If I may add, if USCIS is attempting to clear any such backlog, I'll make the point that online filing speeds up the process incrementally and administratively. Think of it like this, it saves them time from receiving mailed in packages, to being assigned to an officer, reviewing, entering your info/form in the system, scanning documents, waiting on the cheque to clear, filing it in a cabinet, printing a copy to send to a service center...etc...I am just guessing what goes on in the background. I'll assume again that when it's filed online, all of that is already done and should only take a few days to verify the authenticity of relevant documents before it's electronically tagged, approved/denied and forwarded to another location. I don't think I should have to wait in long queue if I'm assisting you digitally in clearing the backlog. Moreover, of course most attorneys wont encourage online filing for whatever reason/s.