USCIS Online Account: A Guide to ELIS

What is the USCIS Online Account Number?

The USCIS Online Account Number, also known as the USCIS Account Number, is a unique identification number assigned to individuals who create an online account with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This number is used to track and manage a person’s immigration records, including applications and petitions submitted to USCIS.

Creating a USCIS online account allows individuals to submit their immigration applications and petitions electronically, check the status of their case, receive notifications from USCIS, and respond to requests for additional information. It’s a convenient way to interact with USCIS online, and it’s free to create an account. It is important to note that you will need an account number to do this. To create an account with USCIS, you will need to provide some personal information and create a username and password. Once your account is created, you will be assigned an USCIS Online Account Number that you can use to track your cases and manage your account. It is part of what is known as the ELIS (Electronic Immigration System).

What is the ELIS system?

The ELIS (Electronic Immigration System) is the online platform developed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for individuals to apply for immigration benefits and services. The ELIS system allows users to create an online account, submit their immigration applications and petitions electronically, check the status of their case, receive notifications from USCIS, and respond to requests for additional information.

ELIS system consists of multiple modules that cover almost all aspects of immigration service. Some of the modules includes;

• Form submission and tracking: Allows you to file and manage petitions and applications online, and track the status of your case.
• Fee payment: Allows you to pay application fees online using credit card or ACH payments.
• Document management: Allows you to upload, view, and download documents associated with your case.
• Account management: Allows you to manage your personal information, create authorized representatives, and access case history.

The ELIS system is designed to make the immigration process more efficient and convenient for users. It’s a user-friendly interface and online submission of documents makes it easy to interact with USCIS online. By using ELIS, you can receive instant confirmation of your payment and submission and you can receive notifications and updates on the status of your case throughout the process.

It’s important to note that not all the services are available on ELIS, you can check if a specific service or petition is available for submission via ELIS on the USCIS website.

How do I find my USCIS online account number?

To find your USCIS online account number, you’ll first need to create an account with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by visiting the USCIS website. Once you have created your account, you will be assigned a unique USCIS online account number.

Here are the steps to find your USCIS online account number:

1. Go to the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov) and click on the “Create an Account” button.
2. Follow the prompts to create an account by providing your personal information and creating a username and password.
3. Once your account is created, you will be able to access your account dashboard by logging in to the USCIS website.
4. You will find your USCIS online account number on the top right corner of your dashboard.
5. You can also find your USCIS online account number on the confirmation email sent to your registered email id after creating the account.

It’s important to note that the USCIS online account number is unique to you, and you’ll need it to access your account and track your cases. Keep the number safe and use it to check your case status, receive notifications from USCIS, and respond to requests for additional information.

If you have any difficulty finding your USCIS online account number, you can contact USCIS customer service for assistance.

How do I sign up for a USCIS online account?

The process to sign up for a USCIS online account is relatively straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Go to the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov) and click on the “Create an Account” button.
2. On the “Create an Account” page, you will be prompted to provide some personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to create a username and password.
3. After you’ve provided your personal information and created a username and password, you will be asked to verify your email address. A verification email will be sent to the email address you provided, and you will need to click on the link in the email to verify your email address.
4. Once your email address is verified, you can log in to your account using your username and password.
5. Once you logged in, You’ll be able to access your account dashboard, where you can view your personal information, check the status of your cases, and receive notifications from USCIS. You will also be assigned a USCIS online account number, which you can use to track your cases and manage your account.

It’s important to note that creating a USCIS online account is free and all the process can be done online. It’s also important to keep your account information, including your username and password, secure and update it regularly.

Keep your USCIS Online Account Number handy as you will need it to access your account and track your cases.

What can I do with a USCIS online account?

A USCIS online account allows you to interact with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) electronically, making the immigration process more convenient and efficient. Here are some of the things you can do with a USCIS online account:

1. Submit applications and petitions electronically: You can use your USCIS online account to submit your immigration applications and petitions electronically through the Electronic Immigration System (ELIS)
2. Check the status of your case: You can use your USCIS online account to check the status of your case, including the progress of your application or petition and any requests for additional information.  This is especially helpful if your case is delayed.  See here.
3. Receive notifications from USCIS: You will receive notifications from USCIS, such as appointment and interview notices, case status updates, and requests for additional information, through your USCIS online account.
4. Respond to requests for additional information: You can use your USCIS online account to respond to any requests for additional information from USCIS.
5. Pay application fees: You can use your USCIS online account to pay your application fees using credit card or ACH payments
6. Document Management: You can upload, view, and download documents associated with your case.
7. Account Management: You can manage your personal information, create authorized representatives, and access case history in your account.

It’s important to note that not all services are available via the USCIS online account, you can check availability of the specific service or petition by visiting the USCIS website. Also, make sure to keep your account information, including your username and password, secure and update it regularly.

What forms can I submit with an ELIS account?

The Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) allows you to submit a variety of immigration forms online, through your USCIS online account. Here are some examples of forms that can be submitted through ELIS:

1. Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker: Used to petition for various types of nonimmigrant worker visas, such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1.
2. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: Used to apply for an extension of stay or a change of status for certain nonimmigrant visa categories.
3. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: Used to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD)
4. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: Used to apply for a travel document, such as a re-entry permit or a refugee travel document.
5. Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
6. Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card: Used to apply for a new or replacement Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
7. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization: Used to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

It’s important to note that not all forms and services are available through ELIS and it’s best to check the USCIS website to confirm if the form you need to submit is available for online submission and for the most updated list of forms that are available in the ELIS system. It is also good practice to check the availability of the form before starting the process as you may need to send the physical copy of the form to the USCIS office.

Can an attorney represent me if I submit forms through my USCIS online account?

Yes, an attorney can represent you if you submit forms through your USCIS online account. The attorney can act as your representative and help you with the immigration process. An attorney can also access your USCIS online account to check the status of your case, receive notifications, and respond to requests for additional information.

Here are the steps for an attorney to represent you:

1. You have to give your attorney the authority to act on your behalf by creating an authorized representative in your USCIS online account. You can do this by logging in to your USCIS online account and navigate to the “Representative” section of your account dashboard.
2. Once you have added the attorney as your authorized representative, the attorney will be able to access your USCIS online account and see the case information, receive updates and notifications.
3. The attorney can also electronically file and pay the fees on the forms and upload the supporting documents through ELIS.

It’s important to note that if you want to give an attorney access to your USCIS online account, you must first create an account and receive a USCIS online account number. Also, keep in mind that the attorney will only have access to the cases that you have designated for representation, you must also provide the attorney with information about your case, including case numbers and receipts.

It is important to choose a qualified and experienced attorney who can provide the best representation for your specific case, and ensure the best chance of success in your immigration matter.