US Immigration Authority To Reject Old Forms from September 15
· news
US Immigration Authority: Revised Forms Will Be Rejected from September 15
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant change to its immigration forms policy, effective from September 15, 2026. As of this date, the agency will reject any applications submitted using old editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765, mandating the use of revised forms with an edition date of 09/15/26.
This development is part of a broader pattern of regulatory adjustments by USCIS in recent years. The current shift stems from the Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media final rule, published earlier this year. This ruling aims to streamline the process for certain non-immigrant visa holders, including students and exchange visitors.
The revised forms are designed to align with these new regulations, ensuring that USCIS can effectively implement them. However, the abrupt transition has raised concerns among affected parties, who worry about being left scrambling to adapt to the new requirements. Form I-539, used by H-1B visa holders and others for immigration status changes, is particularly impacted by this change. Any applications submitted with the old edition (08/28/24) will be rejected outright from September 15.
Similarly, Form I-765, used for work authorization, faces a similar fate. The USCIS has made it clear that there will be no grace period for transitioning to the new forms, leaving applicants with little wiggle room. For individuals relying on these visas for employment or education purposes, the sudden change could lead to confusion and potential delays in their applications.
The timing of the change is particularly concerning, as announced just a few months before it takes effect, the September 15 deadline gives applicants a very short window to adjust their plans accordingly. While some may argue that this allows for a smoother transition, others will view it as an added layer of complexity and uncertainty.
The USCIS’s decision highlights the need for more effective communication with stakeholders about regulatory changes. Clear guidelines and sufficient notice periods are essential for ensuring a seamless adaptation process, particularly in cases where individuals have built their lives around these visa programs. As the date approaches, several questions remain unanswered: Will USCIS provide additional resources or support to help applicants navigate this transition? How will the agency handle potential backlogs or delays resulting from the sudden change?
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the true impact of this shift on the lives of those affected. The stakes are high, and USCIS must prioritize clarity, communication, and support to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.
Reader Views
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The USCIS is taking a drastic step by rejecting old forms from September 15, but it's unclear whether they've prepared applicants for the fallout. The agency needs to provide clearer guidance on how to handle applications that are already in progress when the change takes effect, rather than leaving petitioners scrambling to resubmit with revised paperwork. A more transparent transition would have alleviated some of the uncertainty surrounding this policy shift, which is bound to impact not just individual applicants but also businesses and educational institutions reliant on these visa programs.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The USCIS is pushing forward with yet another overhaul of its immigration forms policy. While the revised forms are designed to streamline processes for non-immigrant visa holders, the sudden rejection of old forms from September 15 will undoubtedly cause headaches for those affected. One critical aspect not fully addressed in this article is the burden on community organizations and non-profits that often assist applicants with these forms. Their expertise and resources may be overwhelmed by the influx of queries from confused individuals scrambling to adapt to the new requirements, potentially exacerbating existing backlogs and delays.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The USCIS is imposing a strict deadline for using revised immigration forms, but what about those who don't have access to updated technology? Many non-profit organizations and community groups rely on volunteers or interns with limited technical expertise, making it challenging to keep up with form revisions. As a result, individuals seeking to adjust their status or apply for work authorization may face additional barriers due to outdated software or inadequate training, further exacerbating the complexity of the process.