USCIS Announces Direct Filing for More Forms
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new “Direct Filing” instructions for additional immigration forms that were transitioned last year into the “Bi-Specialization” initiative. Direct filing is the process by which USCIS requires applicants to file their petitions and applications with the USCIS service center that will process the filings, based on the place of temporary employment or place of residence. The center where they file also will generate the receipt notice and complete the adjudication.
Effective July 30, 2007, the following forms are included in the direct filing process: Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)), Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), Form I-485 (Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service). USCIS will implement direct filing incrementally for all remaining petition and application forms transitioned into the Bi-Specialization initiative.
The July 30 effective date coincides with the effective date of the fee increase for all immigration benefit applications and petitions. During the first 30 days of direct filing (July 30 to August 28), USCIS will not reject any form incorrectly filed at the prior filing location. Applicants must include the correct fee and must meet all other requirements for a proper filing, however. Beginning on or after August 29, 2007, USCIS will reject any of the forms listed above that are filed with the incorrect filing location.
