Ever wondered exactly what information the government keeps about your international travels? Are you filing for a Green Card or Citizenship and need a record of all entries and exits? You can actually access this data through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. While it might sound intimidating, the process is surprisingly straightforward.
Here's a simplified guide to obtaining your travel history:
Why use a FOIA request?
This method is particularly useful for obtaining a comprehensive record of your entry and exit dates from the United States because it's complete. Many other records, including the I-94 records can be missing essential and important dates.
While you might also find some travel information in old passports or through your photos, a FOIA request provides a more complete and official record that can be matched to your application.
How to submit your FOIA travel request
- Identify the correct agency: For travel history, you'll need to file your request with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the portal.
- Use the online portal: The easiest way to submit your request is through SecureRelease (https://www.securerelease.us/). This is the only official way to do this, as shown here: https://www.cbp.gov/site-policy-notices/foia/records (always refer to the official records where you can)
- Provide necessary information: You'll need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, and place of birth. You'll also need to include any other relevant information that might help them locate your records, such as previous names or addresses.
- Include a privacy waiver: To ensure the release of your information, include a signed Certification of Identity form or a statement affirming that you are the individual whose records you are requesting. This helps protect your privacy and ensures compliance with the Privacy Act. If you are filing for someone else's information there will be more steps you are required to follow.
- Be patient: Processing times can vary. In general it takes approximately 6-9 months to get a response from this request, so don't expect anything too quickly! You can track the status of your request online through the CBP FOIA portal with the tracking number that they provide you when you make your application.
Tips for a successful FOIA request
Be specific: The more specific your request, the easier it will be for CBP to locate your records.
Follow up: If you haven't received a response within a reasonable time frame, don't hesitate to follow up with CBP.
