e-filing forms v.s. mailing them in

[Elena 0]

This is in regards to form I-765 but it applies to all forms I guess. Has anyone tried e-filing any forms at all and how was it? Almost every form requires supporting documents to be sent in, which I guess they will match up with your e-file record. Wouldn't it be better to send in everything together and not do e-file? Even if you do e-file (which gets the form to them faster) but if they don't get your supporting documents in the mail, it doesn't make the process go any faster right? I'm just trying to determine the benefit of e-filing. Any thoughts?

Edited October 6, 2006 by Elena

[shalz 0]

Elena,

I know someone who had e-filed I-765 and didn't have to send any supporting documents in the mail. and she got approved in exact 25 days....So, E-filing is faster than the mailing-in process.

Edited October 6, 2006 by shalz

[HollyV 0]

This is in regards to form I-765 but it applies to all forms I guess. Has anyone tried e-filing any forms at all and how was it? Almost every form requires supporting documents to be sent in, which I guess they will match up with your e-file record. Wouldn't it be better to send in everything together and not do e-file? Even if you do e-file (which gets the form to them faster) but if they don't get your supporting documents in the mail, it doesn't make the process go any faster right? I'm just trying to determine the benefit of e-filing. Any thoughts?

Benefit of e-filing, in my opinion, is that you can pay with a credit card. We had a hard time putting together all the money for the AOS package, so the e-file was a welcome option. I e-filed my I-765 (after filing for AOS), and had no problems at all. I wasn't required to send in any supporting documents for the I-765 either. So in my situation, e-filing worked out perfect.

Holly*

[Elena 0]

Thanks for your responses. However, I went to create an e-file account and this was part of the instructions after you file:

"You MUST contact the BCIS National Customer Service Center, if instructed to do so on your Confirmation Receipt notice, at 1-800-375-5283 [TTY 1-800-767-1833] to schedule an appointment with your local Application Support Center using your Confirmation Receipt notice or your official Receipt Notice (I-797). The Application Support Center will collect a digital photograph, signature, and fingerprint from you at your appointment."

I know it says "if instructed to" but does that mean that some people have to appear in person while other's don't? Is it just a random selection? Why would they collect photos, signatures and fingerprints from some people and not others? I don't understand. Does anyone know?

[HollyV 0]

Thanks for your responses. However, I went to create an e-file account and this was part of the instructions after you file:

"You MUST contact the BCIS National Customer Service Center, if instructed to do so on your Confirmation Receipt notice, at 1-800-375-5283 [TTY 1-800-767-1833] to schedule an appointment with your local Application Support Center using your Confirmation Receipt notice or your official Receipt Notice (I-797). The Application Support Center will collect a digital photograph, signature, and fingerprint from you at your appointment."

I know it says "if instructed to" but does that mean that some people have to appear in person while other's don't? Is it just a random selection? Why would they collect photos, signatures and fingerprints from some people and not others? I don't understand. Does anyone know?

i think what they are talking about is the biometrics. They sent me a notice to let me know when to go to the application support centre. Most likely they'll send you a notice too. I think you'd be just fine to e-file your app.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I efiled for the renewal of my EAD and my AP. The process was quite straight forward. They provide a confirmation receipt immediately after the efiled forms are accepted. I know I had to mail something in - I don't recall what or for which forms - but I had the receipt notices and was able to get everything together and mailed out the net day. I received back the letter advising me to phone and make my biometrics appointment, which I did, and about a week after the biometrics I received my new EAD. The AP came 3 weeks after that - but had been approved at exactly the same time. The benefit for me was the earlier I got the application filed the sooner I could get the biometrics appointment which for our ASC was about a 7 week wait. And I had proof right away that they had received the application - no waiting for the mail return receipt.

[Elena 0]

Biometrics are required for an EAD? I didn't know that. My husband is in the states on a K3 visa. He's not going to adjust status. His I-130 was approved so he's going to go back to his country for the interview and do CR-1. In the meantime, he wants to get his EAD so he can work while he waits for the immigrant visa. In his case, does he still need to do biometrics?

i think what they are talking about is the biometrics. They sent me a notice to let me know when to go to the application support centre. Most likely they'll send you a notice too. I think you'd be just fine to e-file your app.

[theresa 0]

Ok, I have a question. When you file AOS initially, which is faster? To file EAD with AOS packet in mail or efile EAD separately from AOS packet on the same day you sent AOS packet?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I filed my initial EAD and AP with the AOS and both were processed extremely quickly. That was over 2 years ago though so I am not sure my experience is relevant for you. The problem with efiling the EAD while mailing off the AOS application is that the EAD is dependent on the AOS application having been received. The efiled EAD will arrive BEFORE the AOS does so it won't be eligible based on an AOS. You would have to wait until you know the AOS has been received before you can file the EAD so you might as well file both together as in this case that would be the fastest route.

Yes, if your husband submits a request for an EAD he is required to go for a biometrics appointment as the biometrics are incorporated right onto the actual EAD he receives. The EAD and AP are valid for one year and you need to apply for a renewal if your AOS doesn't look like it will be approved in time. Since your husband is doing the CR1 route, it will depend on if it looks like he will get his interview before the EAD expires. I am not as familiar with your visa route but from what I am reading I should think he wouldn't have to worry about a renewal - that his CR1 will be done within the time the EAD is valid. Of course, once he has the CR1 he won't need an EAD.

Edited October 8, 2006 by Kathryn41

[ThaitoUSA 15]

I am preparing for the next steps and wanted to know whether it is still faster to e-file? Also, if I am filing for AOS, do I still need to pay a fee to e-file or is it included with AOS fee?