Sample File Numbers

Identifying File Numbers for Record Copy Requests

Requests for copies of historical INS records or files must identify the record by file number or other file identifier. If you have the file number information described below, please submit a Record Request (Form G-1041A). Otherwise, submit a Genealogy Index Search Request (Form G-1041) first.

If you are requesting a...	Then...	Examples
Naturalization Certificate File (C-File) Records relating to all U.S. naturalizations, replacement certificates, and Certificates of Citizenship issued between Sept. 27, 1906 and March 31, 1956. The majority of C-Files exist only on microfilm.	Provide the certificate number, and the court and date of naturalization. See the C-File Gallery for illustrations	C-1234567, Supreme Ct., Kings Co., NY, March 1922
Alien Registration Form (AR-2) Microfilmed copies of Form AR-2 completed by all noncitizens age 14 and older resident in or entering the United States between August 1940 and March 31, 1944. AR-2 numbers available: 1 million to 5,980,116 A6 100,000 to 6,132,126 A7,000,000 to 7,043,999 A7,500,000 to 7,759,142	Provide the Alien Registration Number. See AR-2 Forms Gallery for illustrations.	A-1234567 AR-1234567 A 1 234 567
Visa File Original arrival records of immigrants admitted for permanent residence between July 1, 1924 and March 31, 1944. The Visa File number does NOT appear on a ship passenger list. Accordingly, an Index Search Request is almost always required to find a Visa number.	Provide the Visa number and arrival information as obtained from prior Genealogy Search Request (Form G-1041). See Visa Files, 1924-1944 for more information	(seaport) Joseph Brown, Apr. 29, 1933, Boston, SS Britannic (land port) John Brown, Dec. 17, 1933, Detroit, MI.
Registry File Original records documenting the creation of immigrant arrival records for persons who entered the United States prior to July 1, 1924, and for whom no arrival record could be found.	Provide the Registry file number as obtained from prior Genealogy Search Request (Form G-1041). See Registry Files, 1929-1944 for more information	R-12345 R-1234567 R-123 Do NOT provide Certificate of Registry number (i.e., CR-12345)
A-File The Genealogy Program provides access to A-Files numbered below 8 million. Note that some A-Files have transferred to the National Archives and higher numbered A-Files must be requested from USCIS FOIA. Also note that some A-numbers below 8 million may have a corresponding Form AR-2. However, INS usually consolidated (refiled) the AR-2 in the new A-File jacket. Accordingly, you may wish to request the A-File first.	Provide the Alien Registration Number. See A-Files Gallery for illustrations.	A-1234567 AR-1234567 A 1 234 567

Last Reviewed/Updated:

02/25/2021

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Sample File Numbers

Identifying File Numbers for Record Copy Requests

Naturalization Certificate File (C-File) Records relating to all U.S. naturalizations, replacement certificates, and Certificates of Citizenship issued between Sept. 27, 1906 and March 31, 1956. The majority of C-Files exist only on microfilm.

Alien Registration Form (AR-2) Microfilmed copies of Form AR-2 completed by all noncitizens age 14 and older resident in or entering the United States between August 1940 and March 31, 1944.

Visa File Original arrival records of immigrants admitted for permanent residence between July 1, 1924 and March 31, 1944. The Visa File number does NOT appear on a ship passenger list. Accordingly, an Index Search Request is almost always required to find a Visa number.

Registry File Original records documenting the creation of immigrant arrival records for persons who entered the United States prior to July 1, 1924, and for whom no arrival record could be found.

Naturalization Certificate File (C-File)

Records relating to all U.S. naturalizations, replacement certificates, and Certificates of Citizenship issued between Sept. 27, 1906 and March 31, 1956. The majority of C-Files exist only on microfilm.

Alien Registration Form (AR-2)

Microfilmed copies of Form AR-2 completed by all noncitizens age 14 and older resident in or entering the United States between August 1940 and March 31, 1944.

Visa File

Original arrival records of immigrants admitted for permanent residence between July 1, 1924 and March 31, 1944. The Visa File number does NOT appear on a ship passenger list. Accordingly, an Index Search Request is almost always required to find a Visa number.

Registry File

Original records documenting the creation of immigrant arrival records for persons who entered the United States prior to July 1, 1924, and for whom no arrival record could be found.