BCIS BEGINS OFFERING ONLINE FILING FOR TWO POPULAR IMMIGRATION FORMS
BCIS BEGINS OFFERING ONLINE FILING FOR TWO POPULAR IMMIGRATION FORMS
Continued from Last Issue
Q. How do applicants provide supporting documents or evidence required by BCIS to adjudicate their application?
A. After electronic submission, applicants are instructed to send supporting documentation or evidence to the address listed on the Confirmation Receipt notice. Applicants should attach a copy of the Confirmation Receipt notice to the documents to help BCIS match them to the e-filed application.
Q. How does BCIS verify the identity of applicants if a form is filed electronically?
A. After e-filing, the applicant must make an appointment to visit an Application Support Center (ASC) by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Applicants who filed Form I-90 should bring a copy of their application and their Confirmation Receipt notice to their appointment. The ASC will keep the copy of the application. We encourage applicants to make an additional copy for their own records.
Applicants who filed Form I-765 need only bring a copy of their Confirmation Receipt notice. At the ASC, the BCIS will confirm the applicant's identity and electronically capture a photograph, fingerprints, and a signature. The BCIS will use these biometrics to produce the Employment Authorization Document or Permanent Resident Card, if the application is approved.
Q. How can an applicant get help with e-filing?
A. We recommend that customers first check the BCIS website (www.bcis.gov.) and review the list of Frequently Asked Questions on e-filing. If a customer cannot find the information he/she needs, the customer can call the National Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 for information.
Q. What happens if I move?
A. You must submit Form AR-11, Change of Address Form, to the appropriate address listed on the form. Form AR-11 can be obtained through the website or by calling the Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-375-5283.
BCIS Experiments with Internet Appointment Scheduling
The Miami office of the BCIS is experimenting with an on-line appointment scheduling system. If the system is successful, BCIS officials have indicated a desire to use it nationwide. The appointments can be set for requesting advance parole, case status check, and general immigration information. Though people are still permitted to line up at the Miami BCIS, those with an interview will be served at the appointed interview time.
To schedule an appointment online, a foreign national will need the following: a zip code; a first, middle, and last name; a date of birth; a phone number; and an e-mail address. The system then will ask the foreign national to choose an available date and time. Once all of this information is entered, the foreign national will need to print the online notice that sets the appointment at the local BCIS office. The notice advises the foreign national that, should s/he fail to appear on time, the appointment time will be lost and a new appointment will need to be scheduled. The foreign national should take any of the following that is available: government-issued identification, passport, valid driver's license, I-94, EAD card, green card, and all applicable immigration forms, letters, receipts, translations, and originals of supporting documents. The minimum the person must take is the appointment notice and photo identification.
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