What can you get under the Freedom of Information Act?
Most freedom of information (FOI) requests involve people seeking access to documents containing their personal information. Individuals can also request access to documents containing other information, such as information about government policies, programs and decision-making processes.
Who can request information under FOIA?
Any person can file a FOIA request, including U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, universities, businesses, and state and local governments. Federal employees may not use government time or equipment when requesting information under the FOIA.
Can you search FOIA requests?
Before making a FOIA request, we encourage the public to first use this search tool to see what has already been made available on the topic across the federal government. The search tool is located under the “Find” tab on FOIA.gov.
How long does it take to get FOIA information?
These can be processed in one to five workdays. Normal – These are usually processed in six to twenty workdays. Complex – requests that involve the entire contents of a case file, or that require extensive search, review, referral, consultation, and analysis. These can be processed in twenty-one to sixty workdays.
Does FOIA apply to private companies?
The FOIA does not apply to private companies; persons who receive Federal contracts or grants \18\; private organizations; or State or local governments.
How far back can FOIA request go?
20 days
Does a FOIA request have to be in writing?
For a request to be valid under the Freedom of Information Act it must be in writing, but requesters do not have to mention the Act or direct their request to a designated member of staff. Any letter or email to a public authority asking for information is a request for recorded information under the Act.
What documents are declared as records?
Documents are “declared” to be records when they provide evidence of actions or decisions. A small portion of records are preserved as archives.
What is Form G 639 used for?
Use Form G-639 to obtain access to U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records as allowed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at 5 U.S.C. 552 and the Privacy Act of 1974 (PA) at 5 U.S.C. 552a. With certain exceptions, FOIA provides access to Federal agency records.
Can I make a Freedom of Information request to my employer?
You can write to your employer, asking for a copy of the personal information held about you, provided this is held either on a computerised system, or is held on paper and is organised into a ‘relevant filing system’ (in other words, is held in a structured filing system, so that the information about you is easily …
Can I request to see emails about me?
All you need to do write to your employer requesting the personal information that they hold about you. Your employer should have a designated data protection officer, if you know who it is then your request should be sent directly to them.