USDHS Issues Interim Final Rule Mandating Electronic Filing with USCIS

USDHS Issues Interim Final Rule Mandating Electronic Filing with USCIS

On August 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) published an interim final rule that allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to mandate the electronic filing for certain immigration forms. The interim final rule is effective on August 11, 2026, and public comments can be submitted to USDHS on or before October 13, 2026.

The full interim final rule can be viewed here.

Under the interim final rule, USCIS will notify the public on its website at least 60 days before requiring the electronic filing (e-filing) of a form type. Filers must have a USCIS Online Account in order to submit an immigration form/application online with USCIS.

Electronic filing is already available for many USCIS form types, and international students and scholars may continue to file electronically. As USCIS provides additional information, and verifies form types that will mandate only electronic filing, they will update their online form instructions accordingly. The ISO/ISchO will be sure to provide updates as we receive more information.

If any questions arise, please contact your ISO Advisor or ISchO Advisor.