USCIS to Publish New Form I-539 & I-765 Editions; Older Versions Rejected from Sept. 15, 2026
Summary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce updated editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 on September 15, 2026. After this date, only the new editions will be accepted, marking a crucial change for many nonimmigrants seeking to extend or change their status or apply for employment authorization. This update is designed to align with a recent final rule concerning fixed admission periods and extension procedures for academic students, exchange visitors, and media representatives, underscoring the need for applicants to stay informed and use the correct forms.
On September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement significant changes to two widely used immigration forms: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Both forms will be updated with new edition dates of 09/15/26, and crucially, USCIS will reject any submissions using older editions of these forms received on or after this date. This policy adjustment is a direct consequence of the recently published "Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media" final rule, aiming to streamline and standardize procedures related to these specific nonimmigrant categories.
The practical impact for applicants is substantial. Individuals seeking to extend or change their nonimmigrant status, or apply for employment authorization, must ensure they are using the latest version of Form I-539 or Form I-765, respectively, well in advance of the September 15, 2026 deadline. Failure to use the correct edition will result in the application's rejection, causing delays, potential loss of status, and additional administrative burdens. It emphasizes the critical importance of checking the USCIS website for the most current forms and instructions before submitting any application, particularly for academic students, exchange visitors, and media representatives directly impacted by the new underlying rule.
Background
This change directly results from USCIS's "Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media" final rule, which redefined admission and extension protocols for these groups.
Who This Affects
- Nonimmigrant academic students will be affected as the new forms align with updated procedures for their fixed admission periods and extensions of stay.
- Exchange visitors will need to use the revised forms for any status changes or extensions, as their procedures are also being standardized under the new rule.
- Any nonimmigrant applicant filing Form I-539 to extend or change status or Form I-765 for employment authorization must use the new editions to avoid rejection.
What You Should Do Now
- Mark your calendar: Be aware that only new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 will be accepted starting September 15, 2026.
- Check the USCIS website: Always download the latest version of forms directly from uscis.gov shortly before filing to ensure you have the correct edition.
- Plan ahead: If you anticipate needing to file Form I-539 or I-765 around or after the deadline, prepare your application using the new forms once they become available.
Key Takeaway
Starting September 15, 2026, all applicants must use the new editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; older versions will be rejected, making correct form usage critical for successful applications.
Source: Read official article on USCIS (Official)
Publisher note — NaviBound summarizes cited third-party sources for convenience only. Confirm all requirements with the linked official announcement and qualified professionals. Not legal advice. Display date: Aug 14, 2026. Editorial policy