Should I file my USCIS immigration application online?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online form processing system is designed for existing lawful permanent residents for quick and easy processing, such as renewing or replacing their green cards, applying for a travel document, or naturalization.  As USCIS has begun modernizing their website and systems, even releasing a mobile application, we wondered why we should prefer one form of application over another. Is there a difference?

To test out the system, we recently filed an I-90, Application to Replace LPR card. In this article, we will share our opinion of the online system.

What are the benefits of filing online?

No paperwork

We opt to go paperless whenever possible, which can be challenging in a law office, but shouldn’t be in our private lives. As such, we truly felt that the process of filling out a form on our cellphones was much easier than filling out an Adobe PDF on the computer, printing it out, signing the form, scanning/copying the signed form, and then buying stamps or delivering the form to the post office.

Pay online

Up till now, we have been able to pay for USCIS filing fees using either a check or money order (cashier’s checks might be an option as well).  Money orders cost money and require upfront payment, while personal checks often give clients stress because they have to maintain a certain balance on their accounts for weeks, if not months on end, while waiting for USCIS to process their check.  If at the time of processing the account does not have enough to cover the filing fees, USCIS rejects the applications and mails the entire package back to us.

Paying for your USCIS filing fees online is like online shopping: you insert your card number and it’s done. Instant, simple, and most importantly: stress-free.

Secure updates

Have you ever filed something and then waited for the results in the mail? Snail-mail can seemingly take forever, especially when coupled with USCIS processing times, and the postal service is not always reliable. Did you move? Was there a typo with your address? Did you forget an apartment number? Whatever the cause, the damage is done. You’ve sent it out and sure, you can make inquiries and address changes, but meanwhile you may not be able to check the online status of your case because you don’t have the receipt with the receipt number (a must!)

In order to file an application online, you first have to create an online account with USCIS. Once submitted, you’ll receive all receipts, updates, and notifications to your account instantaneously.  The system will send you an email notification informing you that you have received an update or notice and you can download the PDF copy of the notice.  A paper copy is also mailed to you.  The online notifications are great for when you’re mobile, when you don’t check your P.O. box every day, or when mail gets lost in the process.  You’ll know instantly if you have a finger print appointment, an interview, or a request for further evidence (RFE).

Updates on my cellphone

Finally, we felt the online application process saved us a lot of headaches as everything was mobile accessible.  If you want to be updated on your USCIS case file with a mobile app, download the iOS version here and the Google Play version here  (note: not an official USCIS application). Would you like to see a review of these apps? Let us know!