By Debbie McGoldrick

THE extra fees customers of the USCIS (formerly INS) have been asked to fork out for various immigration services are apparently being put to good use. Last week the USCIS announced an expansion of its electronic filing initiative, whereby those seeking certain benefits can start the process by submitting the required forms on the agency’s website, www.uscis.gov.

Eight different forms, which account for more than 50% of the applications USCIS receives, can now be filed online. Last year USCIS began accepting forms I-90 (application to replace a green card) and I-765 (application for employment authorization) online. 

Now, six more have joined the list — I-129 (petition for non-immigrant worker), I-131 (application for travel document), I-140 (immigrant petition for alien worker), I-539 (application to extend/change non-immigrant status), I-821 (application for temporary protected status), and I-907 (request for premium processing service.)

Customers using the e-filing system will receive instant confirmation that their applications have been received. They will be able to pay appropriate fees online with a debit/credit card, or electronic transfers. 

Through the agency’s case status online feature, those awaiting processing can also check the progress of their applications on the website. So all in all, some positive things seem to be happening at the agency, which promises even more in the way of online filing before the end of the year.