USCIS Plans to Keep Using Its Online Help Tool

USCIS wants to continue using its online tool where people can ask for help or fix mistakes on their immigration cases.

Affects: All immigrants · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed

What happened

USCIS, the agency that handles immigration, announced it wants to keep using its online "e-Request" tool. This tool helps people ask questions or fix small issues with their immigration cases.

The government needs to get permission to collect information from people. This announcement means USCIS is asking for permission to continue using the e-Request tool exactly as it is now.

This is a "30-day notice," which means the public has a chance to share their thoughts about this plan before the decision is made.

The bigger picture

Before this announcement, USCIS already had an approved way to collect information through its e-Request tool. This tool has been available for people to use for some time. It helps make it easier to get help with certain immigration matters without needing to call or mail letters.

The government regularly reviews how agencies collect information from the public. USCIS needs to renew its permission to use this tool. They are doing this to make sure the tool can continue to be used by immigrants and others who need to contact them.

What this means for you

All immigrants

This announcement means the e-Request tool will continue to be available for you to use. Nothing about how the tool works or what it does is changing. You can still use it to ask for help with your immigration case.

Employers

If you use the e-Request tool for your employees' immigration cases, it will continue to work the same way. There are no direct changes to how you use this tool.

Green card applicants

The e-Request tool can be used by many different types of applicants, including those applying for green cards. This announcement means the tool will still be there for you if you need it, with no changes.

F1 students

F1 students who need to contact USCIS about certain issues can use the e-Request tool. This notice confirms that the tool will remain available and unchanged for your use.

What you should do

Key dates

Words explained

USCIS
USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is the government agency that handles immigration benefits, like green cards and citizenship.
e-Request tool
This is an online tool on the USCIS website where people can ask for help or report small problems with their immigration cases.
OMB
OMB stands for the Office of Management and Budget. It is a government office that checks if agencies are collecting information from the public in a proper way.
30-Day notice
This is an announcement that gives the public 30 days to share their thoughts or comments about a government plan.
Federal Register
This is the official daily newspaper of the U.S. government. It publishes new rules, proposed rules, and notices from federal agencies.

Common questions

Is the e-Request tool changing?

No, the announcement says the e-Request tool is continuing 'without change.' This means it will work exactly the same way it does now.

What is this announcement about?

This announcement is about USCIS asking for permission to keep using its e-Request tool. Government agencies need special approval to collect information from the public, and this approval needs to be renewed sometimes.

Can I still use the e-Request tool?

Yes, the e-Request tool is still available for use. This announcement is about making sure it can continue to be used in the future.

How can I share my thoughts about this?

The announcement mentions a comment period. You can submit your comments to the government by October 5, 2026. The source text provides instructions on how to do this.

This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.

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