The purpose of these instructions are for assistance in proper submission of Form G-639, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act Request or Amendment of Record under the Privacy Act. The Form G-639 Instructions indicate that Form G-639 should not be used to determine the status of pending application, for consular notification of a visa petition approval, to request the return of original documents, request records of naturalization prior to September 27, 1906, to request information on USCIS manifest arrivals prior to December 1982, or to obtain proof of status.

Form G-639 Instructions further indicates that those individual's requesting access to their records must identify themselves by name, current address, date and place of birth, and alien registration number. Form G-639 Instructions clearly states that a notarized signature of the requester or a sworn declaration under penalty of perjury must also be provided.

Form G-639 Instructions requires that parents or legal guardians must establish their own identity as parents or legal guardians and the identity of the child or other person being represented. Form G-639 Instructions indicates that if the person for whom the information being sought is not the same as the requester, the person who is the subject of the request must also sign Form G-639 to consent to the release of information. Form G-639 allows the subject of the release of information to select all or a portion of the records for release. He or she must indicate in section 3 of Form G-639 what portion of the record information is subject to the consent for release of information and identify the specific documents, records or information sought.

Form G-639 Instructions also explains how a request under Form G-639 can be expedited where the exists a situation of compelling need.