NATF Form 37 National Archives Order for Copies of Alien Case Files (A-Files)

What Is NATF Form 37?

This is a legal form that was released by the National ArchivesTrust Fund Board on August 1, 2016 and used country-wide. As of today, no separate filing guidelines for the form are provided by the issuing department.

FAQ

Q: What is NATF Form 37?
A: NATF Form 37 is a form used to order copies of Alien Case Files (A-Files) from the National Archives.

Q: What are Alien Case Files (A-Files)?
A: Alien Case Files, or A-Files, are files created by the United States government to document the immigration and naturalization process of foreign-born individuals.

Q: How can I obtain copies of A-Files?
A: You can obtain copies of A-Files by completing and submitting NATF Form 37 to the National Archives.

Q: What information do I need to provide on NATF Form 37?
A: On NATF Form 37, you need to provide the full name of the person whose A-File you are requesting, as well as their date of birth and any other identifying information you may have.

Q: How long does it take to receive copies of A-Files?
A: The processing time for A-File requests can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to several months to receive copies of A-Files from the National Archives.

Q: Are A-Files available for all immigrants?
A: A-Files were created starting in 1944, so they are not available for all immigrants. However, there may be other records available for earlier immigrants, such as passenger lists or naturalization records.

Q: Can I access A-Files of living individuals?
A: Access to A-Files of living individuals is restricted. You can only request A-Files of deceased individuals or obtain your own A-File.

Q: Can I request A-Files for genealogical research?
A: Yes, A-Files can be a valuable resource for genealogical research, as they contain information about an individual's immigration and naturalization history.