On October 8, USCIS introduced a new PDF filing option for certain applicants seeking an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). According to USCIS, “Eligible applicants may now upload a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with the required evidence, in PDF format using their USCIS online account.”
Additionally, applicants can submit a completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, with their application using this new PDF filing option. USCIS stated, “This is the first time we are accepting fee waiver requests electronically filed via USCIS online accounts.”
Initially, this PDF filing option is available only for Form I-765 applicants in specific categories, including those granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum applicants with pending applications filed on or after January 4, 1995, certain family-based and employment-based applicants awaiting adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, parolees, and those with a pending initial application for TPS who are deemed prima facie eligible for TPS and able to receive an EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit.”
USCIS advises that applicants for the (c)(9) Pending Adjustment of Status category who are fee-exempt should not use the PDF filing option at this time. Instead, they should mail a paper Form I-765 to the address listed on the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization webpage to receive the fee exemption. Special Immigrant Juveniles, T nonimmigrants, Special Immigrant Iraqi or Afghan nationals, abused spouses and children under the Cuban Adjustment Act or the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, U nonimmigrants, Violence Against Women Act self-petitioners, and refugees or lawful permanent residents who obtained status as refugees are among those exempt from the filing fee for Form I-765.
Applications submitted using the PDF filing option will have the same case management functionality in USCIS online accounts as those submitted through the existing e-filing workflow, including case status updates, receipt of Requests for Evidence, and decision notices. Despite the new option, individuals may still file paper application packages with USCIS by mail.
“We continue to demonstrate our support of the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government by introducing new initiatives aimed at improving the customer experience,” said USCIS.
“Planned future expansion of PDF filing will allow attorneys and accredited representatives to file these applications on behalf of their clients, as well as additional form types,” USCIS further stated.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
