USCIS record copy request

[mromano]

I just called the USCIS help line, and they actually told me that nobody there can answer my question. Then I tried calling my local field office and the number has no option for customer service. So hopefully someone here that has done this before can help me!

There are 2 fee-for-services available in the USCIS genealogy program: index search (IS) and record copy request (RCR).

The IS returns record citations (USCIS file numbers). These record citations can then be used to make the RCRs. The RCR returns the naturalization records.

My question is this... I received non-certified copies of several documents about my family from the U.S. National Archives, including:
1) Declaration of Intention
2) Certificate of Loyalty
3) Petition for Naturalization (with Oath of Allegiance)

All of these documents have file numbers associated with them. Are any of these numbers equivalent with what the IS returns? I don't want to pay for the IS to make the RCR if I already have the USCIS file numbers.

Thanks so much for your help! =)

[tonyric]

I had the same question. I have the full set of docs from NARA and no one at USCIS or any of the forums could/would tell me so I did the IS anyway. I am now just waiting on the RCR to complete and have the USCIS docs (same ones but not as clear I am sure as the ones I got from NARA) to be sent to me.

[mromano]

Hi tonyric,

Can you check if the IS record citation you received (the USCIS file number for the RCR) matches the numbers on the NARA documents you have? There is the Petition for Naturalization number, and if the petition was granted, there should be an issued certificate with a line #, list #, and certificate #. Do any of these match the IS number?

Thank you for your help! Hope you get your RCR soon! =)

[tonyric]

One number matches... The Naturalization certificate number off of the oath of allegiance. But the A file number is not listed in any of the documents from NARA.

[teddi]

The one thing USCIS can give you that NARA can't is the Certificate of Naturalization. I personally would get it just to have it (cool picture of ancestor, etc). If you are short on cash, the NARA oath (if signed, dated with certificate number) should suit the consulate's needs.

[tonyric]

The one thing USCIS can give you that NARA can't is the Certificate of Naturalization. I personally would get it just to have it (cool picture of ancestor, etc). If you are short on cash, the NARA oath (if signed, dated with certificate number) should suit the consulate's needs.

Umm the one that I got from NARA includes the declaration of intention which includes a picture of my GGF.

[jcat]

if you have the oath of allegiance there should be a seven digit certificate number at the bottom. this is the number needed to fill out a G104A request form for the certified naturalization papers through the USCIS although, if you have these documents already it may be enough to present to the consulate when applying for citizenship.you'll probably want the copy from the USCIS to avoid any problems though. That would be something to ask your consulate.The only problem with ordering the naturalization papers from USCIS is the length of time you will wait to get them. I am still waiting for my Grandfathers papers to come and I sent in for it back in January. If your appointment is only a short time off I would just go with what I have and just explain the incompetence of the USCIS which is a fact, also try the county clerks office where your relative resided as I was able to get the papers there(at no cost) and have been told by the officer at my consulate that this would be acceptable. Good Luck !