May 13, 2003 - The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) announced that beginning May 29, 2003 it plans to offer electronic filing (e-filing) as an option for two of the most commonly submitted immigration forms - the application used to renew or replace a "green card" (Form I-90) and the application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765). According to the BCIS, the Employment Authorization and "green card" replacement applications were selected as the first forms for e-filing because they account for approximately 30 percent of the applications received annually by the BCIS, and require very little supporting documentation. BCIS advised that electronic filing for other immigration applications will be phased in over the next several years.

According to the BCIS, individuals who e-file will not have to submit photographs at the time they file their applications. They will instead schedule an appointment to visit a local Application Support Center (ASC) at a convenient time for the electronic collection of a photograph, signature, and fingerprint in person.

Berry, Appleman & Leiden is closely monitoring the implementation of this welcome BCIS initiative. Please feel free to contact your attorneys at Berry, Appleman & Leiden with any questions.