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Can You Fax USCIS? What to Use Instead

Short answer: generally no. USCIS takes applications online or by mail, immigration courts don't accept faxes, and FOIA records requests are the main exception.

Published: 2026-10-19

If you want to fax an application or evidence to USCIS, the honest answer is generally no. USCIS lists two ways to file: online, with a free USCIS online account, or by mail or courier to the lockbox or address shown on each form's page. Its filing pages do not list fax as an option for applications or supporting evidence. Immigration courts, which are part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), state that they do not accept faxes. The main exception is a FOIA request for your USCIS records: USCIS accepts those by fax, although it recommends submitting them online. This guide explains the official channels and when a fax still makes sense.

Don't fax applications or evidence to USCIS

Use the filing method shown on the form's page: online, or mail or courier to the address listed there. Fax is not one of the filing options USCIS lists.

The FOIA exception

USCIS accepts FOIA and Privacy Act records requests online, by fax, by email or by mail. It recommends the online option and says requests sent by mail, fax or email slow down processing. Get the current fax number from the USCIS FOIA page.

What you need

  • For applications and evidence: the form's page on uscis.gov, which shows whether you can file online and where to mail a paper filing.
  • For a FOIA request by fax: your completed request as a PDF, DOC or DOCX file, and the fax number from the USCIS FOIA page.
  • Files up to 10 MB in total and 20 pages per order (larger jobs by quote).
  • An email address to receive a one-time verification code.

Step-by-step

  1. Find your form's page on uscis.gov

    Each form has its own page with filing instructions. Check whether it can be filed online and, if not, which lockbox or address to send it to.

  2. File online when you can

    Create a free USCIS online account and file the form there. This is one of the two filing channels USCIS lists.

  3. Otherwise, send it by mail or courier

    Send the paper filing to the address listed on the form's page. Check the page right before you send, and don't use an address from an unofficial website.

  4. For your records, use a FOIA request

    USCIS recommends requesting records online. If you prefer fax, take the number from the USCIS FOIA page and expect slower processing than an online request.

  5. Send the FOIA fax with AnytimeFax

    Upload your request, enter the fax number, verify your email with a one-time code and pay. One page is free once per email address; after that it's $4.99 for 2–4 pages, $5.99 for 5–10 pages and $7.99 for 11–20 pages. Urgent costs $20 for up to 20 pages and is processed within 90 minutes of payment confirmation. At checkout you confirm that you are sending immigration documents on your own behalf.

  6. Keep your order ID

    Save your order ID (it starts with AF-). On the Track Order page you can follow the status and download your invoice.

Tips

  • Always start from the form's page on uscis.gov, not from an address or number on a third-party site.
  • If you are in immigration court proceedings, follow the EOIR Policy Manual for filing. The Immigration Court does not accept faxes.
  • If an attorney's office or another recipient asks you for a document by fax, you can send it with AnytimeFax.
  • Keep a copy of everything you file or send.

Common mistakes

  • Faxing a USCIS application or supporting evidence instead of filing online or by mail.
  • Faxing documents to an immigration court, which does not accept faxes.
  • Using a fax number or mailing address from an unofficial website instead of uscis.gov.
  • Assuming a fax delivery confirmation means USCIS received, reviewed or accepted the request.

Delivery expectations

Standard, Extended and Large orders are delivered within 24 hours, and the free one-page option can take up to 3 days. Urgent orders are processed within 90 minutes of payment confirmation. A delivery confirmation means the fax was transmitted to the recipient's fax number; it does not mean anyone reviewed or accepted your document. For FOIA requests, USCIS notes that requests sent by fax slow down processing compared with online requests.

Alternatives

  • USCIS online filing with a free online account.
  • Mail or courier to the lockbox or address on the form's page.
  • The online FOIA option, which USCIS recommends for records requests.
  • FOIA requests by email or mail, which USCIS also accepts.
Fax a FOIA Request

Frequently asked questions

Generally no. USCIS lists online filing and mail or courier to the address on each form's page. It does not list fax as an option for applications or evidence.

USCIS's filing pages don't list fax for evidence. Follow the instructions on the form's page or on the notice you received, and use the online or mail channel they describe.

Yes. USCIS accepts FOIA and Privacy Act requests online, by fax, by email or by mail. It recommends online, and says fax, email and mail slow down processing. Get the fax number from the USCIS FOIA page.

No. The EOIR Policy Manual states that the Immigration Court does not accept faxes.

To give you the official answer: use the channels USCIS lists. AnytimeFax is useful for the exceptions, such as a FOIA request by fax, and for other recipients that ask for fax.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-10-18

AnytimeFax is an independent service operated by Rise & Built Corp. It is not affiliated with USCIS, EOIR or any government agency. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements were checked on the date shown above; always confirm current instructions on uscis.gov or the EOIR website.