparation and administrative assistance services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Approval of any application is decided by the appropriate government agency.