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May 2003 Visa Bulletin
Summary of the Department of State's May 2003 Visa Bulletin. [ SEE SUMMARY ]

May 2003 BCIS Vermont Service Center Processing Times
[ SEE DETAILS ]

BCIS Takes Steps to Allow Electronic Filing of Some Applications
Effective May 29, 2003, the filing rules concerning the signature requirement for applications and petitions filed with the BCIS were amended by specifically permitting applicants and petitioners to sign electronically.  This change will allow the BCIS to begin accepting electronically filed applications and petitions.  By accepting electronically filed applications and petitions, the BCIS expects to streamline its information collection processes and improve customer service.

It is expected that BCIS Forms I-90 (green cared renewal application) and I-765 (employment authorization application) will be the first forms for which electronic filing is possible.  These two forms represent about 30 percent of the BCIS annual immigration benefit workload.  In addition, the BCIS believes these forms are good candidates for electronic filing because they are relatively short and easy to complete; are applications for renewals, replacements, or authorizations based on immigration status so that the BCIS can verify against existing data; and require capture of biometrics (photograph, fingerprint, and signature) at an Application Support Center where the BCIS will be able to increase process integrity by verifying the identity of the applicants.

The BCIS is planning to implement e-filing of Forms I-129 (petition for nonimmigrant worker), I-131 (application for travel document), I-140 (immigrant visa petition), I-539 (change/extension of nonimmigrant status) and I-821 by the end of Fiscal Year 2003.

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