USCIS online account
Glitch #1 - the newest one - category (c)(8) and (c)(11) is missing when filing the I-765 employment authorization application online.
Solution: select category (a)(12), start filling out the application, and then you will be able to choose the needed category later
Glitch #2 - cards are mailed to the wrong address. This is probably the scariest one. It happens only when filing PDF forms I-765 and I-912 online
Cause: most often this happens when people moved and did not update their address in the USCIS online account. Cards are mailed to the address listed in the account, not the address listed on the form. At the same time, notices are mailed to the correct address
Solution: update your address in your USCIS online account before filing, or file by mail. If the cards have already been mailed - try to receive them at that address and notify the people who live there. If the cards are not delivered, they will be returned to USCIS and they will mail them again for free to the correct address. If the postal carrier marks it as "delivered" and the letter is not given to you, the only option is to file Form I-765 again under the Replacement category
Glitch #3 - information about filed forms disappears.
Cause: this happens quite often. More often during website maintenance. It also happens in most cases when uploading I-765 + I-912 online.
Solution: usually you just need to wait and the information will appear again. In the case of I-765 and I-912, the information may not return, but you can add the form to your account manually once you receive the notice by mail.
Glitch #4 - you receive an email about updates, but there are no changes in the account
Solution: check the Documents tab. Often an I-797 decision notice or biometrics notice appears there before the status updates. Or just wait - the change will show up a bit later.
Glitch #5 - processing times in the account jump around. It shows 1 week left, then 10 weeks, then 31 months - familiar?
Solution: ignore it. This USCIS tool simply does not work correctly. Do not look at it. Even if it says the time is exceeded, your case may still take another year, and vice versa, if it says 2 years, it may be decided tomorrow.
PDF forms
Glitch #6 - numbers (dates, receipt numbers) get cut off. Most often happens in forms I-589, I-765, I-912.
Cause: usually this is a display issue in built-in viewers on your phone or computer
Solution: 1) print the form - most of the time it will print correctly
2) if it also prints incorrectly, remove the USCIS protection before printing. For example, on Windows you can do this via Print to Microsoft PDF.
Glitch #7 - blank pages print out. Most often happens with forms G-1145, I-912, and I-765
Cause: 1) you filled it out not in Adobe Acrobat, but for example in a browser or on a phone
2) you open and print not from Adobe Acrobat
3) it is just a USCIS form glitch
Solution: 1) use only Adobe Acrobat
2) remove the USCIS protection before printing. For example, on Windows you can do this via Print to Microsoft PDF.
Glitch #8 - data disappears after saving (I-131, I-485). Be careful: after saving and reopening the I-131 form, the Receipt Number disappears from the first page, and in the prior version of I-485 the entry status disappeared.
Cause: these are USCIS errors in the form design.
Solution: 1) remove the USCIS protection before printing. For example, on Windows you can do this via Print to Microsoft PDF. Then add the data using the "edit" function.
2) write it in manually after printing
Glitch #9 - it does not allow printing the needed information.
Cause: incorrect USCIS form protection. Most often in Form I-730
Solution: 1) use only Adobe Acrobat. Make sure you checked Yes (if applicable)
2) remove the USCIS protection from the file. For example, on Windows you can do this via Print to Microsoft PDF. Then add the data using the "edit" function.
3) write it in manually after printing
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified immigration attorney.
