Overview
- The provisional rule took effect on Aug. 11, 2026 and permits USCIS to make a form electronic-only once that form has been offered online for at least 180 days.
- Twenty-two forms already meet the 180-day threshold and could be phased to mandatory e-filing first, including common items such as I-90, I-130 and N-400.
- USCIS must publish a public notice for each form and give at least 60 days for applicants to prepare before enforcing electronic-only filing.
- The rule creates Form I-936 to request an exemption for people with extreme digital-access barriers, sets a $25 fee with possible waivers, and allows an approved exemption holder 30 days to file on paper.
- The change is provisional and open for public comment through Oct. 13, 2026; it aims to enable structured data checks and algorithmic fraud screening but raises access concerns for applicants with limited internet or tech help and could shift more Treasury payment processes online.