The United States is changing the versions of two important immigration forms from September 15, 2026. The update affects several categories of people living in the US temporarily, including H-1B workers, international students, exchange visitors and eligible family members. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that applicants must use the newly issued versions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 from September 15. Filing an outdated form could lead to the application being rejected, making it important for applicants to check the form edition before submitting their paperwork.
What Is Changing From September 15?
USCIS is introducing updated versions of Form I-539 and Form I-765. These forms are widely used by non-immigrants for maintaining or changing their status and, in certain cases, obtaining employment authorization. The key change is the form edition date. USCIS has specifically warned applicants to make sure they are using the correct version when filing. From September 15, 2026, the newly issued forms will become the required versions for applicable filings. This means that applicants should refrain from using previously downloaded or saved forms when drafting immigration documents in the upcoming weeks.
New Form I-765 Will Be Required
Form I-765 is the Application for Employment Authorization. Eligible foreign nationals frequently utilize it to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD, which is commonly referred to as a work permit. Form I-765 will be updated with a date of September 15, 2026. It will take the place of the August 21, 2025, edition. Regarding the transition, USCIS has made a crucial point: there will be no grace period for the older I-765 edition. Applicants who submit the old version on or after September 15 could have their filing rejected. Therefore, anyone planning to apply for or renew employment authorization should verify the edition date immediately before filing.
What About Form I-539?
Some nonimmigrants utilize Form I-539 to request a change in nonimmigrant status or an extension of stay in the United States. The revised Form I-539 will also carry a September 15, 2026 edition date. Applicants filing from that date onward should use the updated version rather than an earlier edition. Verifying the correct form before submitting an application is a crucial step in the process because the change may be especially pertinent to those whose immigration status depends on prompt filing.
H-1B Holders and Their Families Should Pay Attention
H-1B workers are among the groups that may encounter these forms during their time in the United States. Their family members may also have immigration-related filings that require updated documentation. However, the form changes are not limited to H-1B households. Different categories of nonimmigrants may use Form I-539 or Form I-765 depending on their circumstances and eligibility. Applicants should therefore determine which form applies to their individual immigration situation instead of assuming that the same requirements apply to everyone.
International Students Could Also Be Affected
International students and other temporary visitors should also be aware of the September 15 deadline. Depending on their immigration category and circumstances, students may need employment authorization or may have other immigration filings connected with their status. Using an outdated USCIS form can create an avoidable problem even when the applicant otherwise meets the eligibility requirements. Students preparing applications should check the latest USCIS instructions and form edition before submitting their paperwork.
No Grace Period for the Old I-765
One of the most important details in the announcement is the absence of a transition period for Form I-765. The existing version can be used when it is properly submitted or postmarked before September 15, 2026. Once September 15 arrives, applicants must switch to the new edition. This makes the filing date particularly important for anyone already preparing an I-765 application.
USCIS Has Released Preview Copies
USCIS has provided preview versions of the updated forms before the official effective date. This gives applicants, attorneys and immigration professionals an opportunity to review the changes and prepare their paperwork. Applicants should not simply reuse an older form because the information appears similar. The edition date should always be checked against the version currently accepted by USCIS.
What Applicants Should Do Now
People planning to file Form I-539 or Form I-765 around the September 15 transition should review their documents carefully. If an application is ready to be filed before September 15, applicants should ensure it meets all applicable filing requirements. Those filing on or after September 15 should obtain the updated form and complete that version. It is also advisable to check USCIS's official website for the latest form instructions, filing fees and eligibility requirements because immigration procedures can change independently of the form edition.
