For Immediate Release
Press Office
Contact USCIS, Public Affairs: 202-353-8472
May 26, 2004

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded its electronic filing or E-Filing program.  This simple and friendly to use system allows customers to go online to apply for certain immigration benefits.  USCIS has added six of the most commonly used immigration applications online, totaling the available applications on the USCIS website to eight forms.  Together, the eight forms account for more than 50% of the total volume of benefits applications USCIS receives annually.

"The Department of Homeland Security is committed to improving immigration services while strengthening national security to ensure that our country remains open to those who wish to pursue the American dream," said Tom Ridge, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. "By expanding the e-filing program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will be able to provide immigration information and process benefit applications in a more timely, accurate and efficient manner."

"With the launch of these new forms, USCIS continues its commitment to provide our customers with a convenient and user friendly service," said Eduardo Aguirre, Director of USCIS.  "We want to make sure that our customers can enjoy the highest standards of service, while securing privacy and national security."

The six new forms and petitions now available online include:  

• Employment-based Petitions for Non-immigrant Workers (Form I-129);
• Travel documents (Form I-131);
• Employment-based Petition for Alien Workers (Form I-140);
• Changing or extending status (Form I-539);
• Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821); and
• Premium Processing (Form I-907).  

When USCIS initiated E-Filing last year, it began with the application to replace a green card (Form I-90) and application for employment authorization (Form I-765).  

In addition to the new forms, USCIS has made improvements in other areas to the E-Filing program. Customers who file online can establish an E-Filing "account" that includes a unique User ID and Password. Customer will be able to start filling out a form, save it, and return to it later for completion at their convenience.  Customers will also be able to pay application fees securely by using a credit card, debit card, or the electronic transfer of funds from a checking or savings account.  

E-Filing is just one of several Internet-based services that USCIS customers can access.  Customers can also visit www.uscis.gov  to check the status of a pending application; schedule a date and time to meet with an Immigration Officers using a new initiative called InfoPass; obtain immigration information; and download free forms.

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