What exactly is USCIS ELIS and what is it used for during the EB-5 application process? Do I have to use it to file my EB-5 application? I would feel more comfortable doing everything on paper, so I can keep a record. Will I run into problems if I do not use ELIS?
ELIS is the electronic filing system that almost nobody uses yet for EB-5. There are a number of reasons why it is underutilized, but eventually, after the bugs are worked out, it will provide much-needed efficiency and less paperwork for regional center EB-5 cases. You are not required to file electronically at this time.
I'm old school; I don't file anything using the online system. You won't have a problem mailing in the petition.
The services of an experienced EB-5 attorney will assist you in the preparation and filing of the investor's petition with the USCIS without the use of ELIS, an online filing system. The investor's petition can still be filed with all the hard copies to the USCIS.
ELIS is the online filing system for applications such as EB-5 and a number of other USCIS applications. As of now, it is not mandatory. In the future, ELIS may become the more popular way for EB-5 filing. It is not so, at least for now. In other words, if you choose to file your paperwork the old-fashioned way, you can just ignore ELIS.
The USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS) is an online, account-based system that allows you to submit and view certain benefit requests, receive electronic notification of decisions, and receive case status updates. Although the I-526 is one of the petitions that USCIS added to submit online, it is not yet clear if everything can be filed online as there are some restrictions, such as file size.
ELIS is a new electronic filing system for I-526 petitions. From my understanding and in discussions with EB-5 colleagues, it is not widely used. Our office continues to submit paper petitions.
The ELIS is electronically filing. I agree with you - file on paper and you know what and when you filed. There is no problem if you do it the old-fashioned way.
You can still submit your EB-5 application (I-526) via mail; you are not required to use the ELIS system. However, once the petitioner has passed the interview and a green card needs to be issued, you will have to open an ELIS account and make the production fee payment via their website.
This is just a fee payable to USCIS which is used by the agency which creates the plastic green card after the immigrant visa is issued.
ELIS is the electronic filing system used for some USCIS submissions and payments. The EB-5 I-526 petition may be filed via ELIS, but there is wide consensus that the ELIS system is still very buggy and complex to use for EB-5 purposes. You are not required to file the EB-5 petition via ELIS. However, after your petition is approved, you may be required to use ELIS to pay certain visa fees.
No only a handful of cases have been filed under ELIS - it is not ready for prime time.
