India, Aug. 12 -- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is moving toward mandatory electronic filing for a wider range of immigration forms under a new Department of Homeland Security rule that took effect on August 11, 2026. The policy allows USCIS to require online filing for any immigration form that has been available for e-filing for at least 180 days.

USCIS said it will provide at least 60 days' notice on its website before making electronic filing mandatory for any specific form. Applicants will need to use a USCIS online account and can either complete the form online or upload a PDF of the completed application along with supporting documents.

The agency said the move will reduce its reliance on physical lockbox f...