How to find my ex's A-number?

[naatan 0]

Many years ago I went through this process (before it was with the INS, now it's the USCIS). I was young, got married after meeting a girl in Russia on a mission there, and she immigrated to the States via a K1 visa.

We didn't last long. After about 5 years we filed for divorce.

Now flash forward many years later and I've met someone in the Ukraine, and we've been involved now for over 2 years. We recently decided to take the plunge and have her move to out to the States so we can be together permanently.

My problem now is... as I'm filling out the I-129F, it's asking me about my prior spouse. Part 1, question 14:

Have you ever filed for this or any other alien fiancé(e) or husband/wife before?

Well, the answer is yes of course.

But then it goes on to ask me about he A-number. Oh... I don't know it. I haven't had contact with her in over a decade and really don't know how to get in touch with her at all.

What can I do?

[Georgia16 2,858]

Write unknown.... As long as you say yes to the question about if you have filed for someone before you'll be fine.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Put in "unknown".

[naatan 0]

Ok, thanks!

[kingjulian 80]

Call uscis and give them your passport number and name, they will generate it for you

[naatan 0]

Call uscis and give them your passport number and name, they will generate it for you

I can't seem to reach a live person. I call them and they say live operators are available from 8:00 to 5:00, but in their phone system they never offer an option where I can reach a live operator.

Do you know which options to dial?

[teeak 224]

Call uscis and give them your passport number and name, they will generate it for you

I don't think this applies if requesting someone else's alien number. They may do it if OP's ex-wife was requesting it but, USCIS will not give out personal information to other people.

OP, you're okay with just listing 'unknown' on the form. Plenty of people have done it in the past and they've gotten through the process just fine.

[SimplyBlessed 65]

I made appointment and went to USCIC, I was told the A-Number belongs to that person and is not given out. If you still have a copy of your I-130 you can retrieve from there or place unknown in the box. they understand reason you may not have it. Hope this helps. I too was worried about not having the number. Best Wishes

[Dave&Roza 748]

Many years ago I went through this process (before it was with the INS, now it's the USCIS). I was young, got married after meeting a girl in Russia on a mission there, and she immigrated to the States via a K1 visa.

We didn't last long. After about 5 years we filed for divorce.

Now flash forward many years later and I've met someone in the Ukraine, and we've been involved now for over 2 years. We recently decided to take the plunge and have her move to out to the States so we can be together permanently.

My problem now is... as I'm filling out the I-129F, it's asking me about my prior spouse. Part 1, question 14:

Well, the answer is yes of course.

But then it goes on to ask me about he A-number. Oh... I don't know it. I haven't had contact with her in over a decade and really don't know how to get in touch with her at all.

What can I do?

If you happen to still have records for any of the forms filled out or a copy of her GC when you filed for ROC then you have her A-number. If not, it is HER number and the USCIS will not give it out to anybody but her without her consent. So do not bother calling the USCIS or writing to them as they will not give out her A-number. As others have said, just write "unknown" and move on. If you have old tax returns and her SSN you can fill that in in the correct space otherwise you put "unknown" there as well. I would not waste my time trying to contact her unless you can do so easily, but even then I would not bother.

Dave

Edited July 5, 2016 by Dave&Roza

[tonyg279 5]

had the same problem, just left it blank, just filled out her name, where it was filed and the result, which was approved. I included a letter explaining the reason i could not procure her Alien number, stated on the cover sheet the letter was included in the package. I filed recently and still have not received the NOA2, but i do not think i will have a problem with it, remember they ask such question because of all the fraud cases, they will probably go back to the old file and check to see if they notice something wrong, that is all. At the end of the day rest assure they have all that information in their system.

Edited July 6, 2016 by tonyg279

[MandyAlex 32]

I'll share with you what my experience was since I also did not have my ex-beneficiary, (then ex-wife) A- number. I tried obtaining it but to no avail, and also put "UNKNOWN" on the petition, listing the dates requested to the best of my re-collation being that petition was filed several years back. I did not get a RFE, however, I believe that by me not providing such number, my petition was delayed and its approval took longer than the average, almost 3.5 months. I'm not saying that in your case it will cause a delay simply that it might, so be aware and ready for this. Unfortunately, if the number isn't available isn't available, it is what it is. Good luck to you.

Edited July 6, 2016 by MandyAlex