ELIS is a name for the USCIS's online electronic immigration benefits
system. The word ELIS resonates of the word "ELLIS," an island
through which more than 12 million immigrants entered between 1892-1954.
Originally a mere 3-acre plot, is now almost 30-acre plot: a result of real
estate acquisition by the port authority. Whereas ELLIS needed a ten-fold
increase in real estate to accommodate the great influx of immigrants entering
the U.S., ELIS needs only a few megabytes of online real estate. For now, ELIS
will only take care of I-539 extend/change non-immigrant status. But there are
plans to expand this portal to include immigration related services (not just nonimmigrant
services).
The ELIS system is available to accept requests for extension of status
for those who are in B-1, B-2, M-1, or M-2 status. Also included are F-1s who
were admitted with I-94s that contained an end date, rather than the
standard D/S indicating validity for duration of status. It is also available
for nonimmigrants seeking to change status to B-1, B-2, F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2,
M-1, or M-2. Finally, it is available for F-1 or M-1 students seeking to
reinstate status.
So, what to do?
If you are applying for a change or extension of nonimmigrant status,
check out the detailed chart at the USCIS WebSite.
There you will also find instructions on opening your account for using ELIS.
In order to visit ELLIS, you have to go to New York. But ELIS, you can visit
from your living room.
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