New USCIS Formats: What to Do to Avoid Rejection?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically invalidate immigration applications that do not use the updated formats. Starting September 15, 2026, the federal agency will only accept new versions of the I-539 and I-765 forms.

The regulation eliminates the usual grace period and requires applicants to verify the edition date of their documents before submitting them. Understanding these administrative modifications is crucial to prevent loss of legal status and interruption of current work permits.

Which forms have been modified and what procedures are affected?

The update focuses on two of the most frequently requested procedures by foreign nationals with temporary stay and work permits in the country. The Form I-539 allows applicants to request an extension or change of nonimmigrant status with the immigration authorities. Meanwhile, the Form I-765 corresponds to the Application for Employment Authorization (EAD) required to work legally.

According to an official USCIS alert, both forms will carry the mandatory edition date of September 15, 2026 (09/15/26). The August 28, 2024 editions for the I-539 and the August 21, 2025 edition for the I-765 will be completely invalidated. This reform particularly impacts students with F visas, exchange visitors under J visas, and foreign media correspondents with I visas.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) eliminated the duration of status provision to establish fixed periods of stay with mandatory periodic reviews. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the initiative, noting that it modernizes federal oversight and combats irregularities in academic visas.

Why will there be no grace period and what risks does it entail?

Traditionally, authorities granted a margin of several weeks to accept both old and new formats at postal offices. However, for this update USCIS confirmed zero tolerance: any application postmarked on September 15 or later with older forms will be rejected.

Similarly, submitting the September 15 version before that exact date will cause the mail package to be immediately returned. Rejection creates serious risks of unauthorized presence if current legal status expires while preparing a new document package.

What steps should applicants follow to avoid rejection?

To prevent costly returns, applicants must download documents directly from the official portal of the government immigration agency. It is recommended to carefully verify the footer of each page, where the form’s corresponding edition date is printed.

Likewise, those who submit applications printed by postal mail should request proof with visible postmark at the post office. Immigration specialists advise declaring all required personal identifiers and social networks, avoiding deleting digital accounts before processing.

Why does document accuracy protect Hispanic families?

For the Hispanic community, maintaining a valid work permit represents daily sustenance, access to driver’s licenses and medical care. A simple oversight in a form’s edition date can delay employment authorization for months and cause employer labor suspensions.

Avoiding unauthorized intermediaries and relying on licensed attorneys ensures that each file complies with current federal regulations. Advance planning allows for gathering necessary documentary evidence and sending packages within the dates authorized by law.

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