How do I set up a USCIS Online Account?

Last updated: January 20, 2026 16:08

This article was last updated on January 15, 2025

Summary

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online account. USCIS is the government agency in the United States that gives decisions on immigration applications.

Once you have an account, you will be able to file forms and FOIA requests. FOIA stands for Freedom of Information Act Request. It is a law that allows the public to request information from government agencies.

You can file a FOIA request to get your immigration file and other information the United States government may have on your case. If you want to learn more on how to make a FOIA request, this step-by-step guide can help you.

Step 1

Go to the Sign Up page.

Go to the USCIS account website. To protect your personal information, do not create a shared account with anyone. Your USCIS online account is only for you.

Click “Create an account”.

This is the sign in page.

Step 2

Enter your email address and click “Submit.”

You will need an email address to create a USCIS online account. You will use your email address to create and log in to your USCIS online account. USCIS will send all email communications to this email address so be sure that you have regular access to the email account you write down.

This is the email sign up page.

Step 3

Confirm your account.

USCIS will send a confirmation message to the email address you provided. Check your email and click “Confirm Email” in the confirmation message to go to the USCIS online account login page and continue creating your USCIS online account.

If you do not receive the confirmation email in your inbox within 10 minutes, check your junk mail or spam folder.

If your confirmation email is not in your junk mail or spam folder, select “Didn’t receive confirmation instructions?” for more information.

This is the email confirmation.

Step 4

Review Terms of Use

Review the terms of use and click “I Agree” at the bottom of the page.

This is the USCIS terms of use agreement.

Step 5

Create a password and click “Submit.”

Create a password for your USCIS online account. Your password must be between 8 and 64 characters. Enter and confirm your new password, then click “Submit.”

Make sure to record this password in a safe, private location for future use.

This is the password creation page.

Step 6

Choose how you want to receive a verification code (via text, email, or authentication app) and click “Submit.”

Every time you log in to your USCIS online account, you must enter a one-time verification code. This provides an extra layer of security for your USCIS online account.

USCIS will automatically generate the one-time code and send it to you by email or mobile phone text message, depending on how you chose to receive it.

We encourage you to select email for receiving your one-time password, then click “Submit.” If you select “Mobile,” you will be prompted to enter your U.S. mobile phone number.

It may take a few minutes to receive your one-time verification code. If you selected the email option, make sure to check your junk mail or spam folder in addition to your inbox.

This is the two step verification page.

Step 7

Enter this verification code and click “Submit.”

In the future, every time you log in, you will receive a one-time verification code through email or text message, depending on how you chose to receive it.

Enter your one-time code in the space under “Secure one-time password” and click “Submit.”

If you have not received your authentication code in 10 minutes, select “request a new verification code.”

Step 8

Two-step verification backup code.

When you create an account, you will also receive a two-step verification backup code. You can use this backup code to log in to your USCIS online account if you do not have access to your email or phone number. Print or save a copy of this code and keep it in a safe place. Click “Continue.”

Step 9

Select password reset questions and answers.

Using the drop-down arrow, choose five security questions. If you ever forget your password, USCIS will use these questions to confirm your identity.

Type the answer to each question in the space provided. You must remember these answers if you ever need to reset your password. Make sure to record these answers in a safe, private location for future use.

When you have finished, click “Submit.”

This is the password reset question page.

Step 10

Welcome to your USCIS online account.

You can choose the USCIS service you want to log into. In this case, select myUSCIS.

This is the USCIS homepage. My USCIS is highlighted.

Step 11

Select your role.

Under Account Type, select “I am an applicant, petitioner, or requestor” and click “Submit.”

This is the Account Type page with “I am an individual applicant” selected.

Step 12

Use your USCIS online account to file forms and FOIA requests.

This is a USCIS page that allows you to file forms.

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) provides free legal help to some refugees and displaced people.

IRAP helps some people find services and prepare refugee and visa applications.
IRAP is not part of any government, IOM, or UNHCR.
IRAP cannot grant refugee status or visas or speed up cases.
IRAP cannot provide financial help, find or pay for housing, or find jobs.
All of IRAP’s help is free. No one affiliated with IRAP has the right to ask you for money or any other service.

IRAP decides to help people based on their need and eligibility for immigration status. IRAP does not decide to help people based on any other social, political, or religious criteria.

This website provides general information about legal processes available to some refugees. It is not meant as legal advice for individual applications.

Requirements may change. Always check for current requirements from the government or agency deciding your request.

If you are in a refugee emergency, we recommend that you contact the UNHCR office in the country where you live.