USCIS launched Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Immigration Records SysTem (FIRST) on May 30, 2018, allowing users to submit, manage, and receive FOIA requests entirely online. This update can be found here. Earlier, USCIS accepted FOIA requests only by mail, fax, and email. Once requested information was pulled up, requesters/users received their documents on a compact disc by mail. FIRST’s digital delivery is scheduled in phases. As a part of initial phase, USCIS will accept requests from users who have an immigration court date pending. Users must file a request for documents by creating an account within “myUSCIS” to receive documents digitally, eliminating the time and expense associated with receiving requests by mail. FIRST allows requesters to track the status of the FOIA applications online and receive email notification(s) when USCIS has uploaded their records.

USCIS plans to expand to all FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) requesters in the upcoming months. USCIS will notify the public as additional services become available.

We will continue to keep our subscribers informed on any further updates on this topic.