Getting Started With U.S. CIS ELIS
I.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S. CIS) offers an online application process called ELIS – Electronic
Immigration System - for procedures such as reinstatement and change of status, using an online version of Form I-539.
Currently, UMass Dartmouth F-1 students who have violated their visa status can use this process to apply for reinstatement into
the F-1 visa category. Non-immigrants in other categories (except for M-1) who have been admitted to UMass Dartmouth can
use the ELIS system to request a change of status to F-1.
After you read the information below and set up an online account in ELIS, please consult with the ISSC. We can assist you with
eligibility questions and required documents.
Homepage link to ELIS:
 http://www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis
o Applicants must create an online account where they can submit and track their applications and electronically
submit supporting documents. In order to register online and begin the process, read the information below, and then
click the link above.
 ELIS is compatible only with the following internet browsers:
o Microsoft Internet Explorer, versions 6 or higher
o Mozilla Firefox, versions 3 or higher
What is ELIS?
 ELIS is an online application process. U.S. CIS is transitioning from a paper application process to a more secure electronic
form.
 Up-to-date detailed case information is available to applicants through ELIS.
 The new application process is supposed to be more accurate, more secure, and more convenient.
o Applicants may reuse data from online accounts when submitting future applications.
o Currently, at UMass Dartmouth, ELIS can be used only for reinstatement and change of status to F-1 as described at
the beginning of this summary. Over time, U.S. CIS will gradually expand ELIS to include more application types.
 ELIS allows applicants to electronically submit evidence, payments, receive notifications and communications from U.S. CIS
and manage account information exclusively online.
 Currently, ELIS is only available in English--there will be a public notification sent out when it becomes available in other
languages.
 Translations
 Any non-English documents uploaded to ELIS in support of your application must be accompanied by a full
English translation.
 The translators must certify in the document that the translations are complete and accurate;
 The translators must provide proof or certification of competency to translate from the foreign language into
English
II.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
 You must respond to every question or request for information.
 You will be asked to review your application, sign and pay for it, and submit your application after you provide all requested
information and evidence.
 Time Sensitive: If you do not begin an application within 30 days of creating your ELIS account, then your account will be
deleted. If your account is deleted you will have create a new account and start the process again.
 Before submitting your application, please review it carefully to make sure no changes or corrections are needed. If
everything is correct, print out and save a paper copy of your request. There is currently no way to correct an error on a
submitted application. If you later receive a Request for Evidence on your application, you can include an explanation to
correct the error at that time.
 If your name has changed after you submit your application, you may update your name in your online user account at any
time with proper supporting documentation. You will need to scan and upload any legal documents reflecting the official
change.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING…
Filing Paper Applications
 Applicants may still file an I-539 form on paper, but U.S. CIS strongly encourages application through ELIS. U.S. CIS will
continue to accept paper applications because not every I-539 applicant is able to file electronically.
Fees and Paying Online
 If you do not have a credit card or bank account, a friend or family member may pay the application fee on your behalf.
 You may use a pre-paid debit card that you have purchased from a third party.
Notifications, Communications, and Correspondence with U.S. CIS ELIS
 After submitting your application, please indicate your communication preference. We strongly recommend that you use
your UMass Dartmouth email address. U.S. CIS will automatically send notices by U.S. postal mail unless you change this
to notice by email after filing your request. You will hear from U.S. CIS on approval/denial of your application . It is your
responsibility to notify the ISSC of the decision by U.S. CIS.
Family members in the F-2 category (Beneficiaries)
 Spouses and children receive notifications and status updates through the primary applicant only.
 Family members may assist you in filing an application in ELIS, but they cannot complete and submit the request for you.
Submitting Additional Evidence After Filing Your Request
 There are only two times that you may scan and upload additional evidence
 at the time of initial filing of your application or
 in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you receive a Request for Evidence, please consult with the ISSC about
what should be submitted.
Limits on Uploading Information
 The evidence may not exceed 6 megabytes (MB) and should be in one of the following file types: .bmp, .doc, .jpg, .pdf, or
.tif. Scan resolution for all documents should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch).
Document Formats
 You must scan original forms and upload the electronic documents for your application.
 U.S. CIS will accept pictures taken with a cell phone if you do not have a scanner at home so long as it has a resolution of at
least 300 dpi (dots per inch).
 If you have trouble scanning and uploading supporting documents, you may mail them until U.S. CIS adds additional
evidence submission capabilities in a software update. However, it will take much longer to process your I-539 application.
Scanning and uploading during the initial application process is your best option for a timely processing of your information.
Glitches—Having Problems with Using the Site?
 If you are having technical difficulties or viewing issues on the website, and the problem persists, please contact the U.S. CIS
National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (1-800-767-1833 if you are hearing impaired).