Whether you want to become a permanent resident of the United States or want to get employment status in the country, you need to take the services of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Agency.
The agency is responsible for offering immigration, naturalization, adoption services, etc.
Applicants or petitioners have to file the relevant forms to get the required services from the agency. For instance, a person looking to become a U.S. citizen via the naturalization process must file Form N-400 to proceed with the application.
Similarly, a person looking for an employment authorization document will have to fill out the prescribed form with USCIS.
However, many users are not aware of how to send the forms and required documents to the agency. Generally, you can file your applications and petitions in two ways: online and via mail. When it comes to mail, people often do not know the mailing services used for sending forms.
A general perception is that USCIS only accepts USPS for mailed petitions and requests.
In this article, we will address the frequently asked questions about sending forms by mail and answer the question: Does USCIS accept FedEx? So let’s get into it without further ado.
What Is USCIS?
USCIS stands for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and it is a government institution in the U.S. The federal government agency oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
The usual services offered by the agency include lawful citizenship, immigration, adoptions, humanitarian programs, and working permit in the United States.
The department’s purpose is to oversee the immigration process and analyze applicants’ knowledge and understanding of the United States, its history, legal system, government, etc.
The department also manages the issuance of Green Card and U.S. citizenship. There are over 18000 employees of the agency working at over 250 offices around the world.
What Are Different Applications You Might File With USCIS?
Let’s talk about the services of USCIS. They offer the services of immigration, citizenship, working permit/employment status, adoptions, genealogy, humanitarian programs, etc.; depending on the services you want to have, you are required to fill out the relevant forms along with the required documents.
Here is a brief overview of different subjects you can file applications with USCIS:
- Affirmative Asylum
- Lawful Permanent Resident(Green Card Holder)
- Employment Authorization Document
- Through A Job Offer
- Through Asylee Status
- Through Refugee Status
- As a Widower of a U.S. Citizen
- Family Member of permanent resident
- As an abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. Citizen
- U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
General
For Military Members and their families
- Change Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Status
- Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Citizenship Through Parents
- E Visas
- Employment-Based Immigration
- Permanent workers based on extraordinary ability or researchers
- Advanced degree or exceptional ability
- Skilled worker
- Permanent worker –special immigrants
- Immigrant investor program
- Extension of stay
- As a nonimmigrant
- As a family member
- Adoption
- Family-based petition for an adopted child
- Orphan adoption
- Proof Of Citizenship for U.S. Citizens
- E, H, K, P, Q & R Visas
- Travel Outside as a U.S. permanent resident
What Is USCIS Form Filing Fee?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agency has no fixed form filing fee. Some cases might have a fixed fee as notified by the department. However, in other cases, the fee varies from case to case.
According to the agency’s disclaimer, the form filing fee is adjusted periodically, and you can know about the exact filing fee on the form downloading webpage of the USCIS. The total fee to be paid by an applicant consists of a form filing fee and biometric services fee.
You can also utilize the Fee Schedule of the USCIS or the Fee Calculator to estimate the fee for your specific case. Here is an image of the USCIS Fee Schedule, and you can also access the complete schedule by clicking on the link here.
How To Pay USCIS Filing Fee?
The method of paying the USCIS filing fee varies depending on the residency status of the applicants. If the applicant is living outside the U.S. or its territories, they can contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and ask them about the prescribed method of paying USCIS fees. However, if the applicant is residing inside the U.S., there are different methods they can use to pay the USCIS fees.
Here are the payment modes for the residents of the U.S.:
- Pay online via debit/credit card or bank withdrawal
- Pay via mail using a check, money order, or a card
- Visit the USCIS field office and pay by hand
How To File Your USCIS Forms?
There are two ways you can file your USCIS applications, petitions, and requests:
- Fill out the online form, pay the fee, and wait for the processing by USCIS
- Download the form, fill it out, attach relevant documents, and mail the forms to the mailing address of USCIS
Tips For Filing USCIS Forms By Mail
Here are a few tips when you want to file USCIS forms by mail:
- Make sure that you fill out the form accurately. Ensure that you fill the form in black ink, and avoid using highlighters or correcting fluid or tape.
- When you are filing more than one form, enter the information like Name, A-Number(if any), and date of birth in the same way on all forms.
- The USCIS rejects any form with incorrect or incomplete fees. Therefore, make sure to pay the correct fee and pay the right amount.
- Once you have filled the form and supplements form, attach the supporting documents(in English), legible copies of official documents, a copy of a USCIS notice(when applicable)
- Mention the nature of the submission and the cover letter with the From Number. For instance, the envelope should be marked as Original Submission, Application to Register Permanent Residence, or Adjust Status (Form I-485)
- Provide the complete address on the USCIS website and the Attn: line so that the application is routed correctly.
FAQs
Does USCIS Accept FedEx?
Yes, according to the website of USCIS, FedEx is one of the accepted courier services for filing forms via mail or prepaid mailers. Therefore, you can easily file your forms via mail using the FedEx service.
Does USCIS Ship Green Cards?
Yes, when you file for green cards, USCIS will send you your green card via mail. The agency mails the green card or travel document to the mailing address you mentioned while applying.
The USCIS will mail the green card to your representative’s address when you have notified the agency via Form G-28. Form G-28 implies a Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.
Will USPS hold USCIS mail?
Generally, USPS will not hold any mail unless notified. The applicants can ask the USPS mailing service to hold the package for pickup at the post office by selecting the option of Hold For Pickup.
Once you are notified that your USCIS mail has arrived at USPS, you can visit the nearest office and receive your package.
Does USCIS give a tracking number?
Yes, you will receive a tracking number from the USCIS. Whenever you file an application with USCIS for a green card, employment authorization document, travel documents, etc., a tracking number is provided to the applicant by the agency.
Does USCIS Accept Prepaid Mailers?
Yes, USCIS accepts prepaid mailers. Previously, the agency has ceased Prepaid Mailers, but it has resumed receiving prepaid mailers only if the following conditions are met:
- Express or priority mail via USPS, FedEx, UPS, or DHL
- Appropriate postage with a prepaid shipping label on the package
What Kind Of Mail Does USCIS Use?
When USCIS has to choose a service for sending mail, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services rely on the Secure Mail Initiative(SMI).
The SMI of USCIS uses the USPS(United States Postal Service) Priority Mail which has a delivery confirmation system. The agency has taken these steps to ensure that applicants’ documents are safe, secure, and delivered on time.
How Long Does USCIS Take To Ship?
Depending on the application or application of the applicants, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency can take up to 90 days to ship the documents. It is important to mention that the agency starts processing any application once the applicant has paid the fee.
Therefore, if you filed the form online and paid the fee after a few days, you should expect the documents to be shipped within 90 days of fee payment.
Which Mailing Services Are Accepted By USCIS?
When you choose to send the forms to USCIS via mail, you can use any of the following services:
- USPS(United States Postal Service)
- FedEx(Federal Express) Mailing Service
- DHL(Dalsey Hillblom Lynn) Mailing Service
- UPS(United Parcel Service) Mailing
