U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken a significant step toward a paperless future by issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for mobile, digital versions of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Released on March 5, 2026, the RFI seeks industry proposals for secure, smartphone-based digital credentials that could be validated both online and offline by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), employers, state DMVs, and law enforcement agencies.
The proposed digital credentials would function similarly to mobile driver's licenses, utilizing secure wallet-based technology. USCIS has specified strict security requirements, including FedRAMP authorization and selective-attribute disclosure, ensuring users can share only the necessary information during verification.
While USCIS emphasizes that these digital cards would supplement rather than replace physical documents, the long-term vision is a paperless ecosystem. This transition could profoundly impact the immigration process, particularly for global mobility. Currently, expatriates and newly approved workers often face weeks of waiting for physical EADs to arrive before they can begin employment or apply for a Social Security number. A real-time digital credential could allow for immediate onboarding upon approval, significantly reducing delays. Furthermore, it could streamline airport re-entry processes, allowing CBP officers to validate an individual's status even if their physical card is lost or delayed in transit. Vendors have until April 6, 2026, to submit their proposals, signaling a modern approach to immigration documentation.