Overview
- An interim final rule that took effect on August 11, 2026 lets USCIS make any form that has been available for e‑filing for at least 180 days mandatory online after the agency gives at least 60 days' public notice.
- Under the rule, filers must use a USCIS online account to submit forms by completing them on the site or by uploading PDFs and any supporting evidence.
- USCIS retains a discretionary waiver process for people who cannot file electronically and some outlets report the agency may charge a $25 fee for exemption requests, a detail described in media coverage rather than uniformly across all agency statements.
- DHS and USCIS justified the change with FY2025 data showing more than 14 million benefit requests, about 453 million pages handled by Treasury lockboxes, and roughly $396 million in lockbox costs, arguing e‑filing will cut manual handling, shipping, storage and scanning expenses and speed adjudication.
- The rule is open for public comment through October 13, 2026 and will be implemented form by form using the 180‑day availability and 60‑day notice process, raising concerns about the digital divide and how discretionary waivers will be applied to protect applicants without reliable internet access.