Define the certificate request precisely.
Form G-1566 asks USCIS to determine whether specified immigration or naturalization records exist for the subject. If USCIS finds the specified record, it does not issue a non-existence certificate and instead provides a response.
USCIS instructions distinguish this request from a Genealogy Index Search or Genealogy Records Request.
Official sources for this guidance
- Form G-1566 instructions — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Naturalization records — U.S. National Archives
Search beyond USCIS when the record period requires it.
- Pre-September 27, 1906 naturalizations may belong to federal, state, county, or municipal courts.
- NARA can search federal court holdings and issue a negative search letter, but not a USCIS Certificate of Non-Existence.
- The foreign authority may require more than one negative search to address the relevant repositories.
Official sources for this guidance
- Form G-1566 instructions — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Naturalization records — U.S. National Archives
Use the current form and instructions.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Access rules, forms, fees, and processing conditions can change; verify the current instructions with the issuing office before ordering.
Official sources for this guidance
- Form G-1566 instructions — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Naturalization records — U.S. National Archives
Primary sources
Verify before filing
These official sources were used for the factual review. Open the live instructions before ordering a record or submitting an application.
- Form G-1566 instructionsU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Naturalization recordsU.S. National Archives