USCIS Sets Sept. 15 Deadline for New I-539 and I-765 Form Editions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will introduce revised editions of two widely used immigration forms on Sept. 15, 2026, with no grace period for applicants using the older versions.

The change affects:

• Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Both revised forms will carry an edition date of 09/15/26. USCIS will reject older editions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 15.

Which Editions Will Be Replaced?

For Form I-539, the new 09/15/26 edition will replace the 08/28/24 edition.

For Form I-765, the new edition will replace the 08/21/25 edition.

USCIS will continue accepting the currently valid editions only when they are postmarked or electronically submitted before Sept. 15, 2026.

Beginning Sept. 15: The 08/28/24 edition of Form I-539 will be rejected. The 08/21/25 edition of Form I-765 will be rejected. Only the 09/15/26 editions will be accepted. Applicants must not submit the new editions before Sept. 15.

No Grace Period

USCIS said it will not provide the transition period that sometimes accompanies revised immigration forms.

The agency explained that the revisions are necessary to implement a recently published final rule establishing fixed periods of admission and extension procedures for certain international students, exchange visitors and foreign information media representatives.

USCIS has made preview copies of the revised forms and instructions available so applicants and representatives can prepare for the change. The preview editions, however, cannot be filed before Sept. 15.

Why the Edition Date Matters

Using an outdated form can result in rejection, potentially delaying an application to extend or change immigration status or obtain employment authorization.

Applicants should check the edition date printed at the bottom of every page and ensure that all pages come from the same edition. They should also verify current filing fees, instructions and mailing addresses immediately before submitting an application. The determining date is the postmark for paper filings or the submission date for electronic filings—not the date an applicant begins preparing the form.

Applicants can review the revised forms and official instructions on the USCIS webpages for Form I-539 and Form I-765.

Suggested tags: USCIS, Form I-539, Form I-765, Employment Authorization, Immigration Forms, Nonimmigrant Status, EAD

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announcement

Editorial note: Arizona Asians independently prepared this article using official USCIS information. Immigration forms, fees and filing procedures can change. Readers should verify current requirements with USCIS or consult a qualified immigration attorney. This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.