A new US Department of Homeland Security interim rule gives US Citizenship and Immigration Services the authority to require electronic filing for selected immigration-benefit applications.
Under the rule, USCIS may designate a form for mandatory online submission only after that form has been available for electronic filing for at least 180 days. The agency must also publish a notice on its official website at least 60 days before the requirement takes effect.
The August 11 rule does not immediately make every immigration application electronic-only. Paper submissions will continue to be accepted for forms that USCIS has not specifically designated for mandatory e-filing.
Applicants unable to submit a form electronically may seek a waiver on hardship grounds. The precise requirements and approval process will depend on USCIS instructions applicable to the designated form.
The change could eventually affect Indian nationals filing applications relating to employment authorization, permanent residence, citizenship and other immigration benefits. Applicants and employers should check the latest USCIS instructions before mailing a paper application because a submission made through an unauthorized method could be rejected.
The rule took effect on August 11, while public comments may be submitted until October 13, 2026.
