USCIS Plans to Require Electronic Filing for Certain Immigration Forms

The Department of Homeland Security issued an interim final rule authorizing USCIS to require electronic filing for certain immigration benefit requests that have been available for e-filing for at least 180 days.  

DHS Issues Rule Allowing Mandatory E-Filing 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published an interim final rule that allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to require electronic filing for certain immigration benefit requests. Under the rule, USCIS may mandate e-filing for forms that have been available electronically for at least 180 days and must provide 60 days’ advance notice before a filing requirement takes effect.  

What Is Changing? 

Under the new rule: 

• USCIS may require electronic filing for eligible immigration benefit requests.  
• Filers will use a USCIS online account to submit forms, either by completing them online or uploading a PDF version of the completed form and supporting evidence.  
• USCIS must provide 60 days’ notice before requiring e-filing for a particular form.  
• Individuals who cannot comply with an e-filing requirement may request a waiver based on undue hardship.  

Why USCIS Is Making the Change 

According to DHS, expanded e-filing is intended to: 

• Reduce reliance on the Treasury’s physical lockbox services and support electronic fee payments. 
• Increase efficiency and reduce operational waste associated with paper filings.  
• Improve fraud detection, identity management and national security screening through greater access to electronic data. 
• Reduce filing errors, incomplete submissions and processing delays. 

Key Dates 

• Effective date: August 11, 2026.  
• Comment deadline: October 13, 2026.  

Looking Ahead