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USCIS · Request closures · Request IRW-118

Instructions on closing Records Indexing and genealogy searches as "no record"

This request asks for group instructions, guidance and job aids issued from July 1, 2026 by an Associate Center Director about closing Records Indexing and genealogy index searches as "no record," which closure codes to use, and backlog goals for those cases, plus any backlog plan for them.

Why it matters
A genealogy index search is a paid service of USCIS's Genealogy Program that checks historical indexes for records about immigrants who have died. Records Indexing is another type of records search the center handles. These records would show the instructions behind "no record" answers and any backlog goals set for those cases.
ProcessingExtension invoked 4 business days since filing (7 calendar days)

Figures as of Oct 17, 2026. Check after Nov 16, 2026: if you are reading later than that, these figures may be out of date.

These figures are more than 30 days old. They may not reflect what has happened since Oct 17, 2026.

Extension invoked
USCIS told the requester it would invoke the 10-working-day "unusual circumstances" extension the law allows (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B)). What an extension means

Timeline

  1. FiledOct 10, 2026
  2. Acknowledged by USCISOct 13, 2026
  3. Final responseNot yet received

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Template T-83
Written instructions, guidance, job aids, and emails or Microsoft Teams messages sent to staff as a group (to a distribution list, a Teams channel, or a team meeting chat) by the Associate Center Director (acting or permanent) of the National Records Center's IIIB branch, from July 1, 2026 through the date of the search, concerning (1) the closure of Records Indexing or genealogy index search cases as "no record," (2) which closure codes to apply to those cases, or (3) backlog or inventory reduction goals for those cases; and any backlog or inventory reduction plan for those cases in effect during that period. Messages to or about individual employees and drafts are excluded.
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