Dec 8 2003

USCIS Enhances Their Online Services

The Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Eduardo Aguirre, recently announced the addition of two new services to the USCIS website. The USCIS website will now accept online credit card payments for electronically filed applications. The site will also provide processing date information to their already existing case status system.

Online filing of USCIS applications were first offered in May of this year and are one part of the USCIS’s commitment to modernize the application process. Since that time, over 50,000 applications have been received online; the majority of these were to renew or replace a green card or receive employment authorization. Now, credit cards, certain debit cards and electronic transfer will be accepted along with online applications.

The enhancements to the USCIS case status system will enable applicants to obtain current application processing dates, along with information on when they need to telephone the National Customer Service Center for further assistance. Applicants will continue to receive information on the last actions, location and decisions on pending applications.

USCIS is fully committed to offering world class customer service and to modernizing and creating a more efficient department. “We are leveraging the latest in technology for our customers,” said Director Aguirre. “Today’s innovations allow us to maximize service options for electronic applications and do so in a secure environment with real time payment confirmation…. [In addition,] customers also want to know information about when to expect a decision on an immigration benefit. It is sound business to inform on, and grant access to, case status from almost anywhere at any time, by way of the Internet.”