Paper forms, mailed applications and physical USCIS lockboxes could gradually become less common as the U.S. government moves more immigration services online.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an interim final rule that creates a framework allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to require online filing for certain immigration forms in the future. The rule took effect on August 11, but it does not mean that all immigration applications must now be filed online.
Under the new framework, USCIS cannot make a form exclusively online immediately after introducing an electronic filing option. At least 180 days must pass after online filing becomes available. USCIS must also provide at least 60 days’ notice before making online filing mandatory for a particular form. Public comments on the rule are open until October 13.
Currently, USCIS allows online filing for 22 forms, including applications for citizenship (N-400), green-card replacement (I-90), family-based immigration (I-130), travel documents (I-131), adjustment of status (I-485) and employment authorization (I-765). Other online-enabled forms include applications related to asylum, Temporary Protected Status, DACA and certain employment-based petitions.
According to USCIS data, as of December 2025, about 43% of individual applicants used online filing when an electronic option was available. The rate was below 6% among applications submitted by attorneys and accredited representatives.
Why is the government making the change?
DHS says the shift is intended to improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Paper applications require physical processing and reliance on lockbox facilities, which can increase both processing time and expenses.
The department said USCIS rejected more than 1 million paper filings in fiscal year 2025, with roughly one-quarter of those rejections linked to fee-related errors.
Officials argue that digital processing could make applications faster to handle while improving identity verification, security screening and fraud detection. Online accounts can also use two-factor authentication to strengthen account security.
Concerns for immigrants
The move toward mandatory online filing could nevertheless create difficulties for older applicants, low-income immigrants and people with limited digital skills.
The new rule provides an exemption mechanism for people who cannot reasonably use the online system. A new Form I-936 is expected to be used for exemption requests, with a proposed $25 fee.
USCIS may consider factors such as an applicant’s location, economic circumstances and access to technology. Simply lacking internet access or being unfamiliar with online applications may not automatically qualify someone for an exemption; applicants may need to explain why they cannot use resources such as libraries, community centers or assistance from family or acquaintances.
For forms eventually designated as online-only, applicants will generally need to use a USCIS online account and may be required to upload supporting documents electronically.
What applicants should watch for
The key point is that the new rule does not immediately eliminate paper filing. Instead, it gives USCIS a structured process for making individual forms online-only in the future.
Immigrants should therefore pay close attention to USCIS notices before mailing an application, particularly when filing for green-card renewal, work authorization, adjustment of status or citizenship.
For Bangladeshi immigrant families in the U.S., this transition could be particularly important for elderly relatives who may have difficulty navigating digital applications.
Bottom line: The U.S. immigration system is moving steadily toward digital filing, but the August 11 rule is a framework for future mandatory online filing—not an immediate requirement that every immigration application be submitted online.
