On May 22, 2019, USCIS announced a new eProcessing strategy that will accelerate its transition to a digital business model. eProcessing will therefore be completely digital from start to end and will include the ability to apply for a benefit, communicate with USCIS and receive a decision on a pending case in addition to receiving biometrics appointment notices, status updates, ability to respond to Requests for Evidence and update/change contact information. Through eProcessing, USCIS will create official digital immigration records from time of application to final decision, and will continue to issue Forms I-797, Notices of Action, and Forms I-94, Arrival-Departure Records, as evidence of benefits granted.
The initial step in the new eProcessing strategy will allow certain business visitors (B-1), those visiting for pleasure (B-2), academic students (F-1), spouses/children of academic students (F-2), vocational students (M-1) and spouses/children of vocational students (M-2) to extend their stay in the U.S. via online application. Please note that an F-2 or M-2 applicant in the U.S. may apply online as an individual if the expiration dates of their spouse or parent’s status differ from theirs. If the dates are the same, they may apply as a co-applicant using the paper Form I-539.
USCIS advises that additional I-539 classifications, i.e. an H-4 spouse or child of an H nonimmigrant worker, will soon be added to eProcessing.
For more information on eProcessing, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-accelerates-transition-digital-immigration-processing-0.