Compress a PDF for USCIS online filing
USCIS online filing takes PDFs up to 12 MB. PDF Desk shrinks yours to just under it, right in this tab.
Max 12 MBPDF / JPG / JPEG
Files stay on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
USCIS online filing (myUSCIS) upload limits
| Document | Max size | Min size | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence upload, online filing (per file) Some forms also accept TIF/TIFF. Do not encrypt or password-protect files. | 12 MB | — | PDF, JPG, JPEG |
Where this number comes from
“Files must not be larger than 12MB.”
— Tips for Filing Forms Online | USCIS, 2026-10-07. Checked October 2026.
PDF Desk aims at 11.6 MB, a little under the limit, because some portals count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.
If the file will not get small enough
Scan in black and white at 150 DPI instead of colour. Remove blank and duplicate pages with Delete pages. If the portal allows several files, cut the PDF with Split PDF and upload the parts.
Other portals in United States
Limits of other portals
Questions
What is the maximum PDF size for USCIS online filing?
Evidence upload, online filing (per file): 12 MB. Source: uscis.gov, checked October 2026.
USCIS online filing still rejects my PDF. Why?
Check that it is not password-protected, that the file name has no special characters, and that it is a few percent under the limit — some portals count 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.
Are my PDFs uploaded?
No. PDF Desk opens and writes the file with JavaScript inside your browser tab. Nothing is sent to a server, so it is safe for contracts, IDs and bank statements.