USCIS Is Moving Toward Mandatory Online Filing for Certain Forms

Written By JIAQI JI

A new DHS rule will allow USCIS to require certain immigration forms to be filed online only.

Before making e-filing mandatory for a particular form, USCIS must announce the change on its website and provide at least 60 days’ notice before paper filings are no longer accepted.

Some common forms already available for electronic filing include:

  • I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative

  • I-131 – Travel and Parole Documents

  • I-140 – Employment-Based Immigration Petitions, including EB-1 and NIW

  • I-485 – Adjustment of Status

  • I-485 Supplement J

  • I-765 – Employment Authorization

  • I-539 – Extension/Change of Status

  • I-907 – Premium Processing Request

  • I-129 – Certain nonimmigrant worker petitions, including H-1B, L-1, and O-1

USCIS currently allows these and other forms to be filed through either guided online filing or PDF upload.

The rule is an Interim Final Rule (IFR), meaning DHS skipped the usual proposed-rule-and-comment stage.

It is scheduled for publication on August 11, 2026 and will take effect immediately upon publication, although DHS will still accept public comments afterward.

JIAQI JI
Previous

USCIS 正在迈向强制线上递交
Next

DHS Moves to Eliminate the H-1B 60-Day Grace Period | Decade-Old Protection May Be Coming to an End