Background
On June 25, President Obama announced that in the next 90 days USCIS would launch a vastly improved USCIS.gov public website to help customers navigate the immigration system and remain up-to-date regarding their case status. USCIS has committed to delivering on this promise by incorporating both internal and external stakeholder feedback.
One way USCIS is improving service to its customers is by launching its E-Notification initiative for immigration applications and petitions filed at one of three USCIS Lockbox facilities in Chicago, Phoenix, and Lewisville, Texas. If you file your USCIS applications and/or petitions at one of these facilities, you will have the option to receive an e-mail and/or text message informing you that USCIS has accepted your application or petition.
What is a USCIS Lockbox Facility?
USCIS operates three Lockbox facilities in partnership with the Department of Treasury. A lockbox is an entity used by organizations to accelerate the collection of fees. In addition to processing fees more efficiently and timely, the USCIS Lockbox operation is improving data collection by electronically capturing and transmitting information from immigration forms to USCIS systems.
What forms are filed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities?
Forms that are currently processed through the USCIS Lockbox facilities relate to:
- Family based forms
- Applications for Temporary Protective Status
- Card replacement
- Citizenship and naturalization based forms
- Adoptions based forms
By the end of 2009 additional forms will be filed through Lockbox facilities to include:
- All remaining adjustment of status related forms
- All employment authorization request forms
- All request for travel documents
How can I receive E-Notification?
If you would like to receive E-Notification that your application or petition has been accepted, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and attach it to the top of your application or petition. (Form G-1145 is located in the "Forms" section - see the green "Forms" tab above.) USCIS will use this information as permission to send an E-Notification to you.
Who will receive E-Notification and when?
One e-mail and/or text message will be sent per accepted immigration form. USCIS will send an E-Notification to the person requesting the benefit. If you provide an e-mail address and a cell phone number on the Form G-1145, you will receive both types of E-Notification messages. USCIS will notify you within 24 hours of accepting your immigration form(s). E-mail or text messages that cannot be delivered will not be retransmitted.
What will the E-Notification include?
The e-mail or text message will provide a receipt number for each immigration form. The e-mail notice will also provide a brief statement on how to get additional information about the status of your case. The E-Notification will not constitute official notice of application acceptance; you will receive an official notice of application acceptance through the U.S. Postal Service. The e-mail or text message does not grant any immigration status or benefit.
When will I receive my official notice?
USCIS will send the official receipt notice at the same time you are sent the E-Notification. The Form I-797C, Notice of Action will be sent to the person seeking the benefit or your representative, as appropriate, via the U.S. Postal Service.
Can I receive E-Notification for a G-28?
No. E-Notification is not available for Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.
Does the E-Notification grant any type of status or benefit?
No. The e-mail or text message does not grant any type of immigration status or benefit. You may not present a copy of the e-mail or text message as evidence that USCIS has granted you any immigration status or benefit. Receipt of the transmission cannot be used as supporting evidence for other benefits.
What if I want to submit multiple applications?
If you are submitting multiple applications for one person, clip a completed Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to the front of the first immigration form of the package. You will receive a separate email and/or text message for each accepted immigration form within in the package.
If you are a representative filing multiple, unrelated immigration forms in one envelope and you would like your clients to receive E-Notification(s), clip the completed Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance to the front of the first page of each related package of immigration forms. Your client will receive a separate e-mail and/or text message for each accepted immigration form.
Will USCIS cover my costs to receive E-Notification?
No. USCIS assumes no legal responsibility for your costs to receive e-mail and text messages. USCIS will not reimburse you for any costs related to E-Notification.
Does USCIS offer E-Notification for applications and petitions filed at Service Centers and Field Offices?
While USCIS is working to expand its future E-Notification messaging capabilities, the agency does not offer E-Notification for applications and petitions filed at USCIS Service Centers or Field Offices at this time.
Does the Form G-1145 also serve as notice for me to receive case status updates via “My Case Status?”
No. The Form G-1145 only gives permission for the lockbox to notify you that your application was accepted. You will need to create an account on the USCIS website and sign up to receive case status alerts to get email/text notification about the progress of your case.
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