Jun 1 2003

BCIS Now Offering Electronic Filing of Forms I-90 and I-765

The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) began accepting electronic filing for two immigration forms May 29 -- the application to renew or replace a green card (Form I-90) and the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).

E-filing is part of BCIS' ongoing plan to provide simpler and more convenient means for immigrants and nonimmigrants to interact with the Bureau. "For the first time in our history," said acting director Eduardo Aguirre, "BCIS is able to offer our customers the option of filing for certain immigration benefits using the Internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

BCIS confirms the identity of online filers early in the application process. Photographs, signatures and fingerprints for each individual are also stored electronically. E-filers who have not yet had their photographs taken by BCIS do not need to submit photographs with their applications. Instead, e-filers should call the National Customer Service Center at 1(800)375-5283 to schedule a photographing, signature and fingerprinting appointment at a regional Application Support Center. E-filers may also pay application fees online via electronic transfer of U.S. funds from their checking or savings accounts.

Forms I-90 and I-765 were chosen as the first forms for e-filing both because they account for thirty percent of all forms filed each year with BCIS and because they are relatively easy to fill out and do not require many supporting documents. BCIS plans to offer e-filing for a range of other immigration applications in the coming years.

For more information on e-filing, please visit the BCIS website at www.bcis.gov.