US moves immigration filings online
The US is moving towards mandatory online filing for several immigration applications, including green card, citizenship and asylum filings. A new Department of Homeland Security
The US is moving towards mandatory online filing for several immigration applications, including green card, citizenship and asylum filings. A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule taking effect today, August 11, gives US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the authority to require electronic filing for eligible immigration forms.However, the rule does not immediately make any specific form online-only.Under the interim final rule, USCIS can require electronic filing for an immigration benefit request once the relevant form has been available for e-filing for at least 180 days. Before making e-filing mandatory for a particular form, category or type of request, USCIS must announce the requirement on its website at least 60 days in advance.Also Read: American dream turns more distant for Indians as US tightens immigration rulesThe move could eventually affect a range of immigration benefits, including applications to renew or replace green cards, family-based petitions, naturalisation requests, asylum applications, employment authorisation and Temporary Protected Status filings.
USCIS currently offers 22 forms for online filing, according to the rule.What the new rule means for applicantsOnce a form becomes subject to mandatory e-filing, applicants will need a USCIS online account to submit it electronically. They can either complete the form through USCIS's online system or, where available, upload a PDF of the completed form and supporting documents through their account.The August 11 rule does not mean every immigration form will become online-only immediately. Instead, it establishes a framework under which USCIS can gradually shift eligible forms and filing categories from paper to electronic submission.Also Read: H-1B layoff or missing paperwork? Indians face a tougher US immigration roadPeople who face undue hardship in filing electronically can request a waiver. USCIS will consider waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.
The rule establishes a $25 fee for the waiver request, although fee waivers may be available to certain applicants.Why USCIS is moving away from paperThe rule is part of a wider effort to reduce USCIS' reliance on paper-based processing and physical lockbox facilities operated by the US Treasury Department.DHS said electronic filing can reduce the costs involved in receiving, processing, scanning, storing and shipping paper applications. It also expects the shift to reduce errors and incomplete submissions and make it easier for applicants to receive confirmation of their filings.The rule estimates that the change could generate about $518 million in annual net savings for immigration benefit requestors during the 10-year implementation period from fiscal years 2027 to 2036.Digital filing and security checksUSCIS also expects electronic processing to improve how immigration data is received, stored and accessed.The agency said e-filing can help reduce errors and incomplete submissions while making case information easier to access.
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