Green Card Update: USCIS Prepares Major Change to Application Process
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is preparing a new rule that would require most immigration benefit requests, including green card and citizenship applications, to be filed online once the forms have been available electronically for at least 180 days. This change aims to improve efficiency and fraud detection in the immigration process but will allow certain exemptions for those who cannot file online.Key Facts
- The new rule would let U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require online filing for many immigration applications.
- Forms must be available online for 180 days before mandatory e-filing can be required.
- USCIS must give at least 60 days' notice before making any form online-only.
- Common forms affected include green card applications, renewals, family petitions, citizenship applications, asylum claims, and work authorizations.
- As of 2025, 22 immigration forms are already available for online filing.
- About 43% of individual applicants filed online in fiscal year 2025, but only about 6% of attorneys did so voluntarily.
- The rule aims to reduce paper processing, speed up application handling, and improve fraud detection.
- There will be a waiver option for applicants who cannot use electronic filing, such as those with limited internet access.
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