Starting from September 15, 2026, significant changes will be implemented to two frequently used US immigration forms, and USCIS has made it abundantly clear that no grace period will be allowed. Submitting the outdated version on or after this date will result in an outright rejection of your application.
Applicants are encouraged to take this opportunity to examine the new forms and familiarize themselves with the changes. Any submissions made on or after that date must exclusively use the new versions. USCIS has made available preview versions of the new forms along with their instructions in advance of the September 15 deadline; however, these forms cannot be submitted yet. Those who have pending applications that must be submitted before the deadline should utilize the current versions and ensure their submission prior to September 15.
The forms under discussion are Form I-539, which is used for extending or altering nonimmigrant status, and Form I-765, the application for employment authorization. New versions of both forms, dated 09/15/26, will become effective on that date, superseding the existing 08/28/24 edition of I-539 and the 08/21/25 edition of I-765. Modifications have been implemented to comply with a recently finalized USCIS regulation that sets defined admission periods and introduces a new extension-of-stay process tailored for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media.
