The season for being able to e-file certain USCIS forms is drawing to an end. There will be a new Electronic Immigration System in the future, which will take Legacy’s place. USCIS is already working on this new system. What does this mean for those would like to e-file their applications in the next month or so? Applicants must act quickly, and begin completing new forms in the existing e-Filing system by August 30th. After this date, it will not be possible to begin a new application through the Legacy e-File system. Once a form has been started in the e-File system, the applicant will have until September 20th to complete and submit their petition. If it is not possible to meet either of these cutoff dates, paper forms must be mailed to USCIS instead.
The following forms are affected by the discontinuance of the e-Filing Legacy system. After the cutoff dates, applicants must submit paper forms for:
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service
Paper forms can be downloaded from http://www.uscis.gov/. Click on the tab at the top left of the USCIS title bar for forms.
If you require assistance paper filing these applications, please call our office on 410-884-3131 and schedule a consultation. We will be happy to help.
If you already have a case pending with USCIS that you submitted via the Legacy e-Filing system, your application will be processed and adjudicated as usual.
The Electronic Immigration System
Legacy e-Filing System is to be replaced by a new system called the Electronic Immigration System. This new system will be faster and more secure than Legacy, and easier for USCIS to upgrade and update. There will be a transitional period between the two systems, during which time there will be no electronic filing system in use, and applicants must mail in paper forms.
