The services provided over the Internet now are limited to certain categories, but the service said it will be expanding the volume of business that may be conducted electronically.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the electronic system is known as USCIS ELIS.
Through it, individuals can establish a USCIS ELIS account and apply online to extend or change their nonimmigrant status for certain visa types. Eligible individuals include foreign citizens who travel to the United States temporarily to study, conduct business, receive medical treatment, or visit on vacation.
USCIS ELIS will also enable USCIS officers to review and adjudicate online filings from multiple agency locations across the country.
Services for immigrants are not yet covered by the Internet system.
Historically, USCIS customers have had to send papers by mail and USCIS employees then review paper files and ship documents between offices to complete their adjudication.
The plan is to add form types and functions to the system, gradually expanding to cover filing and adjudication for all USCIS immigration benefits. The USCIS announcement did not say when it hoped to get all its programs on the Internet.
People can go to the website www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis to take a tour of the new system, learn about eligibility and the benefits of using USCIS ELIS, and find answers to frequently asked questions.