The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce revised editions of two major immigration forms on September 15, 2026. Applicants using outdated versions after that date risk having their applications rejected.
The change affects Form I-539 and Form I-765. Both revised forms will carry the edition date 09/15/26.
Applicants preparing immigration filings should therefore check their forms carefully before submitting them. Using the correct edition will become particularly important around the September 15 deadline.
Which Immigration Forms Are Changing?
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, is used by eligible nonimmigrants. Applicants can use it to request an extension or change of status in the United States.
The form also applies to certain H-4 spouses and children of H-1B workers. However, H-1B employees generally do not use Form I-539 to extend their H-1B status.
Instead, employers typically submit Form I-129 on behalf of H-1B workers.
Meanwhile, Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is used by eligible applicants seeking an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The form is particularly relevant to F-1 international students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT. Certain H-4 spouses and other eligible applicants also use Form I-765.
Old Forms Allowed Before September 15
The revised Form I-539 will replace the 08/28/24 edition. Similarly, the new Form I-765 will replace the 08/21/25 edition.
Applicants can continue using the existing editions if they submit them before September 15. This applies to forms that are postmarked or electronically submitted before the effective date.
However, USCIS will accept only the new 09/15/26 editions from September 15 onward. The agency will not provide a grace period for applications using older versions.
USCIS has already published preview copies of the revised forms and instructions. These materials allow applicants to review the changes and prepare their filings.
However, applicants should not submit the new editions before September 15. USCIS has stated that the revised versions will not be accepted before their effective date.
Changes Linked to New Immigration Rules
The form revisions follow new US immigration rules concerning admission periods and extension procedures. These changes affect F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and I-category foreign media representatives.
Under the new framework, F, J and I nonimmigrants will generally move away from the longstanding duration-of-status system. Instead, they will receive fixed periods of admission.
Some applicants may therefore need to request an extension if they want to remain in the United States beyond their authorized period.
Applicants Should Check Form Edition Dates
People planning to submit Form I-539 or Form I-765 around the September 15 cutoff should review their forms carefully.
Applicants should confirm that their form carries the correct edition date before filing. Submitting an outdated version after the deadline could result in rejection.
Therefore, applicants should prepare their documents in advance and follow the latest USCIS filing instructions. Checking the edition date can help avoid unnecessary delays or the need to submit a new application.
