The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now allows some immigrants to submit their EAD applications and fee waivers online. From October 2024, you will be able to electronically submit your Forms I-765 (work authorization) and I-912 (fee waiver) without having to use paper anymore through your USCIS online account. That is another big piece that will reduce the paperwork involved in getting immigrants into the country, which is a huge boost to efficiency.
What’s New in the USCIS Online PDF Filing Solution?
Now, I-765 and I-912 applicants can submit the forms I-765 and I-912 in PDF form on the online system of USCIS. With this online filing option, immigrants can apply for work permits and get fee waivers much faster. It also reduces the processing time and mistakes made by snail mail submissions. The move is part of USCIS’s push to update its services to reduce backlogs and streamline immigration.
Who Will Benefit from the New USCIS Online Filing Option?
Online filing is currently only for I-765 and I-912 forms. Who gets to use the new one:
Candidate for I-765 (Employment Authorization)
For online submission of Form I-765, applicants must:
- Be present in the United States in person.
- Be in a qualifying position for work authorization (asylum seekers, some family- or employment-based immigrants, Temporary Protected Status holders)
- Have a free USCIS online account (you can get a free account at the USCIS website)
How To Qualify For Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request)
I-912 – For those in financial need, you can ask for a waiver of immigration fees (such as the I-765 application fee). Candidates for a fee waiver need to:
- Show that their income is less than or equal to 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Be able to provide proof of eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, or Supplemental Security Income.
- Show financial insecurity (eg, from job loss, illness, family emergencies).
- The online system allows low-income immigrants to use the service at no additional cost since physical documents can be expensive to mail.
Online Filing of Forms and Submission
You are eligible, here’s a quick way to submit your forms online:
Sign Up or Sign in to Your USCIS Account:
Don’t have a USCIS account? You can get one free from the USCIS website. Print the Form and
Download the most recent version of Form I-765 or I-912 from the USCIS website as PDF. Fill it out online, and all of the fields should be correct.
Prepare Supporting Documents:
Gather any documentation (e.g., passport copy, asylum status, TPS card) or income proof if getting a waiver of the fee.
Upload Your Form and Documents:
Open your USCIS account, go to the “Upload PDF Form” tab, and upload your application. Double-check your information before submitting.
Pay Any Fees:
You’ll need to pay the application fee if you are submitting Form I-765 unless you’re submitting a request for a waiver of fee with Form I-912 (also available online). Online payments for fees are safe.
Track Your Application:
You can monitor the status of your application online once submitted through your USCIS account. USCIS will notify you if anything progresses, needs more information, or takes a decision.
What’s The Importance of This For U.S. Immigrants?
There are numerous benefits for immigrants seeking work authorization or fee waivers of this new online filing procedure:
- Process faster: No more mailing delays — online forms can be filed immediately with USCIS.
- Fewer Mistakes: Online filing eliminates errors (missing forms or forms).
- Enhanced Access: Immigrants living in a country that doesn’t have good access to the mail can now easily submit applications via the USCIS website.
- Cash Relief: Waivers of fees can be issued sooner, meaning financially weak immigrants can submit their applications without paying large fees.
New USCIS online PDF submissions for I-765 and I-912 are a welcome move for U.S. immigrants. It makes the process of application faster, easier, and cleaner. This change is particularly useful for individuals applying for work authorization or to get some financial assistance via fee exemptions.
Although online is faster and more convenient, you can still submit paper applications if you would like. This new online filing system is great news for people seeking work authorization or fee waivers.
Where to Find Help with Your US Immigration Form?
For anyone who is interested in applying for a work permit or seeking to waive the fee, Law and Visas will be there to guide you through the application. We are an immigration firm specializing in assisting individuals with the complicated U.S. immigration system and we can help you fill out your application correctly and promptly. Get in touch today to get professional guidance!
