USCIS Recommendations for Paper Filings to Avoid Scanning Delays

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On November 16, 2022, USCIS issued some guidance and recommendations regarding paper filings to improve efficiency, as the agency now scans and uploads many documents into electronic database systems. To avoid delays and improve scanning efficiency, USCIS recommends the following for paper filings:

  • Do not hole punch, staple, paper clip, binder clip, or otherwise attach documents to one another.

  • Do not include photos or documents smaller than 4x6 inches for evidentiary purposes. Provide photocopies of these items instead. The only exception is when USCIS requests a passport photo with the filing.

  • Do not include anything that contains electronic chips and batteries (such as musical greeting cards) or any non-paper materials such as cassette tapes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, toys, action figures, or thumb drives. USCIS will not accept these types of materials. However, USCIS will accept photographs or photocopies of these items.

  • Do not submit forms or evidence documents bound with a binding or spiral wire/plastic.

  • Do not submit evidence using photo albums, scrapbooks, binders, or greeting cards.

  • Do not fold documents.

  • Do not place sticky notes on documents.

  • Do not use insertable tab dividers.

  • Do not print forms on colored paper.

  • Do not submit more than one copy of the same document or evidence unless required by the form instructions or regulations. If applicants are required to submit a copy of a complete prior application, petition, or request, clearly mark it as a “COPY” at the top of each page to ensure it is processed as intended.

  • Do not send original documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, naturalization certificates, except when:

    • required by the form instructions for the application, petition, or request you are filing; or

    • USCIS specifically issues a request for applicants to submit an original document.

These recommendations are offered to improve USCIS efficiency while processing applications, petitions, or requests.