Comment Period Closes on USCIS E-Filing Rule; Agency Holds Power to End Paper Filing Form by Form
WASHINGTON — The public comment period closed on October 13 for the Department of Homeland Security interim final rule authorizing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to require electronic filing for immigration benefit requests. The rule, in force since August 11, lets USCIS stop accepting paper versions of any form that has been available for e-filing for at least 180 days, after posting notice on its website at least 60 days in advance. Filers would then use a USCIS online account, either completing the form online or uploading a completed PDF with supporting evidence.
According to the rule, 22 forms offered for online filing as of December 16, 2025 — including Forms I-129, I-130, I-140, I-765 and I-907 — already meet the 180-day test. USCIS has not yet designated any form for mandatory e-filing, so paper filing remains available. The rule also proposes a $25 waiver request for people who cannot file electronically.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center submitted a comment on October 12 opposing the rule, arguing that mandatory e-filing could burden people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency and those without reliable internet access, and citing technical failures in USCIS's existing systems. DHS must consider comments received by the deadline and may adjust the rule afterward.
Sources: DHS interim final rule, 91 FR 51924; Immigrant Legal Resource Center comment
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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