Archive · 15 Aug 2026
US to Change Key Immigration Forms from September 15, 2026
The United States uses forms to decide who can stay in the country longer and who can work there.
Two of these important forms are changing starting on September 15, 2026.
One form, called I-539, is for people already in the US who want to stay longer or switch to another visitor status.
The other form, called I-765, is for people who want a work permit called an Employment Authorization Document.
Starting September 15, the US will only accept the new versions of these forms.
If people use the old versions after that date, their applications will be rejected.
People are also told not to send the new forms before September 15.
Using the wrong form can cause applications to be rejected or denied.
If an application is denied, the government will not give back the filing fee.
USCIS will introduce new editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 carrying an edition date of September 15, 2026, with no grace period for older versions.
Form I-539 allows certain nonimmigrants already in the US to extend their stay or change to another eligible temporary status.
Form I-765 is used by eligible foreign nationals to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which grants employment authorization in the US.
The old August 28, 2024 edition of Form I-539 and August 21, 2025 edition of Form I-765 will only be accepted if postmarked or electronically submitted before September 15, 2026.
USCIS warns that filing on the wrong form can result in rejection or denial, and filing fees will not be refunded for denied cases.
- Who
- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and foreign nationals in the US, including Indian nationals, students, and exchange visitors
- What
- New editions of Form I-539 (extension or change of status) and Form I-765 (employment authorization) will be introduced with no grace period for earlier versions
- When
- From September 15, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To align the forms with a final rule establishing fixed periods of admission and procedures for extensions of stay for certain nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign information media
- Agency
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Forms affected
- Form I-539 and Form I-765
- New edition date
- September 15, 2026
- Old Form I-539 edition
- August 28, 2024 (accepted only before September 15, 2026)
- Old Form I-765 edition
- August 21, 2025 (accepted only before September 15, 2026)
- Grace period
- None for older editions
- Purpose of change
- Align forms with final rule on fixed periods of admission and extension procedures
- Warning
- Wrong form filing can cause rejection or denial; fees not refunded