USCIS Can Reject Old I-539 & I-765 Forms From September 15
USCIS will reject older editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 from September 15, 2026. Applicants must use the updated forms to avoid rejection.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will reject older versions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 starting September 15, 2026. Applicants will have to use the updated editions of the forms, with the agency stating that there will be no grace period for older versions.
New Forms Become Mandatory From September 15
USCIS will accept only the September 15, 2026 edition of Form I-539 and Form I-765 from the effective date. Applications submitted using earlier editions could be rejected rather than processed.
Form I-539 is commonly used by eligible nonimmigrants seeking to extend or change their stay in the United States, while Form I-765 is used to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The change makes checking the correct form edition an important part of meeting USCIS filing requirements.
Who Could Be Affected?
The updated forms are particularly relevant to people navigating temporary immigration categories, including certain H-1B and F-1-related applications. Individuals monitoring their H1B visa status, as well as students dealing with employment authorization and F1 visa processing time, should ensure they are using the correct edition when filing.
For international applicants, including those reviewing America visa requirements for Indian citizens, using an outdated form could result in a rejection and require the application to be filed again with the correct version.
No Grace Period for Old Editions
USCIS has indicated that there will be no transition period after September 15. This means applicants should not assume that an older edition will be accepted if it is submitted shortly after the deadline.
The change does not itself alter eligibility for US permanent residency or other immigration benefits. However, a rejected filing can create additional delays for applicants whose immigration or employment authorization depends on timely processing.
Applicants should therefore verify the form edition and other USCIS filing requirements before submitting Form I-539 or Form I-765, particularly when an application is tied to an expiring status or employment authorization.
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