WEBVTT

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We are an office of last resort.

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Visit our website

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to review the types of issues

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we can

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and

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cannot help with.

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First,

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try to resolve your issue directly with

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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(USCIS)

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through its many public service channels,

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including

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the USCIS Contact Center.

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If your issue remains unresolved

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with USCIS,

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then

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submit a DHS Form 7001 online.

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Please note that,

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with few exceptions,

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we cannot assist

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if your case

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is within normal processing times.

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If you are outside the U.S.,

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you must email a PDF

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or scanned copy

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of the DHS Form 7001

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to our office.

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If you are in the U.S.,

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please complete the form online.

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We encourage you to read our web alerts

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and frequently asked questions

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to learn about important updates.

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When you complete the form,

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be sure to include...

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How you tried to resolve your issue

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with USCIS -

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including the dates.

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Why you are requesting case assistance -

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- and how you want us to help.

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The specific USCIS form

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and receipt number

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for which you are seeking assistance.

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Supporting documentation,

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such as USCIS notices,

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correspondence,

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service request number,

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and mail tracking information.

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You must give consent -

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and to give consent

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you must be the person or entity

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requesting the benefit.

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Anyone protected by

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federal confidentiality provisions -

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such as victims of trafficking,

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domestic violence,

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or other crimes -

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must upload, email, or mail

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a handwritten signature to us.

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All others can sign the form electronically.

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If you are a legal representative,

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you must include a Form G-28

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matching the one on file with USCIS.

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Upon receiving your request

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for case assistance,

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we will provide you with

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a CIS Ombudsman request number.

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If you submit your request online,

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you will automatically receive

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a confirmation email

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that includes the request number

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in the subject line,

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along with a copy of the information

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you shared with us.

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If we are able to assist,

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we will contact the appropriate

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USCIS office on your behalf

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and contact you

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when we receive the agency's response.

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Be sure to notify us

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about any changes in your situation,

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like if USCIS resolves your case

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or if you change your address.

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Also

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keep your address up to date with USCIS.

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This is especially important

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if you are seeking our help

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with a T

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or U

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visa related

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or VAWA case

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because, for those subject

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to confidentiality provisions,

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we can only send mail

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to the address

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in USCIS’ systems.

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For more information,

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including frequently asked questions,

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go to www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman