Available USCIS Forms Online Filing: Access, Fees, and Workflow

(UNITED STATES) Filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has moved fast in recent years, and for many people the biggest change is simple: more USCIS forms can be filed online through a USCIS online account, instead of printing, mailing, and waiting for paper notices. USCIS says you should start by creating a free USCIS online account, then choose whether you will complete a guided form on screen or upload a finished PDF, depending on the form. Either way, USCIS says both options give you access to the same online account case tools.

This guide walks you through the full “start to finish” journey — from choosing the right filing method to paying the correct fee and avoiding mistakes that can trigger a denial or lost money. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the practical win for families, workers, and students is not only speed and tracking, but fewer mailing risks — so long as you pick the correct form type and category the first time.

Step 1: Confirm your form can be filed online, and pick the right method

USCIS lists two ways to submit forms online using a USCIS online account:

1. Fill out a form online (guided workflow): a step-by-step system where you answer only the questions that apply to you.
2. Upload a completed PDF online: you fill out the form offline, then upload the PDF and supporting evidence.

USCIS warns that “availability of these options varies by form type.” So the first task is matching your form to the option USCIS allows. A practical place to begin is USCIS’s official overview page: File Online, which explains the basics of filing in its secure online system.

Forms USCIS lets you “fill out online” (guided workflow)

USCIS lists these as available to complete through the guided online process:

• AR-11 Alien’s Change of Address Card (USCIS also points filers to its address-change instructions)
• G-325R Biographic Information (Registration)
• G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request
• I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (USCIS will accept it for non-cap H-1B petitions and for H-1B cap petitions when registrations have been selected)
• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
• I-131 Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records (only certain application types — details below)
• I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (only certain categories — details below)
• I-821 Application for Temporary Protected Status
• I-821D Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service
• N-336 Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings
• N-400 Application for Naturalization (but not if you are requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver)
• N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
• N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship
• N-600K Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322

Forms USCIS lets you “upload a PDF online”

USCIS also lists forms that can be filed by uploading a completed PDF with evidence. This option matters a lot for employers and lawyers, because USCIS says attorneys or representatives using the PDF upload option must also upload G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.

USCIS lists these as available via PDF upload:

• I-129H2A Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: H-2A Classification (only via PDF upload online; USCIS says it will reject paper-filed I-129H2A)
• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
• I-131 Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records (certain types, including many advance parole options — details below)
• I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Workers (online only if it is standalone, with no other form except G-28)
• I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (certain categories, with an important fee warning — details below)
• I-912 Request for Fee Waiver (available online only with certain forms USCIS lists)
• N-400 Application for Naturalization (same restriction on reduced fee/fee waiver applies)

USCIS also notes a specific expansion for farm employers: On Oct. 30, 2025, it expanded online availability of I-129H2A to include petitioners seeking named beneficiaries and those filing with G-28. USCIS says it previously accepted petitions only for unnamed beneficiaries.

Step 2: Build a safe filing plan before you click “submit”

People often rush the account setup and form selection because they are stressed — an expiring status, a job start date, a family emergency trip. But USCIS’s own warnings show why slowing down helps.

The I-131 trap: you can’t switch categories after filing

USCIS is blunt: “You cannot change or amend your selected application type after you file online.” It also warns that if you file I-131 online for a category that must be filed on paper (USCIS gives “advance parole document” as an example), but you pick a different category just to enable online filing, USCIS says it may deny the I-131 and will not refund the filing fee.

Plan checklist for I-131:

• Read the I-131 application type list USCIS provides.
• Match the correct “Part 1, Box” selection to your situation.
• File on paper if USCIS requires paper for your specific request.

USCIS’s online list includes, for example, re-parole categories for certain Afghans paroled into the United States after July 31, 2021 and certain Ukrainians and their Immediate Family Members paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022, as well as the Central American Minors Program and the Family Reunification Task Force Process, each tied to a specific box selection.

Warning: Choosing the wrong category to force an online filing can lead to denial and no refund of fees.

Top 4 online-filing traps to avoid

I-131: You cannot change the chosen category after filing No changes

USCIS: “You cannot change or amend your selected application type after you file online.” Choosing the wrong category to force online filing can lead to denial and no refund.

Double-check the exact ‘Part 1, Box’ selection (examples include re-parole categories for certain Afghans paroled after July 31, 2021; certain Ukrainians paroled on/after Feb. 11, 2022; Central American Minors; Family Reunification Task Force). If USCIS requires paper for your request, file on paper.

I-765 (c)(9): Do NOT use PDF upload if you are fee-exempt Fee risk

USCIS warns fee-exempt (c)(9) applicants should not submit via the PDF upload option “at this time.”

If you are fee-exempt and submit via PDF you may be required to pay a fee or submit a fee waiver; if you pay when fee-exempt, USCIS says it will not issue a refund.

I-140 online only if standalone Mail if bundled

I-140 is online only when filed standalone (no other form except G-28).

If you submit I-140 with another form (USCIS specifically names I-485 or I-907), you must file by mail. USCIS notes I-907 may still be filed by mail after filing I-140 online.

N-400: Cannot file online if requesting reduced fee or fee waiver Paper only

Although N-400 is allowed online, USCIS bars online filing when requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver.

If you seek a reduced fee or fee waiver for naturalization, you must file a paper N-400 with the proper waiver request.

I-765 category and fee warnings (especially for (c)(9))

USCIS allows online filing for I-765 in listed categories. In the guided workflow list, USCIS includes categories such as:

• (a)(12) Temporary Protected Status granted
• (c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B), (c)(3)(C) for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT extension
• (c)(8) based on pending I-589 and certain ABC Settlement applicants
• (c)(11) parole for urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit
• (c)(19) certain pending TPS applicants who USCIS says are prima facie eligible
• (c)(33) DACA (you must have a pending or approved I-821D)

In the PDF upload list, USCIS adds (c)(9) for certain adjustment-of-status applicants, but issues a sharp warning:

If you are applying for (c)(9) Pending Adjustment of Status and you are fee exempt, do not submit through the PDF filing option “at this time.” You may be required to pay a fee or submit a fee waiver request, and if you pay when you are fee exempt, USCIS says it will not issue a refund.

Step 3: Fees — when “online” is required, and where discounts can appear

USCIS makes three fee points that matter early:

• If you are immigrating as a lawful permanent resident, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online, unless exempted.
• If you are filing I-131A Application for Carrier Documentation, you must pay that form’s filing fee online.
• USCIS says there is a discount when filing certain forms online, and directs filers to the official Fee Schedule to check the exact filing fee information.

Best practice: Confirm fees the same day you file, because fees can change and some categories have special rules.

Step 4: Submit, then use your USCIS online account to track the case

Once you submit your form (guided form or PDF upload), USCIS says you get the same online account case management features either way.

Everyday account tasks:

• Log in regularly to check messages.
• Respond promptly if USCIS asks for additional evidence or information.
• If you filed with a lawyer or accredited representative, confirm that the G-28 is uploaded when required — USCIS ties representation to that notice.

Step 5: Premium processing requests, and when online filing still requires mailing

USCIS’s guidance shows mixed filing rules. I-907 (premium processing) can be filed on paper or online in several situations, including for:

• I-129 H-1B cap and non-cap petitions,
• certain OPT-related I-765 filings, and
• certain I-539 change-of-status cases when filed together with I-539.

Key boundary for I-140:

• You may file I-140 online only if it is standalone.
• If you submit I-140 with another form — USCIS specifically names I-485 or I-907 — you must file by mail.
• USCIS adds that I-907 may still be filed by mail after you file I-140 online.

That mixed approach can feel messy, but it is manageable if you map your packet plan before you start clicking through screens.

Step 6: Naturalization online, plus the fee-waiver exception

USCIS allows N-400 online, but draws a clear line:

• If you are requesting a reduced fee or filing a fee waiver, you cannot file N-400 online.
• In that case, you must file a paper N-400 with the proper waiver request.

For people on tight budgets, that rule is significant. It may determine whether you file online at all and affects how you gather proof for a waiver request.

Step 7: Fee waivers online (I-912) — only in USCIS-listed situations

USCIS lists I-912 as available to file online only with specific forms and specific I-131 and I-765 categories.

Checklist for fee waivers:

• Confirm that your exact form and category appear in USCIS’s online list before assuming you can file I-912 online.
• Because USCIS connects the waiver to specific boxes on I-131, double-check the “Part 1, Box” selection before filing so you do not end up with the wrong filing channel and an avoidable delay.

Final takeaway: create a simple filing plan before you start — confirm the allowed online method, check the fee rules (and fee-waiver limits), and ensure the correct category/box selections. That upfront work reduces the risk of denials, lost fees, and processing delays.