When someone applies for a visa, becomes a permanent resident, or even enters a country as a visitor, immigration records are created. These records are used to document movements, visa applications, interviews, legal status, and sometimes even fingerprints or other biometrics. But how long do immigration authorities keep these records?
This is a common question, especially for people who are applying for a new visa or immigration benefit and are concerned about what might still be on file. In this article, we will explore how long immigration records are kept, why they are kept, who can access them, and how they can affect your future immigration status. The focus will be on giving you a clear, easy-to-understand picture of the immigration record system.
What Are Immigration Records?
Before we get into how long records are kept, it’s helpful to understand what we mean by “immigration records.” These include all documents and data collected by immigration authorities about a person’s entry, stay, and legal status in a country. Here are some common examples of immigration records:
Visa applications (approved or denied)
Green card or permanent residency applications
Asylum requests
Deportation or removal orders
Border entry and exit records
Biometric data such as fingerprints or photos
Work permit or employment authorization records
Naturalization and citizenship files
Interviews and case notes
Copies of submitted forms and identification documents
Every time you interact with immigration officials or apply for a benefit, a record is created.
Why Are Immigration Records Kept?
Immigration records are kept for many reasons. Here are some of the main ones:
National Security: Immigration authorities use records to check backgrounds and track people who may be a security risk.
Legal Evidence: If there is a question about someone’s status, past applications, or past statements, immigration officials can go back and review records.
Fraud Prevention: Keeping long-term records helps detect fraud. For example, if someone lied on a previous visa application, it may come up years later in a different case.
Family Reunification: Sometimes immigration authorities check past records to confirm family relationships, sponsorships, or legal entries into the country.
Policy and Research: Immigration data is sometimes used to study patterns and create new immigration policies.
How Long Are Immigration Records Kept?
The length of time immigration records are kept depends on the type of record and the policies of the country. Most countries keep immigration records for many years — sometimes forever.
In the United States
In the U.S., immigration records are mostly handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agencies are part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Here’s a general idea of how long they keep records:
Visa and green card applications: These are usually kept permanently. USCIS often keeps the full history of every immigration application a person has ever submitted.
Deportation or removal orders: These are kept indefinitely. Even if a person was deported 20 or 30 years ago, that record will still exist.
Border entry and exit records: CBP keeps detailed logs of people entering and leaving the country. These are often stored permanently in digital systems.
Biometric records: Fingerprints, photos, and other biometric data are usually stored permanently in the IDENT system, which is used to verify identity.
Naturalization and citizenship records: These are kept forever by USCIS and also sent to the National Archives.
Work permits and employment authorizations: These may be kept for several years, but if they are linked to an immigration application, they could be stored permanently.
Some records are destroyed after a set number of years if they are considered temporary or not needed for future reference. But for most major immigration cases, especially those involving long-term status like green cards or citizenship, the records are kept for life.
In Canada
Canada keeps immigration records for a long time as well. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the agency in charge. Here are some examples:
Permanent resident applications: Kept for at least 100 years after the date of decision.
Visitor and temporary visa records: Often kept for 10 to 15 years after the visa expires.
Citizenship applications: Stored permanently.
Deportation and inadmissibility decisions: These are usually permanent.
Even if you left Canada years ago or your visa expired a long time ago, your records are likely still in the system.
In Australia, UK, and Other Countries
Many other countries also keep immigration records for extended periods.
Australia: The Department of Home Affairs stores visa records and travel history for a long time. Permanent resident and citizenship records are generally not deleted.
United Kingdom: The UK Home Office keeps immigration data for many years. Some information is held indefinitely, especially when connected to enforcement or citizenship.
European Union countries: Many EU countries follow strict data protection rules, but immigration records — especially those related to asylum, long-term stays, or citizenship — are often stored long-term.
Who Can Access Immigration Records?
In most countries, immigration records are confidential and protected by privacy laws. That means not just anyone can see your file. However, they can be shared between government agencies when needed. For example:
Law enforcement: Police or intelligence agencies may be able to access immigration records during investigations.
Border control: Border agents often check your immigration history when you enter the country.
Other government departments: In some cases, departments like social services or labor agencies may review immigration records to check if someone is eligible for certain benefits or work permits.
Yourself: You usually have the right to request your own immigration records. In the U.S., this can be done through a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. Other countries have similar systems.
Why Immigration Record History Matters
You might be wondering why it matters that immigration records are kept for so long. Here are some common situations where old records can affect your future:
Applying for a new visa: If you made a mistake on an old application, it could come back to cause problems when applying again.
Overstaying a visa: Even if it happened years ago, the overstay might still appear in your record and affect future applications.
Marriage-based applications: If you previously applied for a marriage-based visa and it was denied, that history could be reviewed if you apply again with a new spouse.
Criminal or immigration violations: Any past legal issues or immigration violations will usually stay in your record permanently and may lead to future denials or deportation orders.
Citizenship applications: Countries often review your full immigration history before approving you for citizenship. They will want to make sure you were honest and followed all rules throughout your stay.
Immigration fraud: If you used false information in the past, even decades ago, and it is discovered later, your immigration status can be taken away.
Can You Delete or Fix Immigration Records?
In most countries, it is very hard — often impossible — to delete immigration records. Once something is on your file, it usually stays there forever. However, there are some situations where you can fix or correct errors.
Request a copy of your file: If you think there is a mistake, the first step is to get a copy of your immigration file. In the U.S., this is called a FOIA request. In Canada, it’s called an ATIP request. Other countries have similar systems.
Submit corrections: If you find a mistake, you may be able to submit proof and request that the record be updated. This doesn’t delete the original information, but your correction will be added to the file.
Expungement or record sealing: In very rare cases, especially if there was a legal error, you may be able to request that certain records be sealed. This is not common and usually requires legal help.
Conclusion
Immigration records are not something that disappear over time. In most countries, especially for important matters like visas, green cards, deportations, and citizenship, records are kept for decades — often permanently. These records can play a big role in your future immigration applications, even years after you last applied.
That’s why it is so important to always be honest, accurate, and careful when submitting immigration forms. A mistake made today could affect your life ten or twenty years from now.
If you’re unsure what’s in your record, or if you’re concerned about a past issue, consider requesting your file or speaking with an immigration expert. Understanding your immigration history is the first step toward a secure future in your chosen country.
Related topics:
- Which European Country is Easiest to Get Permanent Residency?
- Which European Country Is Easiest to Get Citizenship?
- How Much Does a Migration Agent Really Cost?
