USCIS Moves Toward Mandatory E-Filing for Immigration Forms | VisaNation

USCIS Moves Toward Mandatory E-Filing for Immigration Forms

Shilpa Malik Managing attorney
Must Know Facts

Must-Know Facts

  • Effective August 11, 2026, USCIS can require online filing for any form available electronically for at least 180 days, provided they give a 60-day public advance notice.
  • 22 forms are immediately eligible to be transitioned to mandatory e-filing, including common filings like the I-130, I-140, I-765, and N-400.
  • Applicants facing technology, financial, or location barriers can request an exemption to file on paper by submitting Form I-936 ($25 fee, fee waiver eligible).
Mandatory E-Filing Cover Photo

USCIS is making a significant shift in how immigration benefit requests are filed. A new rule taking effect August 11, 2026, gives the agency greater authority to move certain immigration filings away from paper and toward electronic submission. Here’s what applicants and attorneys need to know about what’s changing, and when these changes could affect the way you file with USCIS.

Table of Contents hide
1. USCIS Moves Toward Mandatory E-Filing for Immigration Forms
2. Which USCIS Forms Are Eligible for Mandatory E-Filing?
3. Can I Get a Waiver From USCIS Mandatory E-Filing Requirements?
4. How Much Does a USCIS E-Filing Waiver Cost?

USCIS Moves Toward Mandatory E-Filing for Immigration Forms

Beginning August 11th, 2026, USCIS can now require e-filing for a form once it has been available for e-filing for at least 180 days. Before making E-filing mandatory, USCIS will notify the public on its website at least 60 days before requiring e-filing of a form.

The public can comment on the rule until October 13, 2026, and DHS can consider those comments and potentially amend the rule. However, until it is changed or withdrawn, the rule remains in effect.

Which USCIS Forms Are Eligible for Mandatory E-Filing?

USCIS currently offers e-filing for 22 forms that have been available electronically for at least 180 days. Under the new rule, USCIS now has the authority to make some or all of these forms mandatory for e-filing:

  1. AR-11 Alien’s Change of Address Card
  2. G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative
  3. G-325R Biographic Information (Registration)
  4. G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request
  5. I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
  6. I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
  7. I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
  8. I-131 Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records
  9. I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
  10. I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
  11. I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
  12. I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
  13. I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
  14. I-821 Application for Temporary Protected Status
  15. I-821D Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
  16. I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service
  17. I-912 Request for Fee Waiver
  18. N-336 Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA)
  19. N-400 Application for Naturalization
  20. N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
  21. N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship
  22. N-600K Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322

DHS estimates approximately $533 million in annual cost savings to requestors, offset by about $15 million in annual waiver-related costs, for approximately $518 million in net annual savings

Can I Get a Waiver From USCIS Mandatory E-Filing Requirements?

If filing online causes serious hardship, you can ask for an exception. USCIS will consider your:

  • Location
  • Financial situation
  • And access to technology or the internet.

The waiver can be requested via Form I-936, Request for Waiver of E-Filing Requirement, filed before the paper benefit request. The applicant must provide evidence supporting the hardship.

How Much Does a USCIS E-Filing Waiver Cost?

The waiver costs $25. The rule establishes a $25 fee for Form I-936, although certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver.

How VisaNation Can Help

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Navigating USCIS’s shift toward mandatory e-filing can be complex. Whether you need assistance preparing an electronic application, verifying eligibility, or applying for a hardship waiver (Form I-936) to file on paper, VisaNation Law Group is here to help. Our experienced immigration attorneys ensure your filings are accurate, fully compliant, and submitted without delay.