USCIS to Mandate Electronic Filing for Certain Immigration Forms, Citing National Security and Efficiency Benefits

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing an interim final rule allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to require electronic filing for specific immigration forms that have been available for e-filing for at least 180 days. This initiative aims to enhance fraud detection, streamline identity management, improve national security screening, reduce errors, and accelerate application decision times, while also eliminating reliance on physical lockbox services and accelerating electronic fee payments. The rule is effective August 11, 2026, with public comments accepted until October 13, 2026.