May 29, 2003 

Fact Sheet: 

E-Filing and other BCIS Services Online 

Each year the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) receives 

approximately seven million applications for immigration benefits. BCIS has now 

developed the technology to accept electronic filing of certain applications for 

immigration benefits. This technology improves both customer service and BCIS’ ability 

to verify the identity of individuals in the future. E-filing – combined with the collection 

and storage of an applicant’s digital photograph, signature, and fingerprint – allows the 

BCIS to produce a high quality immigration document with special security features. 

Applications that can be filed online are forms I-765 (Application for Employment 

Authorization) and I-90 (Application for Replacement of Green Card). These two forms 

represent approximately 30% of the total number of benefit applications filed with BCIS 

annually. 

E-filing Applications

 E-filing is quick, easy and convenient for applicants because it allows them, or 

their representatives, to complete and submit applications at any time, from 

any computer with Internet access. Upon completion of the e-filing session, 

customers will receive instant electronic confirmation that the application was 

received. Customers can then schedule themselves for an appointment to visit 

an Application Support Center for collection of a digital photograph, 

signature, and fingerprint. 

 For those who file electronically, BCIS confirms the identity of the customer 

early in the application process. BCIS also electronically collects a 

photograph, signature, and fingerprint for the individual. These biometrics are 

stored and can be used later for verification of the person’s identity. 

 Customers whose applications are approved receive high quality immigration 

documents with special security features produced from BCIS’ centralized 

card production facility. 

 BCIS intends to add electronic filing capabilities for additional forms in the 

Fall of 2003. Additional forms include: Form I-129, Petition for 

Nonimmigrant Worker; Form I-131, Application for Travel Document; Form 

I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; Form I-539, Application to 

Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-821, Application for Temporary 

Protected Status; and Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. 

 Filing instructions and eligibility information for e-filing are available at 

www.bcis.gov. 

Online Status Check

 Last year, the BCIS expanded its e-services by introducing “Case Status 

Online”. Customers who have a receipt number for an e-filed application or an 
application or petition filed at a Service Center can check the status of their 

pending case online through the website www.bcis.gov and avoid prolonged 

waits on the phone or at a local office. 

 It is estimated that more than 30,000 customers take advantage of this service 

every day. Those filing electronically will also be able to take advantage of 

this remarkable service. 

Forms Online 

 The website also provides information and forms online for users to download 

free of charge. Customers are able to print out the forms, complete them and 

mail them to the appropriate office for adjudication. 

 Today, the online form catalog is the most used feature of the BCIS Website, 

with almost 1 million of the nearly 2.8 million visitors per month 

downloading forms. 

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