US Makes E-Filing Mandatory for More Immigration Forms; What the New Rule Means for Indian Applicants
The rule would let the agency require online filing after 180 days and add a hardship waiver process, with DHS estimating $518 million in annual savings.
- The Trump administration published a new rule in the Federal Register on Monday moving toward mandatory online filing for green cards, citizenship, asylum, and other immigration benefits.
- DHS aims to reduce reliance on the Treasury Department's lockbox system, which incurred roughly $253 million in labor costs and about $10.9 million in postage for paper filings in fiscal year 2025.
- USCIS will require electronic filing once a form has been available online for at least 180 days and the agency provides 60 days' notice; applicants facing hardship can request a waiver using Form I-936 for a $25 fee.
- DHS estimates the rule will generate about $518 million in annual net savings for applicants through reduced paperwork and fewer rejected filings, while creating roughly $15 million in annual costs associated with the waiver process.
- Adam Klein, a former senior DHS official, noted the mandate improves "accuracy, fraud detection, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and speed of decision-making," though he cautioned policymakers must address the "legitimate access question" for vulnerable populations.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Know what changed for migrants: Uscis will be able to demand the electronic submission of certain forms, with 60 days notice.
US to make online filing of immigration applications mandatory
Washington: The US will soon make online applications mandatory for immigration benefits such as green card, citizenship, and asylum, among others, in a bid to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services, in a new rule published in the Federal Register on Monday, said it will now be mandatory to fill any form that has been available for e-filing for at least 180 days. It would also establish a pro…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium













