USCIS Rolls Out New Online PDF Filing Process for Select Forms

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently launched an online PDF filing option, allowing certain applicants seeking an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to submit Forms I-765 and I-912 directly through its portal. For now, this online filing option is only available for these two forms, but it’s a major step toward modernizing and simplifying U.S. immigration services.

If you’re planning to file for work authorization or a fee waiver, read on to learn more about navigating the new online system.

What Is the New USCIS Online PDF Filing Option?

USCIS has introduced the option to submit Form I-765, application for employment authorization, and Form I-912, request for fee waiver, in PDF format through its online account system. As of October 2024, eligible applicants can upload and file PDFs of their completed forms directly via their USCIS account. This update eliminates the need for paper submissions and aims to reduce errors and inefficiencies that may occur in physical mailing processes, the agency said in a statement

This change also supports USCIS’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, which are designed to decrease backlogs and speed up the processing times for many of their most commonly filed forms.

Who Can Use the USCIS Online PDF Filing Option?

Currently, the new PDF filing option is only available for certain applicants filing Forms I-765 and I-912. These forms are used by immigrants seeking employment authorization and those who need financial relief from USCIS fees.

Eligibility for Filing Form I-765 Online:

To be eligible to file Form I-765 online, you must:

• Be physically present in the United States
• Be applying for employment authorization under a specific eligibility category, such as certain family- or employment-based immigrants, asylum seekers, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders
• Have access to a USCIS online account (which can be created for free)

Eligibility for Filing Form I-912 Online:

The I-912 form allows immigrants facing financial hardship to request a waiver of fees for certain immigration applications such as Form I-765. To qualify for fee waivers, applicants must:

• Demonstrate that their household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
• Provide evidence of means-tested benefits (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Supplemental Security Income)
• Prove financial hardship based on circumstances such as unemployment, medical conditions, or family emergencies

By offering these forms online, USCIS aims to make the application process more accessible, especially for low-income immigrants who may not have the means to submit paper applications by mail.

How to File Forms I-765 and I-912 Online

If you’re eligible to file your Form I-765 or I-912 online, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you complete the process smoothly:

1. Create or Log into Your USCIS Account: To use the online PDF filing option, you must have a USCIS account. If you don’t have one yet, creating an account is free and straightforward through the USCIS website.
2. Complete the Form in PDF Format: Download the latest version of the applicable form (I-765 or I-912) from the USCIS website. Complete the form electronically and ensure all required fields are filled accurately.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather any necessary supporting documentation, such as proof of eligibility (e.g. passport copy, asylum approval, TPS status), or income verification for fee waivers.
4. Upload the Form and Supporting Documents: After filling out the form and preparing your documents, log into your USCIS account, navigate to the “Upload PDF Form” section, and submit your completed application. Make sure you double-check your information before uploading.
5. Pay Any Required Fees: If filing Form I-765, you’ll need to pay the application fee unless you’re applying for a fee waiver using Form I-912, which can also be submitted online. Payments can be made securely online.
6. Track Your Application: Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress through your USCIS account dashboard. USCIS will notify you of any updates, requests for additional information, or decisions.

Why This Matters for U.S. Immigrants

The launch of the USCIS online PDF filing system is a game-changer for immigrants applying for work authorization and fee waivers. Here’s why:

• Faster Processing: The digital system reduces mailing delays and processing time by allowing USCIS officers to access applications immediately.
• Reduced Errors: Filing online minimizes the risk of common mailing errors, such as incomplete forms or missing documents.
• Ease of Access: For immigrants in remote areas or those who do not have easy access to postal services, the online filing option provides an easier way to submit crucial applications.
• Financial Relief: Fee waivers can be processed faster, ensuring that financially struggling immigrants can move forward with their applications without the burden of costly fees.

Bottom Line

The new USCIS online PDF filing option is a welcome change for many U.S. immigrants, particularly those seeking employment authorization or financial relief through fee waivers. By moving forms like I-765 and I-912 online, USCIS is making the application process faster, more efficient, and accessible to a broader range of applicants.

While the new option provides additional filing choices, applicants can still submit paper application packages to USCIS by mail.