As part of USCIS’ ongoing efforts to transform its business processes and improve its operational efficiency, the federal agency will soon be modifying its data collection practices through integration of e-filing with all processes as part of the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS). This change, USCIS states, will improve the consistency and timeliness of benefit adjudications and customer service operations. As part of this transformation, USCIS will eliminate the requirement that Form I-20 or DS-2019 contain original signatures when filed with Form I-539.

According to USCIS, when USCIS ELIS is launched, applicants will be given the option of either submitting their applications via ELIS or using the current paper filing method. For applications filed via ELIS, a scanned, electronic version of a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 for all Form I-539 filings will be accepted. For all Form I-539s filed outside of ELIS, a photocopy of a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 will be accepted. Please note that USCIS will not return Form I-20 or DS-2019 to the applicant upon approval of Form I-539, regardless of the filing method.