The CIS has gone over to the use of “lockboxes” for new filings. While not a complete disaster, for the most part the lockbox system has caused more problems than it has solved. The purpose of the lockbox system is to streamline the process and guard against the internal theft of filing fees that has been all too common at the service centers. The lockbox personnel are supposed to receive filings, perform a check to determine if the filing is complete, strip off the checks, put the documents into a file folder, enter the new filing into the system, and then forward the physical file to the appropriate service center for processing.

Unfortunately, the system is not working as planned. Instead of faster issuance of receipts, we are seeing weeks go by before checks are cashed and receipts issued. The lockbox system has become a huge bottleneck, slowing down the processing of cases.

For those who are able, e-filing is by far the preferred way to proceed. This is particularly true for EAD and advance parole extensions. Not only do you avoid the lockbox, but you also get your data into the system weeks faster than would otherwise be the case. AOS applicants who filed before the new fees went into effect may e-file their EAD and AP renewals. Those who paid the $1,010 filing fee are not yet able to file electronically because the CIS has no way to verify the payment of the fee previously. You would think that they could simply do a quick lookup from the A number, but that would require thinking.