ELIS – The New Electronic Immigration System of the USCIS

By USCitizen December 13th, 2011

Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) is the new system that the USCIS is planning to implement in order to convert their current paper-based system into an electronic one. ELIS has been developed and is in the testing stage. There has been a delay in coming up with this system. USCIS says that once it completes all the tests, it will inform the date of release. They intend to release a quality system which, according to them, “will allow customers to submit and track their applications online and enhance USCIS’ ability to process cases with greater accuracy, security and timeliness.”

USCIS is planning this as a staggered transformation with the first release being the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. They have posted an online video on their site demonstrating the creation of an online account and the process involved in submitting the I-539. Though this is in the testing stage, USCIS says there may be changes depending on the feedback they receive. This video is for demonstration purposes only.