The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently changed its document delivery policy so that certain immigration documents returned to them by the U.S. Postal Service would be destroyed after 60 business days.
Last week, the USCIS made news again with the announcement the agency would begin using the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery service to help secure delivery of documents such as Green Cards and Employment Authorization (EAD) Cards.
USCIS on the Future of Secure Document Delivery
The USCIS will eventually be expanding this service to all secure documents, but as of April 30 they are focusing on any documents that have been returned, and require being mailed again. Those likely to be affected the most are new applicants who change their mailing address while going through the application process.
Per the USCIS:
Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery increases the security, integrity, and efficiency of document delivery. The Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery process provides better tracking and accuracy of delivery information, improving service to applicants.
This new service provides much more security for the mailing of documents, and can be seen in the way applicants must now provide identification while signing for delivery. If needed, applicants may also designate someone else to sign for them by filling out PS Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order or PS Form 3801-A, Agreement by a Hotel, Apartment House, or the Like.
Those hoping to track immigration documents are encouraged to utilize the USPS Informed Delivery feature - this allows applicants to sign up for email and text alerts on where the document is throughout the delivery, and possibly help make themselves available for it. If they are unable to be present for their document’s arrival, applicants may also use the USPS website and select “hold for pickup” to arrange for pickup at a nearby post office.
Should you have any questions about how this impacts your business or employees, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at support@bridge.legal.
Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult a Bridge-affiliated partner attorney or another qualified legal professional.
